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21 young conservationists were recognised 01.12.2012 Today, the Young Conservationist badges were handed over at Nature Evening anniversary at the National Library of Estonia. A total of 21 young people from all over Estonia were recognised.

Recreational fishermen can apply for fishing cards from Monday 30.11.2012 The application for fishing cards for recreational fishing for the next year starts on Monday, on the morning of 3 December at 9 (AM).

Additional 24 buildings will be renovated with the sales revenue received from emission allowance 29.11.2012 The Government gave the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus a mandate under public investment scheme to include additional 24 buildings to the list of buildings being renovated.

This year’s best environmental deeds, small deeds, and companies were announced 27.11.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus handed over prizes and letters of appreciation to the best people and companies in the field of environment. The best environmental deeds and small deeds are related to educating children and young people and outstanding companies offer saving and innovative solutions.

Fishing quotas for 2013 determined for Lakes Peipus, Lämmijärv and Pskov 16.11.2012 Estonia and Russia agreed upon permitted quotas for various species of fish for Lakes Peipus, Lämmijärv and Pskov for next year. Based on the recommendations of scientists, commercial fishermen will be able to catch a total of 5964 tonnes of fish from those lakes, of which one half belongs to Estonian fishermen.

Unnecessary rooting up of Estonia must be avoided 15.11.2012 The Application Plan for Mineral Resources Used in the Construction Industry approved today by the Government focuses on the more sustainable use of mineral resources and reduction of environmental impact.

Stricter requirements water treatment plants improves condition of bodies of water 14.11.2012 Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus did submit to the Government for approval a regulation, which toughens water treatment requirements and ensures the better protection of bodies of water.

Pentus-Rosimannus: energy efficiency improves quality of life 05.11.2012 Today, at the opening event of energy conservation week, Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus said that in the case of energy conservation the key question is making residential buildings more thermally efficient.

In the area of the environment the most euro financing is directed towards Harju County and Ida-Viru County 04.11.2012 During the first 10 months of this year, a total of EUR 126 million in support has been paid in the field of the environment, which is EUR 41 million more than in the same period of the previous year. During the period 2007-2013 a total of EUR 692 million is planned for environmental projects, of which EUR 584 million has already been covered by financing decisions.

European Commission: Estonia is the European Union’s most successful reducer of CO2 emissions 03.11.2012 The overview published by the European Commission shows that in comparison with 1990, Estonia has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly fifty per cent, and is therefore the European Union’s most successful performer of Kyoto Protocol objectives.

Government debated fishing possibilities of commercial fishermen 26.10.2012 At yesterday’s sitting of the Government, the fishing possibilities and fees for commercial fishermen were introduced. Catches in coastal waters and internal water bodies will remain at the same level as this year. In accordance with the negotiations which took place on Monday at the EU Fisheries Council, Estonia’s TAC for herring and sprat from the Baltic Sea will increase.

Pentus-Rosimannus: we achieved the desired results at the fishing quota negotiations 22.10.2012 At the negotiations for 2013 Baltic Sea fishing possibilities, which took place in Brussels, an agreement was reached which completely took into consideration Estonia’s submitted proposals. According to Estonia’s representative, Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, over a period of several years Estonia’s fishing possibilities will increase for Baltic herring and sprat.

Creation of protected area must be justified 22.10.2012 Yesterday was the first reading of the amendments to the Nature Conservation Act, which make the creation of a protected area more transparent and set time limits for doing so. In addition, landowners will be prohibited from restricting access to shore paths.

Government wishes to end the system of settlement with nature conservation land 04.10.2012 The government approved the draft amendment of the Nature Conservation Act and the State Assets Act proposed by the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, according to which the State will end the possibility of settlement with nature conservation land on auctions. After enforcement of the Act, the State will only make purchase and sale transactions with the land. In addition to that, a rule will enter into force that the State will only have an obligation to purchase protected land if the restrictions have been imposed to it after a private owner purchases the land.

Pentus-Rosimannus: establishment of protected areas must be thoroughly thought through 28.09.2012 Yesterday, the government approved the draft resolution for the amendment of the Nature Conservation Act, making establishment of conservation units clearer and better thought through.

