Environmental monitoring provides basic data for decisions concerning the environment and the society How are our eagles doing? Is the air in Tallinn more polluted today than ten years ago? How big are the fish stocks of Lake Peipsi? We get answers to these and many other environmental questions thanks to continuous environmental monitoring. Environmental monitoring means the planned and...

The main databases and distribution atlases on Estonian biodiversity of the last twenty years are available from the eElurikkus portal Species distribution atlases The species distribution atlas (formerly as a book, nowadays also online) reflects the distribution of species in Estonia over a period of time and has been compiled by species groups (for example, plants, mammals, birds). Published...

As at 31 December 2024, a total of 23,4% of Estonia’s area, including both land and waters, is under protection The area of protected areas in Estonia increased significantly in 2004, when the Natura 2000 network was established. As a result, the share of protected areas increased from 11% to 17% of land and then continued to increase gradually. The area of protected areas in the territorial sea...

When moving around in nature, treat the surroundings with respect, understand and value biodiversity The freedom to roam formulates the rights and responsibilities of people when moving in nature. In the Nordic countries, this freedom is based on historically established practices and is often not enshrined in legislation, but rather is based on respect and trust. In Estonia, the rights and...

The landscape created by mining may no longer be suitable for the species that previously existed there; however, it may be suitable for new species Mines are divided into open-cast mines, i.e. quarries, and underground mines. During mining, mineral resources are taken from the earth’s crust for the purpose of using them, and after the mining is completed, the area is rehabilitated [1]. Quarries...

What is renewable energy? By 2050, Europe should become a climate-neutral continent. In order to achieve that, the Member States of the European Union should also stop producing and consuming fossil fuels in the energy sector and invest more in renewable energy. Renewable energy is a resource (e.g. solar or wind, but also geothermal or wave energy) that is used continuously or that is recovered...

Spatial planning that supports biodiversity Ecosystems offer people a variety of services, such as food, clean air, water, and a pleasant and healthy environment. The extent of the provision of ecosystem services varies from place to place. Concentration areas, or so-called hotspots, have a high potential for the provision of ecosystem services and/or are sensitive to disturbances, and these areas...

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...

When building new buildings or other infrastructure, wildlife usually has to retreat: habitats can be destroyed and green networks fragmented In order to preserve biodiversity, the planning of new settlements in the areas of the green network and in their immediate vicinity must be avoided. At the same time, there may be a lot of pressure from real estate developers in such places. The surrounding...

Biodiversity ensures the well-being of people One of the most important ideas of the Age of Enlightenment was that man stands outside nature, studies and rules it. Unfortunately, this idea is still present in Western civilization today and may also be the main cause of the modern ecological crisis. In ecological terms, man does not stand outside nature, but is critically dependent on it. The...