Mid-Norway holds important wetland and bird protection areas that hold Ramsar status. The municipalities of Hitra, Frøya, and Ørland have started a cooperation in order to explore posiibilities for “wise use” of these areas, for locals and visitors, for increasing the awareness of the importance of these areas, for education , attractions and as a source for rural business development. Center for Rural Research is hired to analyse the possibilities for a cooperation on a research and development project linked to this.