Pentus-Rosimannus: next year will bring clean drinking water to 165,000 people 27.09.2012 The most important investments of the field of the environment in 2013 will be directed to water projects, nature conservation, environmental education and making heating management more economical.

Penalties for fishing violations to become even stricter 19.09.2012 Today, amendments to the Fishing Act are on the first reading in the Riigikogu with the main aim of making penalties for serious fishing violations more strict.

Estonian activities in protection of the ozone layer recognized by the UN 18.09.2012 Today, the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus accepted a UN letter of recognition by which Estonia is thanked and recognised for its work on protection of the ozone layer.

The Minister of the Environment representing Estonia at the World Conservation Congress 08.09.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus will represent Estonia at the V World Conservation Congress taking place in South-Korea. This is a congress of the world’s largest environmental and nature conservation organisation that takes place once in every four years. The main topic of the congress is nature’s links to people’s living environment and everyday activities.

Pentus-Rosimannus: we are making efforts for negotiations of the 2013 fish quota 29.08.2012 Today, the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus opened BALTFISH, a high-level fishery meeting of the Baltic Sea countries in Tallinn, the main topic of which is preparation of a position for the quota negotiations with the European Commission in the autumn.

Hungary learning more about the Estonian electric car project 24.08.2012 Yesterday and today, representatives of the Hungary’s Ministry of National Development visited Estonia to acquaint themselves with the electric car project implemented as a result of emissions trading.

More environmentally friendly tyres ad fuel available for consumers 04.08.2012 Starting from November 1, tyre sellers will provide information to customers on eco-friendliness of the tyres and as from January 1 of the new year, fuel sellers have an obligation to share information on the content of bio fuel or the suitable use of special petrol mixes upon request.

Survey: the most important aspect in power production is low environmental damage 03.08.2012 Results of the survey that was conducted on the order of the Ministry of the Environment show that the most important aspect for Estonian people in power production is low related environmental damage. Cheap price comes second and independence from foreign power sources, third.

Pentus: readiness for solution of radiological emergencies has improved 02.08.2012 In the session of the Government held today, the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus introduced the operations of radiation safety conducted in 2008-2011. In that period, Estonia has essentially improved its readiness for solution of radiological emergencies and several major amendments of legal acts have been adopted for their prevention.

The population considers the status of the environment in Estonia to be good 02.08.2012 Today, the Ministry of the Environment introduced a survey on environmental awareness among Estonian population. 85 per cent of the population has provided good or very good assessment to the status of the environment in Estonia.

Industrial pollution will be put into strict frames 01.08.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus sent a draft for preparation of an opinion with the objective of reducing industrial pollution to the ministries.

Nature Conservation Development Plan was approved after a long preparation 26.07.2012 Today, the Government approved the Nature Conservation Development Plan until 2020 submitted by the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus, which specifies the major development lines in the fields related to nature conservation. In the coming years, the most important aspects in the field of the environment will be environmental education, protection of biodiversity and more sustainable use of natural resources.

The Ministry of the Environment has issued an order to study the condition of the Bay of Tallinn 24.07.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus has assigned a task for more thorough studies of the environmental problems related to the Bay of Tallinn this year, in order to prepare a plan for improvement of the coastal area and the condition of sea water. The project launched with the support of the Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) shall find out the reasons why a stinking algae and plant mass is accumulating on the coastal area starting from the Russalka monument, and how it could be mitigated or avoided.

Estonian forestry will get major financial support in the coming years 19.07.2012 Today the Government of the Republic approved the operational programme of the Forestry Development Plan for 2012-2020, through which the State will channel over 267 million euro into growing, use and protection of Estonian forest in the coming years.

Estonia can expect higher quota for sprat fishing for the coming year 17.07.2012 Yesterday, a session of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council was held in Brussels, where the Member States discussed the Commission notice concerning allocation of fish quotas. The notice provides guidelines for conduction of consultations in the autumn on the fishing possibilities in 2013.

Pentus: over 250 million euro will be channelled to preservation of natural values, growing and use of forest 13.07.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus submitted to the Government a draft for operational programme of the Forestry Development Plan, paying more attention to growing and use of forest along with preservation of natural values.

