Estonia - Contribution to the mid-term review of the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 based on the 5th national report to CBD

To report on progress to the EU 2020 biodiversity strategy, the European Commission extracted relevant information from the EU Member States’ 5th national reports to the CBD. Of the 5 countries which had not finalized their national reports at the time of the synthesis (26th of August 2015), Greece, Malta, Portugal and Lithuania provided information to be included in the synthesis.

The 5th national reports were examined, and relevant information on selected actions under Targets 1-6 of the EU biodiversity strategy was directly copied. Thus, the information presented here is in the original language and wording of the 5th national reports.

The focus was on information that is particular to the respective Member State rather than referencing EU wide information. In addition, only information that is not directly reported to the European Commission by Member States was retrieved from the reports. Each Member State had the opportunity to review the synthesis of its report and to provide additional input. For more information, please view here. The 5th national report for Estonia can be downloaded here.

In addition to the country synthesis which is shown below, Estonia provided information on the cross-linkages between their national strategy and the European and global biodiversity targets.

EU target 1

Fully implement the Birds and Habitats Directives

(Please note that information from Member States in relation to Action 1a is supplied to the European Commission via other reports. To avoid duplication of reporting, information relating to Action 1a has not been included in this report)

Action 1b: Natura 2000 (and other protected areas)

In 2012, NCDP was completed, which includes the Global Biodiversity Strategy objectives and objectives of EU biodiversity strategy that were prepared accordingly.

Several horizontal strategies and development plans relating to the objectives of the biodiversity strategy were renewed or being renewed, including the most important: RDP, Fisheries Strategy, recreational fisheries development plan, forestry development plan, the Estonian Research and Development and Innovation Strategy and the accompanying Estonian Environmental Protection and Technology Program, National Tourism Development Plan,  National Waste Management Plan, Oil Shale Development Plan, Transport Development Plan.

Action 1c: Natura 2000 (and other protected areas

46.5% of Natura SCIs are covered with management plans that make 16.6% of the country’s territory. (01 January 2014)

58 species action plans, 2 protection and management plans and 1 management plan of alien species (01 January 2014) has been drawn up.

Action 2: Adequate financing of Natura 2000

Various environmental subsidies are paid in the framework of RDP, some of which are designed to directly support biodiversity (Natura payments for private forestland, Natura payments for agricultural land, subsidies for the management of semi-natural habitats, subsidies for endangered breeds of livestock, subsidies for growing plants of local varieties).

For the funding of the preservation of biodiversity see chapter 2.3.4.

Since 2008 Natura payments have increased 6.7 times (payments for private forest land were added)

Payments for semi-natural habitats management have increased 1.6 times since 2008 due to the increase of the managed area.

Natura 2000 subsidy for private forestland is paid to compensate for nature conservation restrictions of forest management for lost revenue. Subsidy rate is 110 EUR/ha per year, or 60 EUR/ha per year, depending on the extent of the restrictions. In 2012, subsidies were paid for 55,000 ha in total of 3.7 million euros. The total budget for 2007–2013 is 25.5 million euros.

Action 3: Stakeholder awareness and enforcement

Activities, which may result in a negative impact on the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 network or integrity of the site, Natura 2000 impact assessment (EIA / SEA) in accordance with the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC Article 6, paragraph 3. Analyses and guidelines for the assessment and improvement of the practice of assessment have been prepared.

Latest EIA, SEA and Natura assessment analyses based on the estimates of parties were completed in 2010 (SEIT). The conclusion of the assessment analysis is that the main problems have remained the same compared to five years earlier analysis. Different parties consider the initiation of the EIA/SEA through the discretion decision and its motivation.

In analysing Natura assessments, it was concluded that the assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive has also improved: the quality of impact assessments has improved since 2007 mainly regarding the Natura assessment. Driven by the guide for assessing Natura impacts was amended in 2013 and this is expected to improve the quality of assessment even more.

Ministry of Environment as the EIA/ SEA supervisor estimates that the quality of the impact assessment has improved compared to 2007.

Action 4a: Monitoring and reporting

State-regulated monitoring of species and their habitats is being carried out.

All of the species of the protected category I and their habitats are monitored. Most species under category II ja III are monitored. 70% of the 215 regularly breeding birds are being monitored.

EU target 2

Maintain and restore ecosystems and their services

About 3000 ha of semi-natural communities are being restored, about 25,000 ha are managed. - More than 1600 ha of natural hydrological regime of marshes and about 200 ha of cut-over peat land have been restored or being restored.

The ecological status of most of the small lakes is good. During the period of 2008–2013 sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions decreased by 41%, the amount of volatile organic compounds decreased by 8%. - Groundwater status is mainly good. The content of nitrogen in Central Estonian intensive agricultural areas in nitrate vulnerable zones exceeds the limits in some places. Trend is variable and depends primarily on the weather - In 2012, 99.6% of the wastewater that needed purification was purified.

