Riigi Tugiteenuste Keskus
12.04.2024 nr 4-5/24/2-2
Eesti-Šveitsi koostööprogrammi teise etapi taotluse
esitamine
21. novembril 2022. a allkirjastatud Šveitsi teise toetuse rakendamise raamkokkuleppe kohaselt
edastame teise etapi täpsustatud taotluse toetusmeetme „Elurikkuse programm“ elluviimiseks.
Programm koosneb kahest komponendist, mida rakendavad Keskkonnaagentuur ja
Keskkonnaamet.
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Kristen Michal
kliimaminister
Lisad: Taotlus koos lisadega
Kairi Toiger, 626 2931
[email protected]
Suur-Ameerika 1 / Tallinn 10122 / 626 2802/
[email protected] / www.kliimaministeerium.ee/
Registrikood 70001231
Second Swiss Contribution
EstoniaEstonia
Support Measure Proposal
05.02.202405.02.2024
Title Bio-Diversity Programme
Executing Agency Ministry of Climate
Partner State Support Measure n/a
Code (if any)
Support Measure Type Programme
Content
1. Basic information ...................................................................................................... 4
2. Strategic Support Measure description ................................................................... 5
2.1 Lead ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Context and relevance ................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Impact hypothesis / Objectives .................................................................................. 10
2.4 Intervention Strategy .................................................................................................. 11
2.5 Beneficiaries .............................................................................................................. 12
2.6 Programme Component Characteristics and regional focus....................................... 13
2.7 Overview Swiss Support Measure Partners ............................................................... 13
2.8 Sustainability ............................................................................................................. 14
2.9 Overview tentative budget.......................................................................................... 14
2.10 Other strategic issues ................................................................................................ 14
3. Support Measure readiness .................................................................................... 15
3.1 Context ...................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Preparation process and documents.......................................................................... 15
3.3 Application for funds from Support Measure Preparation Fund .................................. 16
4. Operational Support Measure description ............................................................. 16
4.1 Applying organisation (Executing Agency) ................................................................. 16
4.1.1 Financial and personnel information (only to be completed for non-state institutions)
.............................................................................................................................. 16
4.1.2 Organisation structures of Executing Agency and Support Measure ..................... 16
4.1.3 Support Measure management team .................................................................... 18
4.1.4 Programme and project management experience ................................................. 19
4.2 Detailed intervention strategy and activities ............................................................... 20
4.2.1 Detailed description of activities and intervention strategy ..................................... 20
4.2.2 Detailed description of selection process for Programme Components ................. 22
4.2.3 Communication activities ....................................................................................... 22
4.2.4 Detailed implementation schedule ......................................................................... 23
4.3 Logframe ................................................................................................................... 25
4.4 Swiss Support Measure Partner(s) ............................................................................ 28
4.5 Stakeholder consultations .......................................................................................... 28
4.6 Tentative Budget........................................................................................................ 29
4.6.1 Detailed tentative budget ....................................................................................... 29
4.6.2 Tentative Disbursement Plan ................................................................................ 30
4.7 Risk Analysis and Risk Management ............................................................................. 31
4.8 Monitoring and Steering ............................................................................................. 32
4.9 Other operational issues ............................................................................................ 32
5. Annexes.................................................................................................................... 33
Annex 2: Overview of Implementation locations ............................................................. 34
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Basic Programme Component Information ..................................................................... 34
6. Programme Component Operator .......................................................................... 35
6.1 Basic Information ....................................................................................................... 35
6.2 Programme Component Operator Management ........................................................ 35
6.3 Programme Component Management ....................................................................... 36
6.4 Programme and Project Management Experience ..................................................... 37
7. Programme Component Description ...................................................................... 38
7.1 Short Summary .......................................................................................................... 38
7.2 Activities and Expected Results ................................................................................. 38
7.3 Beneficiaries .............................................................................................................. 39
7.4 Sustainability ............................................................................................................. 40
7.5 Budget ....................................................................................................................... 40
7.6 Risk Analysis and Risk Management ......................................................................... 40
8. Annexes.................................................................................................................... 41
Basic Programme Component Information ..................................................................... 41
9. Programme Component Operator .......................................................................... 41
9.1 Basic Information ....................................................................................................... 41
9.2 Programme Component Operator Management ........................................................ 42
9.3 Programme Component Management ....................................................................... 43
9.4 Programme and Project Management Experience ..................................................... 45
10. Programme Component Description ...................................................................... 46
10.1 Short Summary .......................................................................................................... 46
10.2 Activities and Expected Results ................................................................................. 46
10.3 Beneficiaries .............................................................................................................. 48
10.4 Sustainability ............................................................................................................. 49
10.5 Budget ....................................................................................................................... 49
10.6 Risk Analysis and Risk Management ......................................................................... 49
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1. Basic information
Title Bio-Diversity Programme
Support Measure Type ProgrammeProgramme
Objective Protecting the environment and the climateProtecting the
environment and the climate
Thematic Area Nature conservation and biodiversityNature conservation
and biodiversity
Planned Duration [months] 52
Requested Swiss contribu- 6 930 000
tion (CHF)
Requested co-financing 85%
rate of Switzerland [%]
Name of the Executing Ministry of Climate
Agency
Type of entity National administrationNational administration
If type of entity is “other”, -
describe the type briefly
Name of contact person Kairi Toiger
Position Senior Officer, Financial Department, Ministry of Climate
Correspondence address Suur-Ameerika 1, 10122 Tallinn, Eesti
E-Mail
[email protected]
Webpage and social media https://kliimaministeerium.ee/
(if any)
https://www.facebook.com/kliimaministeerium
https://twitter.com/MOEestonia
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfeXgaJw0LCpLx7-
X169F6w
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfeXgaJw0LCpLx7-
X169F6w
Phone +372 6262 931 Mobile
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Has the Executing Agency previously received funding from the Yes☒ No☐
Swiss Contribution?
Abbreviations:
EELIS – Estonian Nature Information System
KAUR – Estonian Environment Agency
KeA – Environmental Board of Estonia
KeMIT – Information Technology Centre of the Ministry of the Envi-
ronment
KESE – Environmental Monitoring Information System
MoC – Ministry of Climate
NCU – National Coordination Unit
2. Strategic Support Measure description
2.1 Lead
The goal of the Programme is the creation of preconditions for the improvement of conserva-
tion status of threatened habitats and species through decision making that relies on high-
quality data, e. g.:
• Implementation of innovative monitoring solutions.
• Ensuring operative data transition between different databases.
• Making environmental data more accessible for public.
• Setting up and validating digital toolset for the governance.
• Evaluation of management effectiveness planning of protected areas, revision of site-
based conservation objectives and measures for protected species and habitats and
additional compilation of site-based management plans.
• The evaluation and additional compilation of national action plans for species and hab-
itats and the revision of protected categories of species (category I, category II and
category III).
The intervention will build on the results of various past and ongoing initiatives, like applied
research projects on nature conservation in relation to climate change and on existing state
monitoring and planning systems for protected areas.
2.2 Context and relevance
Current Situation
Estonia's land area is 45,339 km2, which is slightly larger than Switzerland and the sea area is
36,622 km2. 60% of Estonia is covered with forest and mires and 20.5% of the land is under
nature protection. Also, 18.7% of the sea is protected. With a unique location, Estonian nature
is very diverse, and it is especially important for migratory birds, who stay here to rest and nest.
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During the migration period, millions of birds pass through Estonia, and it is the bottleneck for
most of the Artic waterbirds.
Although in a significant share of Estonia nature values are protected, the status of biodiversity
in Estonia is far from being without concern. Of the 15,000 species assessed during 2017-
2021 for the update of the Red List in Estonia, only half are in status “Least Concern“, which
means that the other half of the species are „Near Threatened“, „Vulnerable“, „Endangered“,
Critically Endangered“ or „Extinct in the Region“. Unfortunately, the population sizes of mam-
mals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles have seen an alarming average drop of 68% since
1970 in the whole world. According to the EU Habitats Directive reporting (2019) 57% of the
habitats and 56% of the species in Estonia are in favourable status, which is better than in
most of the EU member states (in EU, only 14.7% of the habitats and 27.5% of the species
are in favourable status). But 44% of the species and 43% of the habitats are in unfavourable
(inadequate or bad) conservation status in Estonia.
We must continue to preserve and improve the status of the species and habitats. To do so,
we have created a network of protected areas and system to assess the status of the species
and habitats. However, it is not enough and Estonia must contribute to global target to protect
at least 30% of land and sea area. At the moment, there are six national parks, 234 nature
conservation areas, 148 landscape conservation areas, 312 limited-conservation areas and
1,847 species’ protection sites in Estonia (November 2022) (Looduskaitse statistika | Keskkon-
naportaal). Approximately 70% of the protected area in Estonia is managed according to man-
agement plans. However, all protected areas still do not have an appropriate management
plan or existing management plans are based on out-of-date data. Only 52% category I (i.e.
rare and at risk of disappearence) species, 12% of category II species (i.e. species in danger
of disappearance if the existing factors continue operating ) and 2% of category III species (i.e.
species whose population is endangered by the deterioration or damaging of habitats and has
been reduced to a point where they are believed to move into the endangered category if the
causal factors continue operating) have a national action plan. Relevant and updated site-
based management plans and national action plans with specific targets are necessary to as-
sess the efficiency of the implemented measures. A systematic understanding is needed to
understand which of the applied conservation measures are fit for purpose and what needs to
be changed. Most management plans lack the level of detail.
