Everywhere in the Estonian state forest, a felling peace is in force from mid-April to mid-June Sustainable forest management means growing, using, managing, and protecting forests in such a way as to ensure biodiversity, forest productivity, regeneration and viability, and the possibility of diversified forest use that meets ecological, economic, social, and cultural needs. Biodiversity is one of...

The main framework document for Estonian hunting is the Hunting Act Hunting allows to regulate animal abundance, ensure species diversity, the viability of populations, and hunting productivity, and prevent extensive damage to forestry and other economic activities (e.g. agriculture). The main framework document for Estonian hunting is the Hunting Act, which provides for the creation and use of...

Fishing is an ancient practice: the diverse fish fauna of the world’s waters has been a valuable source of food for humans for thousands of years There are over 30,000 species of fish in the world. There are 91 fish species registered in Estonian waters, most of which are freshwater fish, semi-migratory fish (e.g. vimba, ide), or migratory fish (salmon, brown trout, eel). There are about 30...

Tourism has become an important industry in the last century Increased travelling and recreation have a significant impact on the natural environment. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019), the CO 2 footprint of tourism increased by 40% between 2009 and 2013. Tourism has been figuratively compared to a fire – if you can use it, it...

In semi-natural areas, extensive farming has shown a positive impact on biodiversity With almost 4,000 years of history, Estonian crop husbandry and agriculture is largely an expression of our traditional and environmentally friendly way of life. Centuries of management have shaped varied landscapes and left room for valuable habitats. As it is mostly a heritage-cultural landscape, we should...

Mushroom or berry picking trips with parents or grandparents are an integral part of many of our childhoods Foraging, i.e. collecting the gifts and consumables from nature without transforming it, was the main way of life for thousands of years, along with hunting. At the same time, the gifts of nature are not only berries, mushrooms, and nuts, but also medicinal and other edible plants. The...

Report an environmental breach or pollution to the state helpline at 1247 If you discover environmental pollution or a potential threat to the environment, assess the situation – can you eliminate it a manner that is safe for both yourself and the environment? For example, you can pick up an empty bottle or a discarded ice cream wrapping and take it to the nearest trash bin, but in case of more...

Nowadays, you can also get to know nature with the help of a smart device. With the help of smart applications and websites, nature lovers can supplement biodiversity databases Today, there are many Estonian-language nature-themed smart apps for both Android and iOS users. Some applications are helpful in identifying species, while others are tools for storing observations. Observation databases...

The aim of the fisheries agreements is cooperation on the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources and the fight against illegal fishing Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adopted in 1982, states have the right to control fishing in the waters adjacent to their coasts. Under the convention, countries are required to conclude reciprocal fisheries agreements...

The aim of the agreements is to regulate cooperation between countries on the sea, with the main emphasis of combating marine pollution There are many agreements for the protection of the seas in the world. Estonia has joined several of them [1]. The aim of the agreements is to regulate cooperation between countries on the sea, with the main emphasis of combating marine pollution. The most...