Action 5: Knowledge of ecosystems and their services

The principle of the ecosystem approach has been introduced to all major national programs, strategies and development plans, but there is no methodology how it should work in practice. The planning is based directly on the law, or indirectly on the restrictions set for the nature protection. At the same time several system service evaluation and determination projects have been prepared or under preparation.

EU target 3

Increase the contribution of agriculture and forestry to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity

Target 3b: Forestry

About 9% of forests are under strict protection, 25.4% on protected areas.

About 5% of woodland key habitats situated on private lands are protected with relevant agreements. Woodland key habitats on the state land are protected by the order of the Minister of the Environment.

Action 9a: Rural development and biodiversity

Share of organic farming is steadily rising. As of 01 January 2014, 12.5% of arable land was organic. 43% of agricultural land was covered with the environmentally friendly production support.

Biodiversity targets are integrated part of new Rural area RDP.

Action 10: Agricultural genetic diversity

Development plan "Collection and preservation of Plant Genetic Resource 2007–2013. Development plan for the period 2014–2020 has been drawn up.

Despite the subsidies paid in the framework of the RDP, the indigenous varieties and breeds are still in danger, but the target isbeing achieved.

The transition to the use of Internet-based databases. As of July 1, 2013 the data management system SESTO has stored information about 2,960 specimens.

Action 11a: Forest holders and biodiversity

As of 01 January 2014, 75% of forests are managed forests.

9% of the forests are strictly protected; approximately 25.4% of forest is protected.

Development plans and their strategies. RDP 2014–2020, Nature Conservation Development Plan, Forestry Development Plan 2010–2020.

Woodland key habitats on private land are also funded from the state budget. A landowner can enter into a 20-year notarial agreement, under which the compensation is paid to the landowner for loss of earnings. As of 01.01.2014, the area of woodland key habitats on commercial forest area was 8,900 ha, about 5% of key habitats on private land were covered with key habitat protection agreements and payments were made for 148,000 euros (in 2007: 54,000 euros).

Natura 2000 subsidy for private forestland is paid to compensate for nature conservation restrictions of forest management for lost revenue. Subsidy rate is 110 EUR/ha per year, or 60 EUR/ha per year, depending on the extent of the restrictions. In 2012, subsidies were paid for 55,000 ha in total of 3.7 million euros. The total budget for 2007–2013 is 25.5 million euros.

Action 12: Biodiversity in forest management plans

State forests are managed by RMK that has FSC and PEFC certificates.

95% of state forests and 74% of private forests have been covered with timely inventory data.

Subsidies to Natura 2000 private forestlands are paid in the framework of NDP.

EU target 4

Ensure the sustainable use of fisheries resources and ensuring good environmental status of the marine environment

13a: Fish stock management

Overview of internationally regulated fish stocks in the Baltic Sea on the basis of the recommendations of ICES (2012) has been drawn up. As of the year 2012, 43% of fish stocks are in good condition. Improvement in comparison with 2006 is 5%.

Data link:

http://www.envir.ee/orb.aw/class=file/action=preview/id=1191961/I+vahearuanne+2012_Viimane_1.pdf [to be updated by the Member State]

The European Fisheries Fund Implementation plan for Estonia 2007–2013 has been drawn up, to organize the sustainable management of the most important fish stocks.

Data link:

http://www.agri.ee/public/juurkataloog/KALAMAJANDUS/EKF/EKF_rakenduskava_261107.pdf [to be updated by the Member State]

13b: Fish stock management

Estonian Fisheries Strategy 2007–2013, the Estonian Fisheries Strategy 2014– 2020 and its Implementation plan has been drawn up.

Recreational Fishing Development Plan for 2010–2013 has been drawn up.

For every year, a plan for regulating fishing is prepared.

Action Plan for crayfish for 2002–2010 and Eel Management Plan has been drawn up.

National Eel Restoration Plan has been approved. 50-80% of the total catch of eel (CITES species) is based on introduction.

Data link:

http://www.envir.ee/orb.aw/class=file/action=preview/id=1110096/ANGERJA+TAASTAMISKAVA+L%DCHIKOKKUV%D5TE.pdf [to be updated by the Member State]

Estonia's Development Strategy for Aquaculture sector 2014–2020 has been drawn up.

Data link:

http://www.agri.ee/public/vesiviljelus_2020.pdf [to be updated by the Member State]

14a: Adverse impacts on fish stocks, species, habitats and ecosystems

Programme “Protection of fish species needing state protection and endangered species and restocking of fish resources 2002–2010 (2006)”. In 2014 a new program with the perspective for eight years will be drawn up.