The compilation of management plans has been a time-consuming process and needs to be
revised. To achieve and maintain the good status of protected areas in Estonia, it is crucial to
continue the successful interventions and replicate them in areas where the status of habitats
and the functioning of ecosystems is still not good. To do so, an appropriate framework in
Estonia, including a methodology and an action plan for its implementation, for the assessment
of effectiveness of biodiversity conservation measures needs to be established. An effective
framework will allow Estonia to understand the main factors hindering the protection of biodi-
versity and design better targeted conservation and restoration measures. Also, surveys, in-
ventories and monitoring must be carried out to observe how the conditions change over time.
There are more than 50 different types of biodiversity monitoring schemes implemented every
year and mostly it is carried out by humans. Also, the status and abundance of game species,
including large carnivores is monitored. The volume of the monitoring depends on the available
budget and also on the available specialists and developed methodologies. Often, monitoring
can be carried out in a specific period (e.g spring, summer, vegetation period, nesting period,
etc.) and limited number of specialists are not capable to cover the necessary area in one year.
For decades, same methodologies have been used in monitoring, but technology is evolving
at a tremendous rate and sometimes more specific data is needed (e.g. DNA data to assess
whether the population is strong and genetically diverse and how it changes over time).
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New solutions and technology should be used more in biodiversity monitoring as this can be
helpful in the absence of specialists and with the help of technology larger areas could be
covered during the short suitable period for monitoring. Also, thanks to the new technology
additional valuable information can be collected, which is necessary in decision making (e.g.
the size of a specific species` habitat etc). There are already 3D bird radars, bird sound recog-
nition applications, artificial intelligence (AI), affordable cameras, remote monitoring solutions,
etc., which could be adjusted and tested in the biodiversity monitoring. We have already tested
some solutions on a smaller scale like AI in the monitoring of the game species, drones, sen-
sors, acoustic and telemetry transmitters. Potential of the technology is not sufficiently recog-
nized and as new methods are costly to test on a large scale and long time period, good solu-
tions are often discarded (e.g eDNA). It is necessary to implement old and new methods at the
same time in a short period in order to allow smooth transition and providing enough time for
the new solution to justify itself. Also, one reason for using the same methodologies for dec-
ades, is the reason of uninterrupted data series that new methodologies could affect. Imple-
menting old and new at the same time is necessary to understand whether and how much the
results differ and this gives the opportunity to continue uninterrupted data series.
Nature related data is inserted and processed mainly in two systems in Estonia: Estonian Na-
ture Information System (EELIS) and Environmental Monitoring Information System (KESE).
Both systems need to be improved to make them more user-friendly and easier to use, both
for public servants and ordinary citizens. Those systems are not prepared for today’s and fu-
ture needs. The current system does not provide sufficient information to assess whether the
conservation actions are adequate to sustain resilient ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss.
The present system does not take into account socio-economic impacts. Also, some of the
important data is maintained in third-party systems (e.g PlutoF Biodiversity Platform) and ig-
noring this data in decision making would be a mistake. It is necessary to create connections
which would enable data transfer between systems. Authorities lack the tools and sufficient
competences to analyse the effectiveness of conservation measures and conduct a multi-pur-
pose interpretation of large datasets in an interdisciplinary manner. Decisions made using the
monitoring results depend on the volume and quality of the data. Among other things, it is
necessary to speed up the data flow. For example, information of the protected species must
be transformed from one system into another manually (from KESE to EELIS), which is time-
consuming and there is always a risk that important data is not taken into account in the plan-
ning process or while issuing permits. Also, the analytical capacity should be improved, which
can be done by improving information systems and creating automatic solutions that can
quickly analyse great amount of data in a few moves. This will ensure the quality, transparency
and reliability of the data.
Nature information must be public, easy to understand and attractive. According to the survey
carried out in Estonia in 2020, 21% of Estonians think that environmental data is not accessible
and according to the survey carried out in 2022, interest in the environmental issues has de-
creased compared to 2020. Information systems as important resources were rarely men-
tioned. It is also necessary to promote citizen science. Citizen science can be defined as the
non-professional involvement of volunteers in the scientific process, commonly in data collec-
tion, but also in other phases such as quality assurance, data analysis and interpretation, prob-
lem definition and the dissemination of results. Citizen science can play an important role by
filling data gaps where conventional data sources may not be sufficient, providing complemen-
tary temporal and spatial data that supports official monitoring systems. However, and despite
its value and potential, it is still underused. Besides collecting additional data, promoting citizen
science gives the opportunity to raise environmental awareness, which is one of the keys in
the implementation of the Green Deal and moving towards a sustainable economy. We have
already developed the Nature Observation application, but at the moment it is not possible to
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submit observations via the website. Also, where possible, the volunteers should be integrated
into the monitoring schemes.
Strategies
The Support Measure contributes directly to the implementation of the Estonian Environmental
Development Plan until 2030 (draft)
According to the draft plan the goal of nature conservation is that the status of native species,
ecosystems and landscapes has improved - Estonia is nature positive.
The targets to achieve the goal are:
1. We preserve and improve native species and habitats and biodiversity rich key
landscape features such as small water bodies and other wetlands, coastal and
the condition of coastal areas, semi-natural grasslands and primary and old-
growth forests, including forest key habitats.
2. We ensure a timely and relevant overview of the status of wildlife for decision
making in the field of nature conservation, among other things, we use innova-
tive monitoring and inventory solutions and applied research more than before
and update and supplement databases and web applications.
3. We will improve the system for evaluating the effectiveness of protection
measures to ensure the operational renewal and improvement of current
measures.
The proposed Support Measure contributes directly to the targets 2 and 3, which are also the
basis for achieving the first target.
The Support Measure has a clear connection with Estonian Environmental Strategy for 2030
and with requirements and obligations stated in EU directives, regulation and strategies and
international conventions:
• EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030;
• EU Nature Restoration Regulation (draft);
• Sustainable Development Goals and Development Plan. Especially to following goals:
1. 3. Good Health and Well-being;
2. 6. Clean Water and Sanitation;
3. 7. Affordable and Clean Energy;
4. 12. Responsible Consumption and Production;
5. 13. Climate Action;
6. 14. Life Below Water;
7. 15. Life on Land.
• Convention on Biological Diversity and its Global Biodiversity Framework;
• CITES convention;
• Ramsar convention;
• Bern Convention;
• Bonn convention, including AEWA and Eurobats agreements;
• HELCOM;
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris agreement.
Complementarity/synergies with funding programmes of other donors
• Technical Support Instrument financed by the European Commission. An ongoing pro-
ject with the objective to develop the relevant assessment methodology for Estonia.
This methodology will be implemented under the Swiss Contribution.
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• European Structural Funds 2014-2020. The methodology of the National Assessment
and Mapping of Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services was developed. We will continue
to improve it and it will be taken into account in the planning and assessment process.
Also, development of the Estonian Nature Information System was partly financed from
Structural Funds.
• European Structural Funds 2021-2027. Development of the Artificial Intelligence for the
monitoring of games species is financed under this programme. It is an ongoing project.
• State budget. National monitoring is financed from the state budget. Swiss Contribution
does not replace it but enhances and helps to further develop existing methodologies
and solutions. Also, it helps to speed up and expand the development of IT systems,
which are being developed at the moment.
• Environmental Investment Fund. Some of the assessments of the protected areas and
monitoring of the species are financed from the national fund. Also, the Nature Obser-
vation Application was financed from the Fund, which is used to involve volunteers in
the biodiversity monitoring.
• Cohesion Fund 2021 – 2027. Restoration of habitats to increase preparedness for ad-
aptation to climate change. Species and habitats action plans and protected areas
management plans prepared by Swiss contribution will be used to select the restoration
sites at the end of this financial period and in the following period.
First Swiss Contribution
With the help of First Swiss Contribution, the capability of environmental (water, air and radia-
tion) monitoring was increased, but specifically monitoring and protection of the biodiversity
was not supported.
Social Inclusion and Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Structure of the management plans will be improved, and new topics will be covered. Topics
that have not been covered or have been covered insufficiently in existing management plans
are how to mitigate the impact of climate change on species and habitats, what the social
impacts of protected areas are, how protected areas are integrated in the overall green infra-
structure, how to manage forest habitats in buffer zones, how cumulative impacts on habitats
and species need to be analysed.
