Nature conservation subsides can be applied for to restore semi-natural communities

The aim of restoring a semi-natural community is to preserve the biota and landscape characteristic of Estonia. Supported activities include the removal of reeds or shrubs, the reduction of the canopy cover of forests, the breaking up of sods, and setting up stockyard fences [1]. The support is organised by the Environmental Board and is paid in a protected area, limited-conservation area, or species protection site under the conditions established by a regulation of the Minister of the Environment. Subsidy rates depend on habitat type and shrub density and height, and range from 250 to 1,500 euros per hectare. The construction of stokyard fences is supported with 1,25 euros per meter [2].

Restoration is followed by a maintenance obligation of at least 5 years in the form of mowing or grazing [2].

In 2020, nature conservation subsidies were paid in the amount of nearly 467,000 euros. For this, 1,442 ha of communities were restored and 62 km of stockyard fences were set up [3].

In addition, the restoration of semi-natural communities is carried out through various projects. For example, the LIFE+ project ‘LIFE to alvars’, which lasted from 2014 to 2019 and restored 2,500 hectares of alvars in Saare County, Muhu island, Hiiu County, Lääne County, and Pärnu County and built the infrastructure necessary for further grazing of the restored areas [3].

On state lands, the restoration of semi-natural communities is organised by the State Forest Management Centre. In 2019, the State Forest Management Centre restored semi-natural communities on 1,077 hectares [3]. In addition, non-profit associations, foundations, local governments, and natural persons can apply for rehabilitation support from the Environmental Investment Centre (EIC) [4].

Last modified: 26.08.2022

_____________________________

[1] https://keskkonnaamet.ee/elusloodus-looduskaitse/looduskaitse/parandniitude-hooldamine

[2] https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/102042015018?leiaKehtiv

[3]  Roasto, R., Tampere, U. (toim). Eesti looduse kaitse aastal 2020. Keskkonnaagentuur, Tallinn

[4] https://kik.ee/et/toetavad-tegevused/parandniitude-taastamine-ja-hooldamine