0-net employment
for 2050
95%
of our food
51%
are in good ecological condition
The soil and its condition are extremely important for the provision of ecosystem services, i.e. the benefits of nature, especially in terms of the so-called regulatory and conservation benefits necessary for ensuring the functioning of high-quality living environments and ecosystems, as well as food safety and food security.
Overview
The purpose of soil monitoring is to explain and understand the characteristics of changes caused by natural conditions in the soil and to monitor the impact of human activities on the soil. It is important to study the factors that are harmful to soils in order to find out the environmental hazard of the resulting changes. The broader European Union goals of soil monitoring include improving soil fertility, reducing the risk to human health and the environment, providing opportunities to mitigate the impact of climate change and adapt to it, and stimulating possibilities for soil remediation.
In respect to the European Union Soil Strategy, the goals of good soil condition and land use will be set in the near future and the corresponding measures will be implemented.
Estonia has yet to develop a concept of land use. The preliminary overview of land useis provided by the Environment Agency's analysis (in estoanian) of how much of Estonia's surface is covered with man-made objects, based on ETD (Estonian Topographical Database) data. A land use hierarchy is also being prepared to prioritise land use – which areas must be kept natural, where food production must be ensured, where carbon-rich communities must be restored and where wind farms can be developed without causing harm to nature and the living environment.
More information
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- Land and soil use research and development project
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As a result of the project, an innovative and resource-efficient land and soil use monitoring and management system will be created for the state, which will serve as the basis for integrated and high-quality land use spatial decision-making and guidance in the future.
- References