Also, Citizen Science will be improved and volunteers will be involved in the biodiversity mon-
itoring. Where possible, this will be integrated into the monitoring schemes and necessary
solutions will be developed. Developed systems will be helpful in preparation and implemen-
tation of different nature observation campaigns that would increase citizen awareness about
species and nature conservation issues. With that, we will create better conditions for social
inclusion and initiatives.
New technical solutions will help to speed up the transition towards green energy and climate
neutrality. Nature conservation restrictions and the lack of knowledge about species and hab-
itats are often the reasons behind the pace of developments.
Developed IT systems and solutions help to make environmental data easier to access, use
and understand for the citizen. It is necessary to make data more visible and attractive, which
helps to increase interest in data and environmental awareness and improve behaviour and
decision making of the public.
Stakeholders
Stakeholders of the measure are basically all citizens, who will benefit from the preservation
and improvement of the status of species and habitats. Ecosystems provide different services
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from clean air to meditation opportunities. Quality and condition of ecosystems affect the qual-
ity of people. Also, developed systems and solutions will bring nature conservation and citizens
closer together. Citizens will be involved in nature observation campaigns and wildlife moni-
toring. Developed systems will be used in order to make participation easier and more con-
venient, which hopefully will increase the number of volunteers.
It is necessary to collaborate with environmental experts and scientists. Support Measure will
increase the knowledge about the biodiversity and support science and innovation. Also, it
gives the opportunity for the scientists to test and implement new methods and ideas in wildlife
monitoring. Some of the ideas (e.g. eDNA) have been proposed by the scientists. Their role is
also to validate and evaluate the suitability of the new solutions. It is also necessary to create
collaboration between scientists of the natural sciences and IT experts, who must find solutions
how to use new technologies for biodiversity monitoring.
As it is necessary to speed up the transition towards green energy and climate neutrality, wind-
farm developers are the important stakeholders. Nature conservation restrictions and the lack
of knowledge about species and habitats are often the reasons behind the pace of develop-
ments. In the design of the wind farms, it is often mandatory to carry out time consuming sur-
veys and the number of specialists is also limited, which affects the development. Thanks to
support measure, necessary studies could be carried out over a shorter period.
New tools and solutions are necessary for the public authorities, who are responsible for the
biodiversity protection, monitoring and decision making. Better knowledge is needed to make
science-based decisions to prevent damage to biodiversity and at the same time contribute to
economic activity, including the development of clean energy.
The information acquired from the project will help local municipalities in their general planning
process. The decisions made in spatial planning will take more nature protection needs into
account. The developers and business organisations can refer to the data and when assessing
the effect of their activities on habitats and species.
The stakeholder consultations was carried out on 5th of June 2023 to elaborate the support
measure proposal for the second loop.
2.3 Impact hypothesis / Objectives
The goal of the Programme is to create the precondition for the improvement of conservation
status of threatened habitats and species through decision making that relies on high-quality
data.
Being part of Europe, our environmental decisions and developments affect the ecosystems
and species populations more widely. Preserving and improving the quality of the ecosystem
services helps to strengthen the socio-economic situation in different fields providing income
and jobs, but also decreasing the negative impact of human activity and climate change. As
Estonia is small and the planned actions of this intervention cover the whole country, it will
affect more or less all people.
Better technological tools and hence the overviews of protected sites make understanding the
need for habitat and species protection more understandable for the public and accurately
described protection measures give the possibility for other institutions to take the initiative and
participate in protection activities.
High-quality data helps to increase the developments, including the developments of wind
farms, which will ensure the necessary energy and security for citizens. Also, developments of
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wind farms would decrease the pressure for forest cutting and wood burning. This has positive
effect on habitats and green network. Taking into account that most of the car industries are
planning to stop the production of cars with an internal combustion engine by 2030, the need
for electricity will increase significantly in the next decades. This is one example of the potential
positive impact of the measure, but the main objective is to preserve and restore the natural
values through decisions based on high-quality data.
If the protection measures are planned using up-to-date data and a reliable assessment pro-
cedure is carried out, it is easier to explain the need of the measures to the government, min-
istries and other policy makers, also developers and local people. For example, in Estonia
there is some political resistance to restoring river habitats and people do not understand the
necessity of restoring peatlands.
To achieve the goal of the Programme the existing planning and assessment methodologies
and information systems should be improved. It is important to improve the connection of plan-
ning and assessment with the national monitoring schemes and information systems. With the
help of Swiss support, the existing systems and solutions will be taken to the next level.
Planned intervention logic is presented in Annex 1 and in log-frame (4.3).
In summary, if comprehensive and high-quality information, including in sufficient volume is
available, then preconditions for improvement of the conservation status of species and habi-
tats are created, because planning and decision making is more justified, relevant information
is taken into account and assessing the effectiveness of the actions is based on more reliable,
qualitative and accurate information.
2.4 Intervention Strategy
The Programme Operator is the Ministry of Climate (MoC). The task of the Ministry of Climate
is to create conditions that guarantee a species-rich natural environment and a clean-living
environment for the people of Estonia today and for future generations and that ensures the
sustainable use of natural resources. MoC coordinates the Support Measure Programme prep-
aration and implementation and is responsible for Programme design and monitoring, also for
communication activities at the programme level.
The Programme goal will be achieved by implementing two Programme components that are
linked by a common theme - biodiversity. Programme Components will be implemented by
state authorities under the jurisdiction of the MoC (Administrative area | Ministry of Climate
(kliimaministeerium.ee)).
Programme Component 1 “Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solu-
tions and improvement of Environmental databases and systems”
For Programme Component 1 the Programme Component Operator- is Estonian Environ-
ment Agency (Keskkonnaagentuur or abbreviated KAUR). KAUR is a state authority admin-
istered by the Ministry of Climate. KAUR is responsible for the fulfilment of the national envi-
ronmental monitoring programme, the preparation of national and international reports in the
field of environment, evaluating environmental status, ensuring vital services, including
weather forecasts, and the maintenance and renewal of monitoring stations and equipment.
The tasks of the KAUR in the field of biodiversity are to collect, process and publish information
about nature and nature protection in Estonia, fulfil the national and international reporting
obligations and maintain nature protection databases. The information on nature and nature
protection collected in databases are the foundation of the preservation of objects under pro-
tection, species and their habitats.
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The KAUR will be responsible for delivering outputs connected to development of new tech-
nologies and innovative monitoring solutions and improvement of databases and systems.
As a partner organisation the Information Technology Centre of the Ministry of the Envi-
ronment (KeMIT) will be involved, since KEMIT is responsible for IT tools and services for the
employees in the administrative area of the Ministry of Climate and environmental e-services
for the public.
Programme Component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social
and conservation outcomes of protected areas”
For Programme Component 2 the Programme Component Operator is Environmental Board
of Estonia (Keskkonnaamet or abbreviated KeA). KeA is a government agency which oper-
ates within the area of the Ministry of Climate. The main task of KeA is to implement state
policies on environmental use, nature conservation and radiation safety and to monitor the
fulfilment of the laws and norms established for the protection of the natural environment. KeA
provides services related to nature conservation, for example: planning of activities related to
the organisation of nature conservation, management of permits for activities related to nature
conservation restrictions, organisation of nature conservation work, organising surveys of bio-
diversity values and assessing the effectiveness of nature conservation.
The KeA will be responsible for delivering outputs connected to the enhancing the process of
the effective conservation management planning. As the conservation objectives and
measures are revised and they are more specific and goal-oriented, it is easier to plan conser-
vation activities. The support measure helps to set site-specific, clear, precise and quantifiable
conservation objectives, underpinned by scientifically reliable favourable reference values.
To fulfil their main tasks KeA uses the data provided by the KAUR. Also KAUR receives the
input into KAUR databases from KeA. Thus, two Programme Components are closely re-
lated to each other.
For example, the use of the output of Programme Component 1 that is up-to-date data and
new technological tools that help carrying out assessments of conservation effectiveness and
conservation measures, make conservation management planning in Estonia more effective
and less time-consuming and can be used by KeA to update conservation management plans
of protected areas and action plans for species and habitats.
2.5 Beneficiaries
Direct beneficiaries
Direct beneficiaries of the Support Measure are KAUR and KeA who are responsible for the
implementation of the monitoring schemes, organization of the protection of protected areas
and assessment of the efficiency of protection measures. Also KEMIT as responsible for IT
tools and services and development of the databases and systems.
Indirect beneficiaries
Indirect beneficiaries are the State Forest Management Centre who carry out protection ac-
tivities on state land according to conservation management plans and also local municipal-
ities who use the data of habitats and species and also the information provided by conserva-
tion management plans in their overall planning of green infrastructure.
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As the beneficiaries are public authorities, they work for the public. Decisions and develop-
ments affect the whole population. It also has a cross-border effect as Estonian protected ar-
eas are part of the EU Natura 2000 network and only a few species live only in Estonia. So,
measures implemented in Estonia affect the populations which are part of much wider popu-
lations. Most Estonians (1.3 M people) benefit more or less directly from this Measure and
more or less indirectly the whole Europe benefits from it.
