The environmental action plan identifies the basic activities which help to achieve the goals set in the environment strategy of Estonia and thereby improve the human environment. “For example, the action plan establishes how to reduce waste generation, achieve a good state of surface and ground water, use mineral resources in an economical and environmentally-friendly way, balance the use of forests, ensure the good state and population diversity of fish and game resources, eliminate the use of industrial as well as domestic substances depleting the ozone layer, develop an environmentally-friendly and comfortable public transport system and safe pedestrian traffic networks,” listed Rein Randver, Minister of the Environment. For example, it is planned to implement the best available waste handling technology (including the ash handling in power stations) that is environmentally-friendly and effective, favouring waste recovery. Similarly the update and construction of drinking and waste water systems and the reduction of noise level and air pollution continues. Also, more attention should be paid to the prevention of marine pollution and major accidents and to the improvement of reaction capabilities in such cases, the Minister emphasised. The environmental action plan includes EU-oriented activities as well as areas springing from domestic interests (e.g. elimination of residual pollution, environmental impact of the energy sector). The estimated implementation costs of the action plan valid until the year 2013 amount to more than 100 billion kroons. Necessary funds come mainly from various EU foundations, the Republic of Estonia, local governments and companies. The Ministry of the Environment manages the preparation and the later reporting and assessment of the action plan, but among others the Ministries of Social Affairs, Internal Affairs, Economic Affairs and Communications, Agriculture, and Education and Research are involved. The action plan is planned to be reviewed in three years and, if necessary, to be upgraded then. Additional information: Mari Lahtmets, Deputy Head of the Foreign Investments Department of the Ministry of the Environment 626 2950 Agnes Jürgens, Deputy Advisor of the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of the Environment 626 2811 |
