Let’s get to know the people behind FutureScapes better. This time, five questions are answered by Evelyn Uuemaa, the Principal Investigator of FutureScapes and team lead for our Landscape Geoinformatics Lab.
Evelyn Uuemaa, the Principal Investigator of FutureScapes
1. Describe in one sentence what your working group works on at FutureScapes.
We bring together data from all research groups into a single system and use it to develop models that help assess carbon cycling and biodiversity across Estonia.
2. What do you think is currently the biggest challenge in land use in Estonia?
Although Estonia may seem to have plenty of land, there is actually surprisingly little land without restrictions. As a result, it is difficult to find suitable locations for new developments that balance the needs of nature, people, and the economy.
3. Why is Estonia a good place to live?
Estonia is a safe country with a pleasantly relaxed pace of life, and beautiful natural areas are never far away, even from the cities. We also have very little bureaucracy, and digital services make everyday life remarkably easy.
4. Which book would you definitely recommend?
“Factfulness” by Hans Rosling. It helps explain why the world is often a much better place than the headlines lead us to believe.
5. Which place in Estonia would you definitely recommend visiting, and why?
Ida-Viru County. It offers an incredible combination of industrial heritage, limestone cliffs, forests, and sandy beaches, making it one of Estonia’s most fascinating and diverse regions.