2.6 Programme Component Characteristics and regional focus
Is the benefit of the Project national or regional? National☒ Regional ☐
If regional, indicate the benefiting NUTS-2 region(s):
2.7 Overview Swiss Support Measure Partners
Is/are a/several Swiss Support Measure Partner(s) foreseen to be Yes☐ No☒
involved in and contributing to the implementation of the Support
Measure?
Institutional partnership is not planned, however, the Environmental Board will organise two
study trips to Switzerland (they have contacted the Swiss National Park): five days for six spe-
cialists each, the emphasis of one or the study trips is habitat protection and the emphasis of
the other study trip is species protection. The aim of the trips is to learn about conservation
management planning/strategies, habitat and species data collection, using GIS). Also Envi-
ronment Agency will have one study trip to Switzerland in late stage of the programme to share
the experiences and present the results. Some of the planned public procurements exceed
international threshold and Swiss organizations can participate in the process and make their
offer.
Name of the partner organisation
If collaboration foreseen in Pro-
gramme Component, indicate name
of Component
Partnership status Choose an element.
Type of organisation Choose an element.
Type of support or partnership Choose an element.
Name of contact person
Position
Correspondence address
Webpage and social media (if any)
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E-Mail
Phone Mobile
Has the partner organisation been previously involved in the Swiss Yes☐ No☐
Contribution
2.8 Sustainability
Sustainability in terms of financial viability:
National budget is reserved for implementing routine monitoring schemes and maintaining the
information systems. Developed methods should be cost-efficient and development of IT sys-
tems should decrease the human workload. Improvement of the decision making will have a
positive effect as well as the decisions will be more science-based and take into account pos-
sible negative consequences to the ecosystems. Preserving the condition is cheaper than re-
storing them. After the project, thanks to the monitoring programme, we are able to maintain
and further develop the methods and systems.
The main result for the KeA is that the protection effectiveness of protected areas will be as-
sessed and the process of preparing conservation management plans and national action
plans for species and habitats is more effective. KeA will be able to carry on conservation
management planning using the national budget. The Support Measure will help the KeA to
review its current conservation management planning practices in order to match them with
contemporary needs.
Sustainability in terms of capacity building:
One of the challenges for the KeA is the lack of experts in Estonia who can carry out inventories
and gather the data of habitats and species. In order to carry out inventories of habitats and
species it is necessary to raise the level of expertise among conservation management plan-
ning and conservation management specialists in the KeA. The competence of the specialists
can be improved by organising seminars and study trips in the frames of Programme. It is also
possible to use foreign experts (e.g. Swiss experts).
Another challenge is the opposition to conservation measures and activities among the repre-
sentatives of local people and developers. So, it is necessary to involve stakeholders in the
conservation planning process and find the solutions that are acceptable to the people living
in or near the site. Involving stakeholders to conservation management planning can be time-
consuming, so it is necessary to analyse how it should be carried out effectively and plan it
regarding the specifics of the area.
2.9 Overview tentative budget
Please see 4.6.
2.10 Other strategic issues
N/A
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3. Support Measure readiness
3.1 Context
Is the Support Measure proposal a continuation of a Project or Pro- Yes☐ No☒
gramme supported under the Swiss Contribution (I)?
Was the Support Measure proposal declined during a funding-application Yes☐ No☒
process by other donors (e.g. EU, Norway/EEA)?
If it was declined, explain why.
3.2 Preparation process and documents
Feasibility study None necessary / Not applicableNone nec-
essary / Not applicable
Baseline study, assessment or analysis None necessary / Not applicableNone nec-
essary / Not applicable
Neither a feasibility study nor a baseline study is necessary.
Estimated number of tender dossiers to # of dossier not yet prepared 4
be prepared
# of dossier provisionally pre- 0
pared
# of dossier completely pre- 0
pared
Permit(s)/Authorisations required and Yes☐ No☒
pending?
If permit(s)/authorisation(s) required,
specify (e.g. building, environmental, pur-
chase of land etc.) and note when the cor-
responding permit(s)/authorisation(s) are
expected.
Are legislative changes necessary to im- Yes☐ No☒
plement the Support Measure?
If legislative changes are necessary, ex-
plain and note when the corresponding
change is expected to have been made.
Are other (political) decisions necessary Yes☐ No☒
to implement the Support Measure?
If other (political) decisions are necessary,
explain and note when the corresponding
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decisions are expected to have been
taken.
Implementation of the Programme can start immediately after the signing of the Support
Measure Agreement.
3.3 Application for funds from Support Measure Preparation Fund
Is support from the Support Measure Preparation Fund requested? Yes☒ No☐
Support Measure Preparation Fund was requested by the MoC to cover Programme Opera-
tor’s costs connected to the preparation of the second-stage Support Measure Proposal. The
Preparation Fund was used for Programme Operator’s staff costs assigned to preparation of
the second-stage Support Measure Proposal. Also, for stakeholders consultation, signing cer-
emony and study trip to Switzerland.
4. Operational Support Measure description
4.1 Applying organisation (Executing Agency)
4.1.1 Financial and personnel information (only to be completed for non-state
institutions)
Date of establishment N/A Tax number (if applicable) N/A
Number of employees N/A
Financial Turnover for each of the 3 previous years [in Choose.] N/A
Ministry of Climate is a governmental authority which performs the functions provided by law
and the functions assigned by the Government of the Republic pursuant to law.
4.1.2 Organisation structures of Executing Agency and Support Measure
The Programme Operator is the Ministry of Climate (MoC), that was formed on the basis of
the Ministry of the Environment on 01.07.2023. By this reorganisation the area of responsibility
of the Ministry of the Environment was significantly extended: transport, energy, housing and
construction, maritime economy were transferred from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and
Communications to the formed Ministry of Climate. The main aim of this reorganisation is to
implement the green reform more effectively. The structure and responsibilities of the MoC are
assigned by the statute of the ministry (https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/108072023005).
The management structure of the MoC is presented on the scheme bellow (scheme 1). Min-
istry is directed by the Minister. The Secretary General of a ministry directs the work of the
structural units of the ministry, co-ordinates the activities of state authorities within the area of
government of the ministry and manages the operations of the ministry. There are seven Dep-
uty Secretary Generals and 24 departments in the MoC. The main departments that are directly
involved into implementation of the Support Measure are Financial Department and Biodiver-
sity Protection Department (they are marked with coloured rings on the scheme). The main
tasks of the Financial Department are to coordinate and organise the budgeting and financial
management of the ministry and the area of government, including monitoring and analysing
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budget implementation, organising financial reporting, organising the development and use of
support programmes and measures financed by external funds and monitoring their use. The
main tasks of the Biodiversity Protection Department are to design and organise the imple-
mentation of nature protection policy, including soil protection policy.
Other departments (for example Public Relations Department, Legal Department etc) of the
MoC will be involved upon need based on the procedures of the MoC. The tasks of the depart-
ments are fixed internally in the statutes of the departments.
Scheme 1: management structure of the MoC
The jurisdictional structure of the MoC is presented on the scheme 2. Both Programme
Component Operators are within the area of government of the ministry and financed from
state budget. Estonian Environmental Agency is the state authority and Environmental Board
is governmental authority (they are marked with coloured rings on the scheme). The manage-
ment structure of Programme Component Operators is presented in 6.2 and 9.2.
Scheme 2: jurisdictional structure of the MoC
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4.1.3 Support Measure management team
Will external management personnel be hired to implement the Support Yes☐ No☒
Measure?
What personnel capacity will be dedicated Internal resources External resources
for the management of the Support Measure
implementation (in full-time equivalents 0,3 FTE
FTE)?
Programme will be managed by the Programme Operator (MoC). 0,3 FTE of the internal re-
sources will be dedicated for this task: 0,15 FTE in Financial Department and 0,15 FTE in
Biodiversity Protection Department. The Financial Department acts as the main managing unit
within the Programme Operator. Financial Department will have the coordinating role and will
be the main contact point at the Programme level. Biodiversity Protection Department is re-
sponsible for the Programme’s thematic area. The tasks of the employees and officials of the
MoC are regulated with job descriptions and other relevant documents. The Programme Op-
erator will guide and monitor the implementation of the Programme Components. Annual ac-
tivities are defined in the annual work plan of the ministry. During year work plan is regularly
monitored. Each Programme Component Operator will nominate the Programme Component
manager, who will coordinate the implementation of the concrete component. The manage-
ment team at the Programme Component level is described in 6.3 and 9.3.
There will be Task Force for ongoing monitoring, that will meet at least two times per year and
will consist of Programme Operator, Programme Component Operators, National Coordination
Unit and Partner (KEMIT).
