Whether it is natural or man-made, the landscape is constantly changing The natural landscape is formed by the influence of the four main closely related components – land, water, air mass, and wildlife (plants, animals, fungi) – while often including man-made components (utility poles, roads, buildings, fields). Human intervention is essential for the survival of semi-natural communities, as...

Most of the alien terrestrial species have been brought to Estonia on purpose Each species has its own potential entry routes, depending on the characteristics of the species and the habitat, but some modes of spreading are suitable for many species. Alien water species spread mainly in the ballast water tanks of various watercraft (ships) or on the outer surface of the hull. About 80% of the...

In Estonia, there are 100 species mentioned in the Habitats Directive and 219 hatching bird species listed in the Birds Directive Natura 2000 is a pan-European network of protected areas established by the European Union’s Birds Directive and Habitats Directive. While the Birds Directive aims to protect all species of birds living naturally in the European Union by creating bird areas, the...

Indigenous breeds and varieties are grown less due to lower productivity and they are at risk of extinction Indigenous breeds (i.e. native breeds) and indigenous varieties are animal breeds or plant varieties created as a result of various factors, like local conditions, climate, and human breeding work. They are also called aboriginal breeds and varieties. Because they are bred and adapted for...

A procurement is purchasing goods or services under the terms of an agreement A green public procurement, or GPP, means the procurement of products or services with a minimal environmental impact. The main objective of green procurements is to reduce the environmental impact of products and services that arises from their production, use, and disposal, i.e. throughout the life cycle of the product...

Green events are events with little or no environmental impact. A key component is reducing the natural resources used at the event, such as water, food, energy, and waste [1]. The inclusion of green thinking in the organisation of events began at the 1992 Rio de Janeiro conference, when it was noted that events also have negative effects. This, together with Agenda 21, provided the basis for...

The economic damage caused by alien species in the European Union is estimated at 12 billion euros a year An alien species is a species that humans have intentionally (for ornamental purposes, for fur) or accidentally (with the bilge water of ships) removed from its normal range. The species would not have reached the new range on its own (due to changes of the climate or by currents). While in...

Restrictions may seem incomprehensible and sometimes annoying, but they contribute to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity and, ultimately, to the improvement of the surrounding environment There is a long list of restrictions. In a very general sense, they can be divided into the following categories: restrictions on movement in protected areas and species protection sites...

Valuable landscapes were defined in Estonia in the early 2000s Valuable landscapes are areas with diverse land use and vegetation, which contain elements defining local identity as well as habitats for various species of animals and plants. The value of a landscape can be cultural-historical, recreational, aesthetic, identity-related, and natural. Cultural-historical value is attributed to the...

Urban nature There is a natural need for people to be in an environment surrounded by greenery and biodiversity – it lifts the mood and provides opportunities for movement; in addition, trees improve the air quality and stabilise the air temperature [1]. A city is a completely unique environment that offers different eco-niches compared to the rest of nature. In the city, we primarily see species...