Pentus: Ida-Viru County is rich in environmental investments 10.07.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus is visiting Ida-Viru County today. The Minister will visit Kohtla-Järve, OÜ Järve Biopuhastus and Ahtme water treatment plant.

Estonia can be satisfied with the results of the Fisheries Council 28.06.2012 At the meeting of the Government held today, an overview was provided of the results of the session of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council held this month in Luxemburg, where the Member States agreed on the general principles of the European fishing policy reform.

The Ministry of the Environment will prepare a new National Waste Management Plan 21.06.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus submitted a proposal for drafting the National Waste Management Plan for 2014-2020 to the Government, and it was approved in the meeting held today.

Pentus: land reform must be ended by 2018 20.06.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus sent a draft for amendment of the Land Reform Act and related acts to the Ministry of Justice for approval, with the objective to accelerate completion of the land reform. Pursuant to the draft, the last operations of land reform should be completed by December 31, 2017.

The Fishing Act becomes stricter towards serious violations 14.06.2012 The Government supported the draft for amendment of the Fishing Act prepared by the Ministry of the Environment, the main changes of which are related to serious violations during fishing.

Pentus: fishery reform of the EU includes several reasonable proposals 12.06.2012 Today the ministers responsible for the fisheries of the EU meet in Luxemburg, in order to discuss the reform of fishery policy.

International Day for Biological Diversity values the sea 11.06.2012 United Nations has dedicated the current day, May 22, to the diversity of nature, focusing this year on marine diversity and its importance in people’s daily life.

Pentus: sustainable use of natural resources is critically important for the EU 05.06.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus participates today in the first meeting of the Resource Efficiency Transition Platform assembled by the European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik.

The Forest Act will improve transparency of forestry activities 05.06.2012 Today the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus sent a draft of the Forest Act, which will make forestry activities more transparent to the public and more environment-friendly, to other ministries for approval.

Assessment: the status of Estonian waters is Europe’s best 27.05.2012 The overview published in the European water conference, held in Brussels this week, reveals that in comparison to other EU countries the status of Estonian rivers, lakes and coastal waters is one of the best. Water status could be considered worst in Belgium and the Netherlands, where there are no water bodies in a good natural status according to estimates.

Pentus: instead of new environmental restrictions one should focus on completing the existing ones 21.05.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus introduced at today’s public discussion the principles of the seventh European Environmental Action Programme. The most significant role of the programme is to support the transition to environmentally friendly and competitive economy.

A famous ornithologist Taivo Kastepõld received Kumari Nature Conservation Award 16.05.2012 Today, while opening Nature Conservation Month in the Pirita Convent Ruins’ park, the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus handed over Estonian nature conservation tokens as well as Eerik Kumari Nature Conservation Award together with the golden medal for nature conservation to Taivo Kastepõld. The size of the award is 2556 euros.

Pentus: EU’s fisheries policy reform should be flexible and realistic 14.05.2012 The European Union Member States’ ministers responsible for fishery discussed today in Brussels fisheries policy reform, which should take effect from the year 2013.

Nature education was received last year by over 130,000 children and adolescents 12.05.2012 In the year 2011, 133,600 kindergarten and school children participated in the environmental education-oriented programmes organized by the institutions of the Ministry of the Environment.

The monitoring and distribution of Estonian environmental information is among the best 11.05.2012 The presented report by European Environment Agency (EEA) indicates that in Estonia the collecting, monitoring and making accessible of environmental information is with a high level of excellence.

Further eight ministries will start using electric cars 10.05.2012 Today, at the Government’s sitting, a draft was approved which allows to use electric cars in addition to the Ministry of Social Affairs also for public service remit in other ministries’ area of government.

Pollen’s amount in the air can be observed on the web 09.05.2012 In the time of blooming trees and plants, outdoor air contains more pollen than usual, which could cause discomfort to sensitive people. On air surveillance web, one can watch every day the level of pollen in five settlements: Tallinn, Tartu, Kuressaare, Pärnu and Jõhvi.