As prescribed by the Regulations there will be the Steering Committee established by the
National Coordination Unit, that will be composed at least from the NCU, SCO, Programme
Operator and Programme Component Operator. The Steering Committee will supervise the
progress of implementation and make suggestions for improvements and approve modifica-
tions to the Support Measure. The Steering Committee will meet at least once per year.
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The Programme Operator will also participate at Annual Meetings of the Cooperation Pro-
gramme.
The function mentioned in Regulations Article 6.8 p.3 will be implemented by the State Shared
Service Centre. In accordance with the Regulations Article 3.4.2. no Intermediate Bodies shall
be set up for the implementation of the Support Measure. State Shared Service Centre, which
acts as the competence centre for the implementation of structural and other funds in Estonia,
carries out the tasks in accordance with Article 6.8 p.3 of the Regulations for the implementa-
tion of the Support Measure. The activities that are carried out in accordance with Article 6.8
p.3 by the State Shared Service Centre are financed from the Support Measure. The fulfilment
of the functions of the National Coordination Unit, which is located in the same organization
and is financed from the Technical Assistance Fund, is completely separated from these ac-
tivities.
The implementation scheme of the Programme is attached in Annex 7.
Are CVs attached to this documentation? Yes☐ No☒
Are terms of reference for the management functions to be established Yes☐ No☒
attached to this documentation?
4.1.4 Programme and project management experience
The ministry has a comprehensive experience on use, management and monitoring of grants
allocated by the European Union or other donors, as pursuant to the act of Government of the
Republic, the minister monitors the accurate and purposeful implementation of the budget and
the purposeful use of funds, aid and grants in the area of government of the ministry. Ministry
coordinates and organises the development and use of support programmes and measures
financed by external funds (European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund, Just Tran-
sition Fund, Recovery and Resilience Facility, European Economic Area and Norwegian Fi-
nancial Mechanisms, Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme) and monitors their use. Also,
ministry is involved as project leader or partner into implementation of concrete projects.
As described in the previous sections the Ministry of Climate was formed on the basis of Min-
istry of the Environment (MoE). MoE was the intermediate body for the programme “Enhanc-
ing public environmental monitoring capacities” supported by the previous Swiss Contri-
bution in amount of 8 426 189,90 CHF. The objective of the programme was to enhance public
environmental monitoring capacities for the whole country in order to reduce environmental
pollution, to increase the quality of environmental information and living standards and to pro-
mote sustainable economic development. As clean water resources, high ambient air quality
and radiation safety are of vital importance for humans and ecosystems, the programme was
focused on development of surveillance capacities in these sectors. The biodiversity monitor-
ing was not covered by previous contribution.
Ministry of Climate acts as lead partner in several LIFE Integrated Projects:
• “Comprehensive management of forest and farming landscapes to improve the
conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats and species” (LIFE18 IPE/EE/000007,
ForEst&FarmLand, 3 FTE). Implementation period 01.01.2020 - 31.12.2029. Total eli-
gible budget is 19 561 784 EUR, from which EU contribution is 11 611 434 EUR. The
main objective of the project is to implement the most critical part of the Estonian Pri-
oritised Actions Framework (PAF) for Natura 2000 related to forests and agricultural
land. The aims are 1) to improve the conservation status of forest and farmland habitats
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and species to achieve results that benefit whole ecosystems; 2) to improve conserva-
tion practices and collaboration between administrative authorities; and 3) to raise
awareness and capacity of main stakeholders and general public, including the use of
innovative conservation tools and solutions.
• “Development of an integrated water management and its modern tools in Esto-
nia - strategic choices for future” (LIFE17IPE/EE/000007, CleanEST). Implementa-
tion period 01.01.2019 - 31.12.2028). Total budget is 16 666 000 EUR. The main ob-
jective of the project is to implement the most critical part of the East Estonian water
management plan. The project's main fields of activity are reducing harmfulness of re-
sidual pollution, identifying and restoring the goods of ecosystems, developing solu-
tions to reduce the pressure from agriculture on the environment, identification of the
need for reclamation of the local management systems, liquidation of migration barriers
to improve the ecological status of the rivers, increasing environmental awareness.
There are 4,8 FTE from MoC involved in this project.
• “Implementation of national climate change adaptation activities in Esto-
nia” (LIFE21-IPC-EE-LIFE-SIP AdaptEst/101069566). Implementation period
01.01.2023 – 31.03.2032. Total eligible budget is 18 859 312 EUR, form which EU
contribution is 11 294 017 EUR. Climate Change Adaptation Development Plan until
2030 sets eight subgoals based on the priority sectors of the economic and adminis-
trative structure in the Republic of Estonia (independently and partially combined) from
which the implementation of five is supported by the project: (1) health and rescue
capacity, (2) land use and planning, (3) natural environment, (4) bioeconomy, (5) so-
ciety, awareness and cooperation.
• “Pursuing Estonian national climate ambition through smart and resilient reno-
vation” (LIFE20 IPC/EE/000010). Implementation period 01.11.2021 – 31.12.2028.
Total eligible budget is 16 226 711 EUR, form which EU contribution is 9 500 000 EUR.
The long-term objective of the project is to increase the ambition, and pave the way for
reducing CO₂ emissions, of Estonia’s existing building stock by up to 100% (~4.5 mil-
lion tCO₂/yr) by 2050. In the short-term, the project aims to pursue the 2030 goal of
reducing the CO2 emissions by 32% (~1.4 million tCO₂/yr). Achieving the objectives
will help to mitigate the effect that energy performance of buildings has on climate
change.
4.2 Detailed intervention strategy and activities
4.2.1 Detailed description of activities and intervention strategy
One of the objectives of the programme is to enhance wildlife monitoring through the testing
and implementation of new solutions and technologies. New technology will be integrated into
monitoring schemes. For example, 3D bird radars will be used in bird monitoring, which will
increase the accuracy of the data and also, it will increase the efficiency and operativeness.
There are few programmes that support testing new solutions and tools in wildlife monitoring
and this is one of the reason that this field is not developing as fast as it could. It is especially
important to implement new and old methods at the same time in order to calibrate the results,
so the longtime series of data sets will be continued. Also, eDNA, laser binoculars and other
suitable tools and solutions will be tested and integrated into monitoring schemes.
Environment Agency is developing AI for the monitoring of game species. According to the
existing method, data of the game species is collected in winter and the presence of snow
cover is important. Due to the climate change, Estonian winters are smoother and there are
fewer days with snow cover, especially in areas that are close to the sea. Developing and using
AI is one alternative for the existing method. That also requires great amount of tracking cam-
eras. Development of the AI and purchasing of the tracking cameras is financed from other
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funds, but additional personnel is necessary in order to speed up the training and using of the
AI and implement new Random Encounter Model in game species monitoring. At the moment
there are around 100 cameras in use, but by 2024 there will be 700. There are 7 times more
work in installing cameras and managing data. After the new system is in place and AI is smart
enough to sort empty pictures and recognize different species, this extra person is no longer
required.
As the main objective of the Swiss Support is to improve decision making through qualitative
data, it is important to improve IT systems and databases that would decrease human work,
help to analyse great amount of data and make it easier to understand. Data is often scattered
in different systems and quality of data varies. It is necessary to bring the data together, de-
velop analytical tools and make it more attractive, visible, and understandable. Also, it is also
necessary to improve citizen science. Citizen science can play an important role by filling data
gaps where conventional data sources may not be sufficient, providing complementary tem-
poral and spatial data that supports official monitoring systems. Besides collecting additional
data, promoting citizen science gives the opportunity to raise environmental awareness.
The second component of the programme is related to enhancing the protection of natural
values in protected areas and endangered species. So far, the effectiveness of protection
measures has been evaluated in few protected areas, so it is not clear which protection
measures are the most effective for protecting species and habitats. Therefore, an evaluation
of effectiveness of protected areas is carried out, and based on these results, it is necessary
to update area-based conservation management plans. Management plans must also take
into account those aspects that have not been paid attention to, e.g. how to contribute to the
survival of species and habitats in changing climate conditions. Also, how to integrate conser-
vation management plans (the state's responsibility) into the green networks specified in gen-
eral plans of municipalities. Improving the effectiveness of the green network is also important
for achieving the conservation objectives of the protected area by providing green corridors for
the spread of species between the areas. In order to evaluate the effectiveness, it is necessary
to carry out additional inventories, otherwise it is not possible to have adequate up-to-date
information about the status of species and habitats in protected areas. In order to ensure the
uniform quality of the inventories, the inventory methodologies will be updated, and inventory
guidelines will be prepared for those habitat groups where they are still missing.
Area based conservation objectives are not enough to achieve the favorable status of species
and habitats. For this purpose, nationwide objectives will be set, including favorable reference
values for each species and habitat, and measures on how to achieve the objectives. For this
purpose, national action plans for habitat and species will be prepared for those habitat groups
and protected species, where this has not yet been done. In addition to determining the threat-
ness of species according to the Red List, species are divided into different protection catego-
ries, which are subject to different rules. For example, 100% of the localities of species of
protection category I must be protected, at least 50% of localities of species of protection cat-
egory II, and at least 10% of localities of species of protection category III. The current distri-
bution needs to be reassessed because, for various reasons, the status of some species has
improved in the meantime and that of other species has deteriorated. Designation of updated
protection categories will help to protect more effectively those species that need it most.
