Rita Koppel's family moved to Osmussaar about twenty years ago. They have lived on the island year-round. Last November, there were four people living on the island, but in the eyes of the state, there was no permanent residence. Since the new year, Osmussaar is again a permanently inhabited island, as two people have moved in.
According to the law, a permanent residence exists on an island if five people live there. Four years ago, Osmussaar was removed from the list of permanently inhabited islands when Rita Koppel's parents passed away. Finding new residents is difficult because island life is not for everyone. Additionally, a new house cannot be built on Osmussaar because it is a protected landscape area.
Rita Koppel says that she did not want to take just any person to regain permanent residence. That is why it took several years. Some people have tried to live on the island in winter but quickly gave up. Last year, people who had previously visited as tourists moved to the island.
One of the new residents is diver Algis Sepp. He says that life beyond the sea is expensive. Work must be done on the mainland because it cannot be done on the island. When there is less work, one can be on the island.
Being removed from the list of permanently inhabited islands also meant the loss of state support. Rita Koppel is grateful to the Lääne-Nigula municipality, which has helped keep island life alive. She is still the island's guardian and maintains the harbor annually in cooperation with the municipality.
Rita Koppel says it would be fair if in the eyes of the state, an island had permanent residence even if there were only one resident. The requirement of five permanent residents is a legislative mistake. Permanent residence is very important for small islands because it provides support and opportunities for additional funding.
Now the people of Osmussaar must wait another 7 months to receive small island support. In summer, tourists provide work for the islanders. Additionally, Icelandic sheep and Scottish Highland cattle are raised. However, Rita Koppel cannot receive animal husbandry support because she cannot meet PRIA's requirements.
Rita Koppel says that life on Osmussaar is beautiful. Twenty years ago, she did not imagine that life on the island could be so interesting.