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...

The Estonian coast, including the cliffed coast, is a flat coast in its entirety The coast is the zone between the shore region (the bottom and land of the sea or large lake, formed mainly by waves) and the bottom and mainland of the adjacent sea or large lake (Lake Võrtsjärv, Lake Peipsi). The coast is generally divided into steep coasts and flat coasts. The Estonian coast, including the cliffed...

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...

What to do if bats settle in your house, snakes swarm under your compost pile, and an anthill starts to rise in the garden corner? Due to declining habitats and expanding human settlements, more and more wild animals are entering cities and villages. In addition, readily available food also attracts smaller wildlife to cities. Also in late summer and autumn, when young animals start to move around...

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...