The inventories made by the Environmental Board are inserted into the database managed by
the Environmental Agency, the results of the inventory are the basis for national monitoring,
while additional information about the natural values of protected areas can be obtained based
on the monitoring results. Creating an automatic transfer between the Estonian nature infor-
mation system (data on protected areas, protected species, inventories) and the monitoring
database enables the use of relevant information, so that there is no need to use different
databases. Manual workload will be reduced. The information needed to manage the protected
areas will be relevant, and easy to use for both state authorities and the wider public. The
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protection of natural values is more effective, is based on data that is comprehensible to all,
and ensures the improvement of the status of species and habitats. Greater involvement of
interest groups and voluntary monitoring will help to improve the understanding of the need to
protect nature more broadly. These are the basic conditions for the general improvement of
the state of nature, which in turn helps to contribute to the fulfillment of the goals and the targets
of Global Biodiversity Framework.
4.2.2 Detailed description of selection process for Programme Components
Not relevant, as all components have been selected.
4.2.3 Communication activities
Programme´s launching and closing event is organized by the Ministry of Climate. We are
planning to involve media, stakeholders and competent authorities on both events for the pur-
pose of increasing awareness of Programme and also environmental awareness.
We are planning to send joint press releases and social media posts once a year during the
implementation period. Throughout the period, the public will be informed about the progress
of the programme through various activities by Programme Component Operators. Also, we
are monitoring media (articles, press releases etc) through “Station” (Estonian media monitor-
ing programme).
There will be communication activities (articles, social medias posts, television and/or radio)
at the Programme Components level (Annex 1, 3.1):
Environmental Agency
• We will use our social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) to post news of the
results of the project (at least 20). Our Facebook page has approximately 10 000 fol-
lowers;
• Social media boosts: we will boost important and attractive posts (2) and with that, our
posts will reach at least 200 000 social media users;
• We will publish at least 4 blog posts, which will be shared in the list of journalists. With
that, we can reach biggest Estonian newspapers (Postimees, Delfi, Päevaleht, Maaleht
etc), both paper and web, which are covering most of the population in Estonia;
• 8 articles of the new solutions and technologies in the wildlife monitoring (AI, 3D radars,
etc), target group wider public;
• 2 events where new solutions and technologies will be demonstrated, target group up
to 150 persons, experts in the field and data users (scientists, hunters, windfarm de-
velopers, etc). This will also enhance networking and collaboration among different
stakeholders;
• Citizen science campaigns (20) to involve volunteers in wildlife monitoring. During the
campaigns we aim to reach up to 1000 people;
• 2 bigger events for volunteers to present the results of the campaigns, recognize vol-
unteers, enhance networking and collaboration for the future. This helps to strengthen
the network and also this helps to bring the results of the project to more people through
dedicated people. Target group up to 150 persons, volunteers, wildlife enthusiasts and
specialists, active community members and environmental specialists of the local coun-
ties;
• Television, we will propose our topics at least to 2 national broadcasts and shows like
Terevisioon (80 000 viewers) and Osoon (160 000 – 180 000 viewers);
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• At least 8 appearances/interviews on radio shows (e.g Vikerraadio, Ökoskoop etc).
Vikerraadio is the most listened radio (120 000 listeners/day and during a week they
can reach up to 228 000 people);
• In the final stage of the project, we plan to make a presentation in Switzerland to intro-
duce the results of the project to interested target groups (wildlife experts and special-
ists, scientists, officials, financiers of the programme, etc) who could benefit from our
experience and who could replicate the results.
The Environmental Board
• The overall communication and management costs for Programme Component 2 in-
clude newspaper and social media articles (e.g more than 36,000 print circulation of
the national newspaper, more than 12,000 Facebook users) and compilation of the
webpage. Examples of management plans and action plans are translated into English.
• When assessing the management effectiveness (Activity 1) of larger areas where dif-
ferent stakeholders are involved, meetings are organised to introduce the results of the
assessment and get the input from stakeholders. There is a need to publish newspaper
advertisements in local and/or national newspapers, introduce the topic on the
webpage. When organising meetings with stakeholders it may be necessary to rent
rooms and organise coffee breaks. During hybrid meetings it is necessary to rent extra
technical equipment for audio and video solutions. The results of management effec-
tiveness assessment will be introduced to the public: a digital report/summary will be
published in Estonian and English. The report has to be digitally designed.
• In the process of preparing of site-based management plans (Activity 2) interest groups
are involved. The project will produce a total of 64 management plans. All of them are
introduced to the public on the website (www.keskkonnaamet.ee), newspaper adver-
tisements are published in local or national newspapers, meetings are organised (in-
person meetings, hybrid meetings using MS Teams), letters are sent to stakeholders.
When organising meetings with stakeholders it is necessary to rent rooms and organise
coffee breaks. During hybrid meetings it may be necessary to rent extra technical
equipment for audio and video solutions.
• In the process of preparing habitat action plans (Activity 2) interest groups are involved.
The project will produce at least three habitat plans. They are introduced to the public
on the website (www.keskkonnaamet.ee), newspaper advertisements are published in
national newspapers, meetings are organised (in-person meetings, using MS Teams),
letters are sent to stakeholders. During hybrid meetings it may be necessary to rent
extra technical equipment for audio and video solutions. When organising meetings
with stakeholders it is necessary to rent rooms and organise coffee breaks.
• In the process of proposing the changes in protection categories of species and pre-
paring action plans for protected species (Activity 3) interest groups (mostly universities
and experts) are involved. The project will produce 60 action plans. When preparing
the action plans http://www.keskkonnaamet.ee/ meetings with experts/universities are
organised (in-person meetings, hybrid meetings using MS Teams). When organising
meetings it is necessary to rent rooms and organise coffee breaks. During hybrid meet-
ings it may be necessary to rent extra technical equipment for audio and video solution.
• Communication with local authorities (79 local municipalities): one seminar per year
(conservation management and green infrastructure) is organised. The costs include
advertisements, room rent, coffee breaks, renting equipment for audio and video solu-
tions.
4.2.4 Detailed implementation schedule
Please see annex 6.
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4.3 Logframe
Hierarchy of objectives Key Indicators Sources & Means of Verifi- Assumptions & Risks
Strategy of Intervention (incl. target values and baseline) cation (External Factors)
Impact: Sources and Means of
Impact Impact Indicators
Verification
Improved conservation status of Proportion of habitat types and species National reports and data- Depends on other measures
threatened habitats and species with an improved status, 30% by 2030. bases implemented in Estonia.
The baseline is the 2019 assessment of
the Habitats Directive Article 17 report. A
30% improvement should be achieved
compared to the results of this report
(therefore baseline is 0).
Outcomes (Support Measure objectives
Outcome Indicators Outcome: Sources and Means Outcome
/purpose)
of Verification Assumptions & Risks
1. The efficiency and reliability of bio- 1. Data collected as part of the biodiver- 1. Estonian Nature Infor- • Insufficient financing of
diversity monitoring has improved sity monitoring programme reaches the mation system; National Bi- national biodiversity mon-
databases within one year through auto- odiversity Monitoring Pro- itoring programme and bi-
mated process gramme odiversity protection in
2. The effectiveness of management
planning of protected areas as well as Baseline: no automated process, most of the future due the na-
protected species and habitats has the date reaches databases within more 2. Support Measure Com- tional security and
improved than one year pletion Report with exam- changes in priorities and
ples of guidelines, manage- that can affect the sus-
tainability of the support
2. New guidelines for drawing up man- ment and action plans measure
agement plans of protected areas have • Institutional reforms
been implemented
• Changes in legislation
Baseline: The previous guidelines are
outdated (2012, updated 2018)
Output Indicators Output:
Outputs: Support Measure deliverables/re- Output
Sources and Means of Verifica-
sults per outcome Assumptions & Risks
tion
1.1. Existing IT systems (databases At least 4 additional connections or tools Support Measure Comple- Risks:
and portals) and their connectivity is for the exchange of data between the IT tion describing the connec-
improved • Price of the services and
systems have been established tivity of IT systems
equipment will increase
Baseline: 0 for additional connections • IT developments take
and tools (overall, IT systems has already longer than planned
many other existing connections and • The number of potential
tools) service providers (includ-
1.2. New technologies and novel so- At least 5 new developed and piloted so- National Biodiversity Moni- ing experts) is limited that
lutions for biodiversity monitoring are lutions (Random Encounter Method, Arti- toring Programme impacts public procure-
mapped, developed, tested and im- ficial Intelligence, 3D bird radar, eDNA ments and public pro-
plemented and, other new technical solutions that curements may fail
will be worked out in first stage of the pro- • The quality of services is
ject low
Baseline: 0 • Being unable to hire the
2.1. Site-based and national conser- • The effectiveness of the management • Support Measure Com- personnel for the pro-
vation objectives and measures for of at least 300 protected objects (dif- pletion with examples of gramme
protected species and habitats are ferent types of protected areas) is as- guidelines, manage-
revised sessed ment and action plans
Baseline: 0 (using new methodology) • Final report of manage-
ment effectiveness as-
• 5 action plans for habitats; 64 conser-
sessment
2.2. The conservation management vation management plans for pro-
tected areas using a new format, 5 • Management plans and
plans of protected areas, action plans habitats action plans are
action plans for habitats and 24% of
for species and habitats are revised compiled and are pub-
all the protected species in Estonia
and updated licly available through
have action plans
the database
Baselines: 2 action plans for habitats; 0 • The draft regulation for
conservation management plans for pro- the change of protection
tected areas (using the new format) categories of species is
• 16% of all the protected species in prepared.
