The main topics of the meeting were the improved management of protected areas, the status of the marine environment, matter relating to transboundary water bodies and financing of the environmental field in the European Union after 2013. “The Baltic States share many common themes and frequently similar concerns in the field of the environment. For example, we exchanged experiences with our colleagues on how questions about building in the sea have been resolved in the three countries. Our common goal is also to improve the status of the marine environment,” said Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus. In the afternoon, delegations from the three countries visited the Luitemaa Nature Reserve and covered the 2.2 kilometre long Tolkus hiking trail that runs through a bog. Keit Pentus gave Agu Leivits, representative of the manager (Environmental Board) of the protected area, a certificate regarding the fact that Luitemaa is considered, according to the Ramsar Convention, to be part of a group of internationally important wetlands. “If in the case of cultural heritage one of the most important forms of recognition is inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, then in the case of nature conservation the Ramsar certificate is just as important. The attributing of a corresponding status to Luitemaa is a significant form of recognition and a sign that our protected areas are well maintained," stated Pentus. |
