Programme of Environment
Mission of the Environmental Programme
The Viru Folk Environmental Programme is an essential and deeply rooted part of the festival, created with the mission of fostering environmental awareness, valuing cultural landscapes, and offering people a direct and meaningful connection with the surrounding nature. We believe that music and culture cannot exist separately from the natural world — they are the roots from which everything grows. For this reason, we have developed a diverse environmental programme that includes hikes, workshops, and nature‑focused activities, giving everyone the opportunity to experience and reflect on the importance of nature in their everyday lives.
The hikes lead participants to some of the most beautiful places in Virumaa — forests, bogs, the coastline, and historic cultural landscapes. These journeys are more than simple walks; they are knowledge‑rich explorations guided by local nature experts, helping participants better understand our ecosystems, the roles of plants and animals, and the impact of human activity on the environment.
The workshops offer hands‑on opportunities to learn environmentally friendly practices — from identifying plants to using natural materials in crafts or exploring sustainable ways of living. Nature‑focused activities, from recognising birdsong to attending nature film screenings, help create a deeper connection with the natural world and highlight why its protection matters.
We do this because nature needs our care. Our goal is to inspire every festival visitor so that environmental awareness becomes part of their everyday life long after the festival ends. The Viru Folk Environmental Programme is not only educational — it is an invitation to live in harmony with nature.