The projects were funded by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein via the financial mechanisms of Norway and the European Economic Area. The aim of this support is to reduce social and economic differences between the countries. “These environmental projects are a good example of transnational cooperation for conservation of the entire European nature, because when things get better in Estonia, it will also affect other countries,” Allan Gromov, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of the Environment said. “For example, thanks to the biological diversity database created during the project, we now have a more detailed overview of our nature values; comprehensive open sea research enable to organise better protection of the Baltic Sea habitats; the reconstructed Lihula boiler-house now also burns grass, hay, reed and wood waste, which reduces air pollution,” Gromov listed. With the help of this support, the groundwater monitoring system was completed in Ida-Viru County and habitat protection was organized at the Natura special conservation areas of that region; inventory of our bogs was completed; greenhouse gas emissions in Estonian agricultural landscapes were studied; a new technology was purchased to AS Ecometal battery recycling plant; technology of rotary cement furnaces of AS Kunda Nordic Tsement was improved to also burn solid waste. “We are glad that we could help to support very extensive environmental projects in Estonia – both bigger and smaller that were implemented by non-governmental organisations,” ambassador of Norway Lise Kleven Grevstad said. ”The Norwegian government finds that environmental conservation and climate are very important matters and these were also the prioritized fields in the first period of Norway and EMP financial mechanisms.” The ambassador recognized Estonia for excellent implementation of the financial mechanisms and currently a new period is awaited, for which negotiations are already being held. The first period of Norway’s and the EMPs financial mechanisms started in 2004, the application round was announced in 2006 and the first projects started in 2007. Under two financial mechanisms, Estonia was allocated EUR 32.7 million, EUR 5.3 million of which was directed to the environmental sector. To end the first support period and get an overview of the project, the Ministry of the Environment and the Norwegian Embassy will organise a conference on 12 May at 11.00, at the House of Brotherhood of Blackheads, Tallinn. All implementers of the projects, offices related to environmental topics and all other environmentally friendly people are welcome. |