Estonia have action plans. The pro-
tection categories of all the protected
species’ groups (not separate spe-
cies) are evaluated
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Baseline: 0
• Draft document to change the regu-
lations of protection categories is pre-
pared
Baseline: 0
• The toolset for conservation manage-
ment effectiveness assessment is set
up and in use in the Environmental
Board
Baseline: 0
3.Competence of the specialists as • At least 21 trainings/seminars • Annual Support Meas-
well as public awareness and en- • At least 8 study trips ure Reports
gagement is improved • A network of volunteers is created • Registration lists
• At least 20 campaigns to involve vol- • In crosscutting indicator
unteers in wildlife monitoring the disaggregation of
• 2 bigger events for volunteers training participants
• 2 bigger events for stakeholders only by gender, but not
along disadvantaged
• At least 8 articles of the new solutions
and non-disadvantaged
in wildlife monitoring
groups will be made
• At least 8 appearances in radio
shows
• At least 2 appearances in TV shows
• 1 presentation in Switzerland to intro-
duce the results of the project
• CC_CI_1 Number of people benefit-
ing from training to improve institu-
tional and professional capacity
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4.4 Swiss Support Measure Partner(s)
Institutional partnership is not planned, however, the Environmental Board will organise two
study trips to Switzerland (they have contacted the Swiss National Park): five days for six spe-
cialists each, the emphasis of one of the study trips is habitat protection and the emphasis of
the other study trip is species protection. The aim of the trips is to learn about conservation
management planning/strategies, habitat and species data collection, using GIS). Also Envi-
ronment Agency will have one study trip to Switzerland in late stage of the programme to share
the experiences and present the results. Some of the planned public procurements exceed
international threshold and Swiss organizations can participate in the process and make their
offer.
4.5 Stakeholder consultations
Stakeholder consultation took place on the 5th of June 2023. The invitation was sent to about
150 persons and institutions: to all local authorities, universities, organisations involved into
monitoring or biodiversity protection (please see invitation letter in annex 10). There were 32
participants (please see registration list in annex 10). After the event there was an opportunity
for written feedback (please see afterword and event materials in annex 10).
At the beginning of the event the objectives and expected results of the programme were in-
troduced and an overview on the development trends in nature conservation was given. After-
wards each programme component operator introduced main actions to the participants and
two different workshops were organized where participants had the chance to point out prob-
lems, propose new ideas and actions.
Ideas and actions that were described in the proposal and introduced to the stakeholders, were
all supported. Those were: 3D bird radar, development and training of the AI, including imple-
menting the Random Encounter Model more widely in game species monitoring, testing new
solutions and technology in wild life monitoring (eDNA, remote monitoring solutions, automa-
tion, laser binoculars, drones with thermos cameras, telemetry surveys), promoting citizen sci-
ence and also development of the IT systems.
Stakeholders agreed that data should be easier to collect, more accessible and more under-
standable. The interface of different systems was considered necessary which would make
data queries easier and faster. Data up-to-dateness was considered important, especially in
decision-making. Stakeholders pointed out that entering data into databases should be simpli-
fied, including creating solutions for mass-data. If possible, some of the IT systems should be
as mobile applications. Testing the capabilities of eDNA was strongly emphasized.
The project activities proposed by the Environmental Board, were also supported. The repre-
sentatives of local municipalities said that they would like to participate more in the process of
compiling management plans. They pointed out that updating species data and management
plans is crucial in general planning processes and decision making. It is necessary to know
which areas are suitable for development and planning the use of mineral resources. The En-
vironmental Board will organise joint seminars for local municipalities in order to discuss how
conservation management and principles of green infrastructure work together.
The representatives of universities said that they are ready to carry out necessary inventories,
give expert opinions and put together methodologies for habitats inventories. They agreed that
protection categories of species need to be updated as well. Expert opinions about species
give input to action plans and help decision making and law enforcement.
It was pointed out that updated site-based management plans and action plans that describe
objectives, pressures, risks and measures are necessary for environmental impact assess-
ment.
In summary, the proposed ideas and activities were supported, no one objected neither con-
cept nor content of Programme.
4.6 Tentative Budget
4.6.1 Detailed tentative budget
The budget is attached in Annex 4. Budget is split between three main parts:
1. Management costs:
o This part includes costs only for Programme Management (costs done at the Pro-
gramme level). Costs connected to the management and implementation (including
involvement of partners) of the Programme Components are included into the
budget of components.
o This part includes also the costs of State Shared Service Centre for the fulfilment
of the function in accordance with Regulations Article 6.8 p.3 In accordance with
the Regulations Article 3.4.2. no Intermediate Bodies shall be set up for the imple-
mentation of the Support Measure. State Shared Service Centre, which acts as the
competence centre for the implementation of structural and other funds in Estonia,
carries out the tasks in accordance with Article 6.8 p.3 of the Regulations for the
implementation of the Support Measure. The activities that are carried out in ac-
cordance with Article 6.8 p.3 by the State Shared Service Centre are financed from
the Support Measure. The fulfilment of the functions of the National Coordination
Unit, which is located in the same organization and is financed from the Technical
Assistance Fund, is completely separated from these activities.
2. Programme Component 1 “Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solutions
and improvement of Environmental databases and systems”
3. Programme Component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and
conservation outcomes of protected areas”
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4.6.2 Tentative Disbursement Plan
Reimbursement 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Period
Estimated reim- 926 117,50 926 117,50 843 284,71 843 284,71 854 997,31 854 997,31 836 038,88 836 038,88 9 122,84
bursement of
Swiss Contribu-
tion in CHF
4.7 Risk Analysis and Risk Management
Risk Impact Likeli- Risk level Mitigation measure(s)
[1 – 5] hood
[1 – 5]
Institutional reforms 1 3 Low Internal institutional reform is on-
going in the Environmental
Board, but it has low impact on
support measure, because the
project activities can be adjusted
to the new structure of the insti-
tution.
Changes in legislation 3 3 Low-Medium Necessary adjustments in the
programme will be made follow-
ing the legislative changes
Price of the services 3 3 Low-Medi- To mitigate the risk, we have
and equipment will in- umLow- taken this into account in the
crease Medium preparation of the budget and we
have added necessary buffer. In
case buffer will be not needed we
will make a proposal to transfer it
to another budget line.
IT developments take 3 4 Medium- We are already developing pro-
longer than planned HighMe- curement documents to save
dium- time and start as soon as agree-
ment is signed.
High
The number of potential 3 3 Low-Medi- To mitigate the risks, we have in-
service providers (in- umLow- volved stakeholder in the prepa-
cluding experts) is lim- Medium ration of this programme and we
ited that impacts public will actively spread the infor-
procurements and pub- mation of the public procure-
lic procurements may ments and as the number of po-
fail tential service providers is limited
in Estonia, we will use interna-
tional public procurements if nec-
essary and mandatory according
to the law.
The quality of services 3 3 Low-Medi- When ordering services it is nec-
is low umLow- essary to plan well ahead and
Medium provide the quality criteria that
need to be followed. The ser-
vices have to be described in de-
tail in contracts, if work does not
confirm to the contract, a chance
to improve the work is given. It is
necessary to check the quality
services offered regularly.
Risk Impact Likeli- Risk level Mitigation measure(s)
[1 – 5] hood
[1 – 5]
Institutional reforms 1 3 Low Internal institutional reform is on-
going in the Environmental
Board, but it has low impact on
support measure, because the
project activities can be adjusted
to the new structure of the insti-
tution.
Changes in legislation 3 3 Low-Medium Necessary adjustments in the
programme will be made follow-
ing the legislative changes
Being unable to hire the 4 2 Low-Medi- It is necessary to provide the sal-
personnel for the pro- umLow- aries that motivate, also, ser-
gramme Medium vices can be chosen instead.
Overall Risk Level Support Measure Medium-lowMedium-low
In general we think the risk is low, but there are
Comments on the overall risk level (if
some risk mentioned above that evaluated as low-
any)
medium.
