Pellworm from a European perspective

...internationale Netzwerke sind wichtig für Pellworm

You sometimes have to take a look from a distance if you want to discover what is special about your native island.  Many young islanders have travelled far. When touring Australia, the United States and New Zealand they learned to see their island from a different angle. If you see what is familiar to you from a greater distance and from a different point of view your horizon may be broadened and your own problems and desires may appear in a new light.

Since it was founded in 1990 Ökologisch Wirtschaften” has made contact with many partners at home and abroad because they wanted to profit from their distant perspective. The exchange of experiences with those committed to a sound balance between economic development, protection of the environment and tourism has led to a great deal of stimulation and support. Vice versa we were able to give useful stimulus to them.

ECOISLANDS, called into life by Ökologisch Wirtschaften in 1994, managed to establish first links with the islands of Hiiumaa (Estonia), Alonysos (Greece), Elba (Italy) and La Palma (Canaries). A so-called Woll Connection project was established with Hiiumaa. Wool from Pellworm gained added value through the island partnership. A group of countrywomen in Hiiumaa transformed the wool into sweaters, balaclavas and socks.  They were then sent and sold through Pellworm marketing well before Estonia joint the EU.  It was mainly the friendly relationship between partners and the economic connection between the islands that became the key to new markets for both islands.
On Hiiumaa inoperative processing machines were reactivated and a new entrepreneurial spirit was aroused. The wool workshop and the Pellworm trawler which we called “PellOver”,later followed by wool felting, became part of the tourist programme and of the publicity actions of the local council at the big European fair Grüne Woche (Green Week) in Berlin.

In 1998 Ökologisch Wirtschaften became a member of the European network for experiences in sustainable development (ENENE). The network gathered success stories of a new rural development in all parts of Europe. The partner villages, regions and islands have since successfully achieved a balance between the modernization of rural economy and nature protection.
Pellworm was included in the touring exhibition that travelled right across Europe – from Estonia to Portugal in 1999. Many visitors who attended the exhibition and the panel discussions and workshops that were held at the same time were able to learn that even remote regions can be modernized without giving up their cultural autonomy and their characteristics. Pellworm contributed a symbolic open letter to the touring exhibition, which everybody could read it in Brussels during the debate on the reform of the European agriculture policy "Agenda 2000" and later at the World Exposition 2000 in Hannover.The letter was directed to the then commissioner for agriculture, Franz Fischler, and even today its message is surprisingly topical.

Forum Synergies, a European non-profit organization, emerged from this European network. Among other activities Forum Synergies supported closer contacts with the new member states of the EU (the PREPARE network), an exchange programme for young people and soft tourism (SHE). Isobel Holbourn from Foula and Jane Puckey from Papastour – two Scottish Shetland Isles – have repeatedly visited Pellworm , and in return they have welcomed guests in their homes. (www.forum-synergies.eu)

Our contacts with ISLENET, the international island network, played an important part in the development of the Pellworm energy concept. ISLENET informed about control technology and recommended a savings strategy. They now offer their members a broad spectrum of advice and services in the fields of renewable energies and protection of the environment.
Along with the pioneer islands for the most advanced environmental technology :
Gotland, Aero, Bornholm and many others Hiiumaa has now become a current member of ISLENET.

Islands are excellent pilot regions for the realization of integrated rural development concepts Long transport routes, distant markets and a strong dependence on climate conditions and public funding are an unfavourable starting position.
They are well advised to establish networks on a national and international basis that help them to improve their starting position to their advantage.
As before the EU will only promote the islands if improved living conditions can be expected. If they want promotion the islands must join together and find a common concept.

If Pellworm Island has had problems to move on in certain periods and be key pioneer in the fields of sustainable development, it was because the community council and Ökologisch Wirtschaften were not always in the same boat at the crucial moments.  The failure of isolated approaches to promotion, like the Call Center, might have been avoided if there had been an exchange of experiences about low-wage jobs with the other islands and communities. 
Withdrawal of some people into privacy that we notice sometimes is comprehensible in times in which we don’t know if our island is ready to meet future challenges.  But it is no help in our attempt to solve present problems.

The Green Island, peace and quietness, Pellworm’s self-advertisement, will not truly convince anyone as long as agriculture, nature protection, tourism and energy are not harmonized in a way which allows islanders and guests to find a sense of good life and livelihood.  Pellworm must find its own profile that sets them off against the mainland and other islands. Pellworm can only hold up its distinctive identity if it opens itself to change – in cooperation with other islands.

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