At today’s cabinet meeting of the Government, the Minister of the Environment Mr Villu Reiljan made a proposal to include another important issue among Estonia’s priorities during the Dutch presidency. The Minister wishes that in the next financing period of 2007 to 2013 the protection of Natura 2000 sites would be financed not only by means of EU structural funds but also by means of a special fund meant for nature protection. Issues concerning the financing of Natura 2000 sites will be discussed at the meeting of the European Union (EU) Environmental Council on 14 October. By the end of Dutch presidency Member States hope to reach a compromise and decide on which means will be used to cover expenses related to the protection of Natura 2000 sites in the future. According to initial plans, Natura will be financed only by the existing structural funds (national development plan, rural development plan). “It has been planned to pay compensations from structural funds to farmers as well as foresters, which is very positive, but unfortunately it fails to cover the entire need of financing for Natura. Therefore, it is crucial to continue the Life-Nature programme or a programme substituting for this in addition to what has already been suggested,” the Minister said. In Mr Reiljan’s opinion, the continuing management of Estonia’s Natura 2000 sites with the help of EU resources is especially important to land owners. “We are making every effort to find resources by which we could support the management and care of Natura sites. Land owners need to know for sure that the state cares for them and helps them take care of their land which has value in terms of nature conservation,” said the Minister of the Environment. Natura 2000 sites cover 16 per cent of Estonia’s land territory. According to the EU Nature Directive, Member States are required to ensure the conservation of valuable natural features in Natura 2000 sites. Therefore, expenses are incurred to administer the sites, restore and take care of natural features (e.g., by supporting the care of semi-natural communities), to pay compensations and increase public awareness of issues related to nature. So far, the EU has supported the co-financing of Natura expenses mainly by means of the Life-Nature programme, but also by means of the environmental infrastructure development measures of the rural development plan and national development plan. Further information: Monika Kopti |