Data link:

http://www.envir.ee/orb.aw/class=file/action=preview/id=402882/taastootmiseprogramm+2006+uuendus.pdf [to be updated by the Member State]

Atlantic sturgeon reproduction was started in 2013.

In 2012 a regulation “Temporary restrictions on fishing, recreational fishing charge, the maximum number of recreational fishing gear in 2012” was adopted.

Data link:

https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/106032012007

Fishing Act amendments that control illegal fishing

With the drawing up of Põlula Fish Farming Centre Development Plan for 2008–2011 the foundation for the systematic reproduction of fish resources was laid. Estonian rivers are populated every year with salmon and sea trout fish juveniles, inland bodies of water with eel, carp and crayfish juveniles.

Salmon introductions has been successful. Introduced salmons have returned to Selja, Pirita, Purtse and Valgejõgi and spawned there, which shows that it is possible to restore the salmons there. Catch of introduced salmon at coastal fishing at the Gulf of Finland has been in some areas more than 70% of the total catch.

Data link:

Kalakasvatuse veesaaste arvutusmetoodika välja arvutamine (2012)

EU target 5

Combat Invasive Alien Species

The list of alien species contains 953 species, 63 of them are invasive and 73 potentially invasive species 73. - In 2013, 1,976 ha of hogweed colonies were being controlled. Despite this their coverage increases (control in 2007 was 1,169 ha).

EU target 6

Help avert global biodiversity loss

  • In 2012, NCDP was completed, which includes the Global Biodiversity Strategy objectives and objectives of EU biodiversity strategy that were prepared accordingly.
  • Several horizontal strategies and development plans relating to the objectives of the biodiversity strategy were renewed or being renewed, including the most important: RDP, Fisheries Strategy, recreational fisheries development plan, forestry development plan, the Estonian Research and Development and Innovation Strategy and the accompanying Estonian Environmental Protection and Technology Program, National Tourism Development Plan,  National Waste Management Plan, Oil Shale Development Plan, Transport Development Plan (for additional information see 2.4.4.)

Action 17a, 17b & 17c: Drivers of biodiversity loss

  • The most important benefits of biodiversity (natural resources) are gathered in national registries and databases.
  • When preparing strategies, development plans and plannings (green network and valuable landscapes) biodiversity, and conservation requirements are taken into account.
  • Registers / databases (such as EELIS) have been developed and they are the the basis of paying different subsidies, planning activities and determining resource charges.
  • Regarding mapping and assessment of ecosystems see target 14, regarding resources to support biodiversity resources, see target 20, regarding genetic resources, see target 13.
  • National registries / databases have a very good level of information available about the biodiversity and natural resources, such as forests, fish, wild game, ground water, surface water, semi-natural communities, non-renewable natural resources, SCIs and SPAs, species of the Habitats Directive Annex II and the Bird Directive, habitats of the Habitats Directive Annex I and nationally protected species and natural objects.
  • Information in registers is the basis for paying the subsidies.

Action 17c: Drivers of biodiversity loss

  • Occurrence of subsidies harmful to biodiversity is analysed in SEA-s prepared for sectorial development plans and, if needed in EIA reports of planned activities.
  • Environmental charges and the environmental subsidies that are directed back to protect the biodiversity are expected to increase significantly from 2016.
  • During the period of 2014–2020 the amount of support from the EU funds to support biodiversity conversation will increase.
  • Regarding nationally paid biodiversity subsidies, see target 20.

Action 18a: Resources for global biodiversity conservation

The implementation of NCDP measures presumes the increasing of resources directed for the conservation of biodiversity resources.

  •  Environmental Charges Act was adopted in 2006 (i.e. Environmental charges make 2.8 percent of GDP).
  •  Various environmental subsidies are paid in the framework of RDP, some of which are designed to directly support biodiversity (Natura payments for private forestland, Natura payments for agricultural land, subsidies for the management of semi-natural habitats, subsidies for endangered breeds of livestock, subsidies for growing plants of local varieties) i.e. Since 2008 Natura payments have increased 6.7 times (payments for private forest land were added).
  •  Money from the environmental is directed back into the environment through the EIC.
  •  The preservation of biodiversity is funded via different EU structural funds.
  •  The protection of woodland key habitats on private land is funded from the state budget. In 2013. The amount of payment per hectare increased by 21%.
  •  Preservation of biodiversity is also funded through other funds, such as LIFE, LIFE+, INTERREG, EMP etc.

Action 20: Access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits

The protocol is being ratified - there is a NCDP which includes the objectives of the Convention on Biodiversity and the goals of other conventions on biodiversity.

  •  For additional information see section 1.2.2; regarding agricultural crops and genetic resources of local breeds and regarding forestry crops seed orchards see section 1.3.2.

As of July 1, 2013 the data management system SESTO has stored info about 2960 specimen.