A landmark partnership to develop a climate-positive, renewable energy-powered island in the Baltic Sea generating verified carbon credits, water credits, and a world-class sustainability destination
ScandB Ltd. (“Viirelaid”), registration number 14376921, owns Viirelaid Island in the Baltic Sea. Global Safe Water Services MENA LLC, registration number 2009747, is the exclusive implementation partner of BigWater Inc. (“BIGW”), registration number 2180590.
The two companies announced the signing of a collaboration. This agreement connects Estonian ownership with a global water services partner.
They signed the long‑term Strategic Cooperation Agreement in Dubai, UAE. It marks a major step in the globalization of Viirelaid’s development.
Viirelaid and BigWater concluded the agreement. BigWater is a BVI-based water and environmental innovation company led by Dr Parag Agarwal.
He advances sustainable water and environmental solutions at scale as a recognized water‑sector entrepreneur. This partnership brings together island development and global expertise in sustainability.
Under this agreement, BIGW will act as developer and sustainability partner. Together, they will transform Viirelaid Island into one of Northern Europe’s most ambitious carbon‑negative, eco‑positive communities.
About Viirelaid Island
Viirelaid Island, historically known as Paternoster, is an 81‑hectare private island. It lies about four kilometres off the Estonian coast, between the mainland and Muhu Island in the Baltic Sea.
Rising only 4.5 metres above sea level, Viirelaid’s flat, pristine landscape stands out. Its strategic maritime location makes it an ideal setting for a pioneering sustainability project.
Estonia ranked #1 globally in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). This achievement highlights its leadership in national environmental health.
Viirelaid makes that ranking tangible as a privately owned island. It turns Estonia’s environmental reputation into a measurable, investable, and internationally visible asset.
The Collaboration
Under the agreement, Viirelaid designates about 90% of the island as a conservation area. BIGW will lead plantation and afforestation initiatives within this protected zone.
The agreement includes a structured international marketing programme. It raises the global profile of Viirelaid. It also positions Estonia as a destination for sustainable investment.
Targeted outreach to strategic partners in wellness, hospitality, and climate finance is already underway. The goal is to establish Viirelaid as a global reference point for nature‑based development.
The agreement encompasses a comprehensive sustainable framework that BIGW intends to implement on the island over the next few years; including:
- Wind-led hybrid renewable energy systems combining offshore and onshore wind and solar power
- Climate-positive forestry, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation programs covering 90% of the island
- Advanced water management practices including rainwater harvesting and recycling
- Sustainable cold-climate architecture for all structures on the island
- Fully electric mobility
- Circular waste management with a complete ban on single-use plastics
- Development of a natural drinking water brand using sustainable packaging
A Vision for a Sovereign AI Island
BIGW envisions Viirelaid as a “Sovereign AI Island.” It will be a digitally native, renewable energy‑powered community designed for the digital nomad lifestyle.
The project seeks to leverage Estonia’s position as a global digital leader. Estonia hosts the highest density of tech unicorns per capita in Europe.
It also runs an internationally recognised e‑Residency program. Together, these strengths aim to attract a globally mobile, sustainability‑conscious community of residents and guests.
Verified Carbon Credits and Water Credits
A central objective of the collaboration is to develop verified carbon credits and water credits. BIGW will align these with international climate standards, including the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
BIGW will deploy its proprietary BigWater Protocol, a blockchain‑based Proof‑of‑Impact system. This technology will track, verify, and monetise environmental outcomes from plantation and conservation activities on the island.
These credits will be listed on recognised registries. Corporate and institutional buyers will use them for ESG compliance and reporting.
Leadership Statements
“Viirelaid Island has always been a place of natural beauty and quiet significance. We are thrilled to partner with BIGW to realise its full potential as a beacon of sustainable living and innovation in the Baltic. This collaboration gives us the opportunity to
contribute meaningfully to global climate goals while building something truly extraordinary right here in Estonia.”
- Priit Villemson, Director, ScandB Ltd.
“We are proud to bring the BigWater Protocol and our two decades long expertise in environmental impact verification to Viirelaid. This island has the potential to become one of the world’s greatest model eco-communities, a living proof that sustainability, technology, and hospitality can coexist meaningfully. We are confident that our work in Viirelaid will inspire others to emulate this initiative in other parts of the world.
- Dr. Parag Agarwal, Founder, BigWater Inc.
The partnership is structured for the long term. Clear next steps include sustainable infrastructure, international marketing, high‑value nature tourism, and environmentally responsible development across the island..
This collaboration highlights how privately owned natural assets can be used to support broader climate and sustainability goals.
As demand grows for scalable and verifiable carbon‑negative models, Viirelaid Island is positioned to lead by example. It shows what’s possible when conservation, technology, and responsible stewardship come together in the real world.
Both parties are committed to creating lasting value. Their efforts extend beyond the island and its visitors to surrounding communities, ecosystems, and wider climate accountability initiatives.
About ScandB Ltd.
ScandB Ltd. (formerly Viirelaid Empire) is an Estonian legal entity with diversified business interests across Estonia, Spain, and Thailand.
It is the legal and beneficial owner of Viirelaid Island and is committed to the island’s responsible and sustainable development.
About BigWater Inc.
BigWater Inc. is registered in the British Virgin Islands. It is represented globally by Global Safe Water Services MENA LLC in the UAE as its exclusive implementation partner.
Its BigWater Protocol is a blockchain‑powered Proof‑of‑Impact system. It tracks, verifies, and incentivises real‑world environmental actions such as afforestation, clean water delivery, and carbon sequestration.
BigWater builds on the decade-long legacy of JanaJal, a technology-driven clean water company founded in 2013.
BigWater positions itself at the intersection of real‑world assets and cutting‑edge web3 technologies. It is expanding into a global platform for water and environmental innovation.
The company builds verified impact mechanisms and scalable sustainability infrastructure to drive measurable change.
Media Contact BigWater Inc.
Email: pmo@bigwater.io
Website: www.bigwater.io
