The Estonian Council of Environmental Organisations (EKO) bringing
together nine different organisations, will receive 63,912 euro. The Estonian
Society for Nature Conservation (ELKS) will be granted 31,955 euro. The funding
will be used to support the activities of environmental organisations,
including encouraging their active participation in formulation of the
environmental policy and enhancing the capabilities of member organisations. “Environmental decisions have become part of everyday life, because the law requires their adoption to be public. That is why we have non-governmental organisations that deal with environmental issues and act as the ministry’s good partners in developing and implementing the environmental policy,” Keit Pentus, the Minister of the Environment pointed out. “A large share of the activities relating to nature conservation, environmental policy and education are carried out within environmental organisations. That is why we support these organisations every year so that they could remain strong and reliable partners for the state,” the Minister explained. Environmental organisations make their contribution by taking part in over thirty working groups and committees. Moreover, throughout the year EKO representatives hold meetings with the Forest Management Centre, the National Audit Office, and Ministry of the Environment, the Environmental Board and other organisations. Such meetings serve as a venue for presentation of the participants’ current activities and for discussion of better ways for taking further steps. The EKO also plays an important role in monitoring implementation of plans and conduct of environmental impact assessments, and using it knowledge to intervene where necessary. Up to now, the EKO members have sought cooperation mostly with the aim to make forestry, agriculture and energy policies and plans more environmentally friendly. The ELKS promotes environmental awareness and fosters sustainable lifestyles. It also maintains natural and cultural objects. Similarly to the EKO, the ELKS takes part in formation and implementation of the environmental policy. In its activities, the ELKS primarily relies on volunteering. The Ministry of the Environment has been supporting the EKO’s activities under a targeted financing agreement since 2006, and those of the ELKS, even earlier. Use of funds in accordance with their intended purpose is monitored by the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of the Finance and the National Audit Office. |
