Meet Tiia Pedusaar, Sustainable Development Programme Senior Expert

I have always liked water because I am an islander. I was born and grew up on the island of Saaremaa in Western Estonia. Water was everywhere, so it was quite logical for me to study hydrobiology at university. At first, I concentrated only on the seas, then later also on freshwater.

Different water ecosystems inspire me. American anthropologist Loren Eiseley once said, “If there is magic on the planet, it is contained in water.” I have not stopped wondering about how gentle or resilient water ecosystems can be since.

I was aware of SEI Tallinn in Estonia and its general expertise areas. SEI Tallinn has been a visible organization dedicated to environmental issues in our country 30 years. My main motivation joining SEI Tallinn was the possibility to continue with my passion: water research topics. It is a great pleasure to work at SEI Tallinn.

There are two of the most important things I really enjoy about working at SEI Tallinn. These are the creative atmosphere and diversity. I think they are very big assets.

The multidisciplinary environment provides more opportunities to extend expertise and create connections with my own areas of expertise. The interesting discussions and different experiences are always very inspiring. Fieldwork and data analysis are still exciting because it is always possible to discover something new.

Water is the most essential natural resource. So far, water stress has not been a very serious problem in Northern and Central Europe, but it is expected to worsen. Southern Europe already faces severe water stress problems. Together with continuing urbanization, climate change is projected to cause challenges in water management in all European member states. Water use has increased in agriculture, electricity production, industry, mining, public water supply and tourism. I think there will be busy days ahead for water experts in Europe.

American singer Scott Krippayne’s song is the best tip for keeping a healthy work-life balance: “The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing!” I try to distinguish between working days and weekends, although  I often do not succeed because my work and hobbies overlap in part. I like all kinds of activities in or near the water.

I try to keep in mind what British businessman Patrick Gibson said: “The most important thing to learn is how to teach yourself. Everything else…is just detail.”