The operational programme specifies all activities related to forestry, together with immediate results, responsible persons, time for completion, cost and funding sources. "Most costs are related to the activities concerning growing and use of forest and protection of natural values. Investments shall be made also into research and development. Also better involvement of the public is planned to ensure that our people would understand the situation of forest and be able to preserve and use this major renewable natural resource of Estonia prudently," the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus explained. According to the words of the Minister, major part of the funds will be channelled into private forestry to ensure reforestation all over Estonia and management of young forest. "Support will be given for restoration of damaged forest and prevention of forest fires. We will continue supporting the forest owners who are protecting key biotope in their forests. To ensure usability of forest tracks, 120 million euro will be channelled into repair of drainage and road network in the next ten years," Pentus said. The Minister added that wood as a renewable raw material and energy source should be preferred more, therefore the operational programme will also seek possibilities for more environmentally friendly and purpose-oriented use of this material in the coming years. Total cost of the operational programme until 2020 will be over 267 million euro, most of which will be funded from the reserves of the Environmental Investment Centre and the European Union. Operational programme of forestry has been drafted by the Ministry of the Environment and it will be implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education and Research. |