Geothermal energy utilization is discussed in the Ministry of the Environment 04.05.2012 Today, the meeting of the steering committee to the international geothermal energy implementation project will take place at the Ministry of the Environment, concentrating on the research and use of geothermal energy in Estonia.

Pentus to the representative: Estonian fish resources are prudently kept 03.05.2012 The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus and the European Union fishery representative Maria Damanaki discussed fish resources’ safeguards on the Baltic Sea and the imposition of fisheries quota in EU’s Council of Ministers.

Pentus: EU sets an objective of preserving natural diversity 19.04.2012 A meeting of the Ministers of the Environment of the European Union took place in Horsens, Denmark, yesterday and today. The Ministers discussed the next Environmental Programme, Rio+20, which is a conference on sustainable development, and the future of the EU carbon market.

The State is making a record-braking contribution of 3.8 million euro to private forestry 02.04.2012 This year, the State is going to contribute 3.8 million euro of domestic funds to private forestry in order to raise the level of awareness of responsible forest management among private forest owners. This is a record-breaking amount which is expected to provide support to private forest management on the part of the state.

Pentus in OECD: Estonian economy has become considerably more environmentally friendly 30.03.2012 The ministers of the environment of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development had a discussion in Paris on the future of and opportunities in the environment sector, the ways of fostering growth of the economy and improve the standard of living without putting too much pressure on natural resources.

Nature Conservation Development Plan emphasizes the importance of nature education 27.03.2012 Since 2006, the Ministry of the Environment has been working on a draft Nature Conservation Development Plan for 2012–2020 which would delineate crucial directions for development in the spheres relating to nature conservation. Today the draft will be submitted for approval to other ministries.

Pentus: approximately 130 million euro will be invested into the environment of Ida-Viru County 22.03.2012 According to Keit Pentus, Minister of the Environment, approximately 130 million euro will be invested to maintenance and improvement of the environmental condition in Ida-Viru County in five years (2010 to 2014).

Today is the World Water Day 22.03.2012 Today, on 22 March, we celebrate the annual World Water Day in order to draw attention to major water problems around the globe. This time the Water Day will be devoted to water and food security.

The Ministry of the Environment will support environmental organisations with almost 96,000 euro 22.03.2012 This year, the Ministry of the Environment will finance the activities of environmental organisations with almost 96,000 euro in order to raise their active involvement in formation of the environmental policy.

Pentus in Brussels: discarding of dead fish back into water must stop 19.03.2012 Today, the EU ministers responsible for fishing met in Brussels to discuss the issue of fish discarding.

Analysis: the condition of air in Estonia is good 13.03.2012 The analysis conducted by the European Environment Agency on the levels of emissions to air in the European Union has confirmed that in Estonia, air pollution is not an issue.

Keit Pentus to EU colleagues: IT-solutions are a potential key to preservation of natural resources 10.03.2012 At the meeting that ended yesterday evening, the EU ministers of the environment confirmed the EU’s position towards the global Rio+20 Conference to be held in June and focused on green economy. At the meeting, the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus emphasized that in addition to traditional solutions it is also important to implement IT-solutions and services for more economical use of natural resources.

Eerik Kumari Award is waiting for its owner 07.03.2012 To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Professor Eerik Kumari, renowned Estonian ornithologist and nature conservationist, the Ministry of the Environment invites to nominate candidates for the Eerik Kumari Award for nature conservation.

Ministry of the Environment seeks to make forest management more nature-friendly 06.03.2012 Keit Pentus, the Minister of the Environment, has established the Forest Council to the Ministry, bringing together experts and representatives of non-government organisations and the Parliament. Today, the Council will convene for the first time to consider draft amendments to the Forest Act proposed by various interest groups and forest scientists.

EUROPARC Nordic-Baltic Section Member Meeting and Seminar in Estonia 02.03.2012 March 6-8, 2012

Tallinn (Nordic Hotel Forum) and Noarootsi parish, Lääne county (Roosta Holiday Village)
Term „Green Infrastructure” is used more and more frequently in nature conservation and development discussions. Green infrastructure means different things to different people depending on the context in which it is used. For example, some people refer to trees in urban areas as green infrastructure because of the “green” benefits they provide, while others use green infrastructure to refer to engineered structures (e.g. water treatment facilities) that are designed to be environmentally friendly.

Pentus: The key words of 2012 are nature protection, oil shale and sea 28.02.2012 Today, Keit Pentus, Minister of the Environment, will introduce the chief plans in this field for the year 2012 to environmental organisations.

Income from emission allowances will also be distributed to private houses 23.02.2012 Today, the Government of the Republic granted authority to Keit Pentus, the Minister of the Environment, to sign amendments to the sales agreement concluded with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. According to these amendments, the income to be received can be used in addition to renovating apartment buildings also for improving energy efficiency in private houses.

The State has given nearly half a million square metres of land for the construction of bicycle roads 09.02.2012 The Government approved a draft legislation today transferring 5,326 m² of State land to several local governments for building light traffic roads.

The number of environmental infringements dropped 03.02.2012 An overview of the Environmental Inspectorate in 2011 demonstrates an annual decrease in the number of environmental infringements. Whereas a total of 2,607 environmental infringements were registered in 2010, this figure dropped to 2,326 in 2011.

Serious infringements will result in the suspension and termination of fishing by fishing vessels 02.02.2012 Today, the Government approved a draft order to appoint an implementing agency for punishing serious fishing infringements and implementing a corresponding point system. The point system is compulsory from 1 January 2012.

The world Wetlands Day celebrated on 2 February 01.02.2012 Thursday, 2 February, marks the 41st anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in Ramsar, Iran.  In Estonia, this day will be celebrated by holding several events.

The Minister of the Environment wants to demolish ramshackle buildings 01.02.2012

Keit Pentus, the Minister of the Environment, submitted a draft for coordination, making it possible to apply for support from the Environmental Investment Centre for the demolishment of deteriorated buildings that contaminate landscapes.

The Ministry of the Environment concluded a voluntary agreement with the representatives of the promoters of nature tourism in Lahemaa 24.01.2012 Keit Pentus, Minister of the Environment, and Mare Kalme, Chairman of the Board of MTÜ KEEL (MTÜ Koostöövõrgustik Ehedad Elamused Lahemaal, NGO the Cooperation Network “Authentic Experiences in Lahemaa”) concluded a voluntary agreement today, with the aim of working closer together in order to develop and promote environment-friendly nature tourism services in Estonia.

Connection to the public water supply and sewerage system available to 98% of the residents of the town of Põltsamaa 19.01.2012 Today, 19 January, saw the completion of the first stage of the water management project of Põltsamaa, co-funded by the Cohesion Fund (CF), as a result of which the availability of connecting to the public water supply and sewerage system was created for 497 registered immovables.

Keit Pentus introduced the electric cars project in Estonia to Finnish MPs 19.01.2012 Keit Pentus, the Minister of the Environment, introduced the unique electric cars project of Estonia on her meeting with the Finnish EU Affairs Committee today. 

The Ministry of the Environment: there are more than 20 areas at flood risk in Estonia 17.01.2012

A preliminary assessment on the risks associated with flood risk was completed by the Ministry of the Environment, providing an overview of past floods and establishing the areas at significant risk.

A record amount of EU support paid in the field of environment in 2011 13.01.2012 A record amount of 116.7 million euros of structural support was paid in the field of environment in 2011. This is nearly triple the amount of 2010.

Keit Pentus: maritime planning could be started from the Gulf of Riga and the surroundings of the island of Hiiumaa 12.01.2012 On her meeting with environmental NGOs, the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus discussed maritime planning, the development plan for nature conservation and restriction of sulphur content in marine fuels. The recovery of waste from oil shale excavation and the disclosure of environmental notices were also discussed.

Clean drinking water and connection to a public sewerage system now available for the residents of Järva-Jaani 09.01.2012 A water management project in Järva-Jaani, co-funded by the Cohesion Fund (CF), was concluded today, January 9. The total cost of the project was 2.8 million euros, and as a result this project, all residents of Järva-Jaani have access to clean drinking water and have the possibility to connect to a modern public sewerage system.