4.8 Monitoring and Steering
In accordance with Regulations the Support Measure Steering Committee will be established
to supervise the progress of implementation of the Programme and make suggestions for im-
provements, to approve in accordance with Regulations any modifications based on the pro-
posal by the Programme Operator.
There will be Task Force for ongoing monitoring of the Programme and Programme Compo-
nents. The Task Force will propose any modifications to the Steering Committee.
The resources for Steering Committee and Task Force meetings are foreseen in the Pro-
gramme Budget.
4.9 Other operational issues
N/A
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5. Annexes
# Annex
1 Intervention logic
2 Overview of Implementation locations
3 Programme Characteristics
4 Budget
5 Procurement Plan
6 Implementation schedule
7 Implementation scheme
8 Detailed Information to Programme Component 1
8-1 Environment Agency actions and personnel
9 Detailed Information to Programme Component 2
10 Stakeholder consultation
11 Feedback on the recommendations
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Annex 2: Overview of Implementation locations
General (Programme Management)
Location name Address
Ministry of the Climate (Kliimaministeerium) Suur-Ameerika 1, Tallinn
Programme Component 1 “Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solu-
tions and improvement of Environmental databases and systems”
Location name Address
Estonian Environment Agency (Keskkonnaagentuur) Mustamäe tee 33, Tallinn
Programme Component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social
and conservation outcomes of protected areas”
Location name Address
Environmental Board of Estonia (Keskkonnaamet) Roheline 64, Pärnu
Annex [8]
Detailed Information to Programme Component
Basic Programme Component Information
Title Development of innovative monitoring technologies/so-
lutions and improvement of Environmental databases
and systems
Planned Duration [months] 48
Requested Swiss contribu- 2 883 589,89
tion (CHF)
Requested co-financing 85%
rate of Switzerland [%]
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6. Programme Component Operator
6.1 Basic Information
Name of Programme Com- Environment Agency
ponent Operator
Type of entity National administrationNational administration
If type of organization is
“other”, describe the type
briefly
Name of contact person Mr Lauri Klein
Position Wildlife monitoring coordinator
Correspondence address: Mustamäe tee 33, Tallinn, Estonia
E-Mail
[email protected]
[email protected]
Webpage and social media https://keskkonnaagentuur.ee/en
(if any)
https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur
Date of establishment 01.06.2013 Tax number (if applicable) EE101646790
Number of employees 208 (31.10.2023)
Financial Turnover for each of the 3 previous years [in 2020 – 12 075 890;
EUREUR]
2021 – 11 873 025;
2022 – 12 0111 311.
Has the Programme Component Operator previously received Yes☐ No☒
funding from the Swiss Contribution?
6.2 Programme Component Operator Management
Since 1st of April 2022, matrix management is implemented in the Environmental Agency.
There are three functional managers who are responsible for different functions and services.
As seen in the chart, there are six main departments reporting to the director and functional
managers. Wildlife department will be the main department responsible for the management
and implementation of the Swiss-Estonian cooperation programme.
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6.3 Programme Component Management
Will external management personnel be hired to implement the Pro- Yes☒ No☐
gramme Component?
What personnel capacity will be dedicated Internal resources External resources
for the management of the Programme Com-
ponent implementation (in full-time equiva- 1,0 4,0 FTE
lents FTE)?
It is necessary to use external resources to implement the actions planned with the Swiss-
Estonian cooperation programme. All those people will be working in the Wildlife department.
Project manager (full-time, period 2024-2027) (hereinafter the term “project” refers to the term
“Programme Component”) – responsible for the project team management and the implemen-
tation of the actions, preparation of the public procurements, documentation and budget, or-
ganizing study trips, communication and translation of the documents, etc. Potential project
manager is already involved in the preparation of the application.
Chief specialist (monitoring specialist, full-time, period 2024-2027) – additional employee, who
will be responsible for the development, testing and implementation of new monitoring meth-
odologies, including contribution to the preparation of the acquisition of mobile 3D bird radar
and responsible for the implementation and integration of the equipment into the national mon-
itoring methodologies. In cooperation with scientists and technical experts, map possible novel
methodologies, solutions (eDNA) and equipment (night observation equipment, transmitters,
remote sensing solutions, etc.) to be used in the wildlife and ecosystem monitoring. Arrange
testing of mapped novel monitoring methodologies, equipment, and solutions. Also, monitoring
specialist will be responsible for the involvement of volunteers and organization of the cam-
paigns.
Specialist (monitoring assistant, full-time, period 2024-2027) – additional employee, who will
help to implement the new REM (Random Encounter Model) methodology, contributes to the
collection of data through track cameras, data management and training of the artificial intelli-
gence (AI) to be created.
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Chief specialist (IT specialist in the Environmental Agency, part-time, internal specialist, work-
load 0.5, period 2024-2027) – contributes to the compilation of the initial IT tasks: advises the
IT developer, tests and introduces the results. A person with the same work load (0.5) will start
working in the IT Centre of the Ministry of the Climate in the period 2024-2027. He/she will be
responsible for the business analyses, organizing IT related public procurements and he/she
will be the main contact person for developers. Also, he/she will be responsible for the quality
of the services.
Specialist (data specialist, full-time, period 2024-2027) – organizes the entry and updating of
data in Estonian Nature Information System (EELIS) collected within the framework of inven-
tories ordered by the Environmental Board. Also contributes to the development of IT systems.
It is more cost-effective to hire a person than outsource the service. It also ensures operational
efficiency, better control of the work and sustainability of the results as it helps to preserve the
institutional memory.
At the moment terms of reference for the functions is not yet established, but main tasks and
actions have been described in the annex.
Are CVs attached to this documentation? Yes☐ No☒
Are terms of reference for the management functions to be established Yes☐ No☒
attached to this documentation?
6.4 Programme and Project Management Experience
In the last 5 years, Environment Agency has implemented 9 environmental projects (15 addi-
tional FTE-s) and monitoring programmes (2019-2023). Most programmes are implemented
on regular bases and are still ongoing. For example, implementing the national wildlife and
landscape monitoring programme, developing the prototype of AI (game species), developing
the nature observation mobile application.
Wildlife and landscape monitoring programme is mostly financed from national budget. In the
past years, the yearly budget has been 455 000 euros (without VAT, personnel costs ex-
cluded), which is used to outsource services (e.g monitoring of eagles, amphibians, flying
squirrels, bats, seals, forest birds, etc.) from wildlife experts. Every year there are around 50
monitoring works. Mostly public procurement is used or simpler procurements which is accord-
ance with the law and internal procedures of the Agency. Monitoring team consists of 12 per-
sons and their salary is covered from the state budget.
KAUR is the leading partner of the ELME project. The main objective of the project is mapping
and assessment of Estonian ecosystems and related ecosystem services. Besides, new meth-
odologies and technologies were tested in wildlife monitoring, including Random Encounter
Methodology (REM), drones and acoustic sensors. Project activities started in 2016 and it will
be finished in the end of 2023. Total cost of the project is 1,65 million euros and it is financed
from the EU Cohesion Fund. Co-financing comes from the state budget and National Environ-
mental Programme. Employees responsible for managing the project and implementing the
activities are still working in the Agency.
Also, an AI prototype was developed in 2020-2021 (duration 15 months), which was financed
from European Regional Development Fund. Total cost of the development was 95 400 euros.
The aim of the project was to develop an AI prototype that could recognize species from the
tracking camera photos. In the first stage, AI had to recognize pictures with animal and without
animal and remove pictures where no animal was recognized. The prototype had to learn two
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species (roe deer and marten), but it was able to learn other species too (accuracy depended
on the quality and number of training photos). Public procurement was used to find the best
developer. Employees responsible for the preparation of the public procurement documents
and development of the AI, are still working in the Agency.
7. Programme Component Description
7.1 Short Summary
Goal of this Programme Component is to develop and implement new monitoring methods,
technical solutions and approaches in wildlife monitoring to improve the quality and volume of
the data. Also, cost-efficiency is also taken into account.
Wildlife monitoring has been done for decades using the same methodologies. On the one
hand, it is important to use same methodologies so the data would be comparable and long
time series would not be interrupted, but on the other hand, with the development of technol-
ogy, it could be possible to do the same work more efficiently, faster and with higher quality.
Taken into account the costs, including salary and travel costs necessary to conduct field works
and at the same time, the limited number of specialists, new solutions are essential. But it
takes time to test new methods, solutions and approaches and compare the data that was
collected with old methodologies. It is also important to validate new solutions and data.
With the use of modern technological solutions, we hope to achieve a new and higher level in
wildlife monitoring. This will also improve the quality of the environmental decisions as smarter
decisions can be made based on higher quality and more data.
7.2 Activities and Expected Results
Development and implementation of the new methods, technology and approaches (Annex 1,
1.2.1). This includes acquisition of mobile 3D bird radar and also other new technologies for
wildlife biodiversity monitoring – the aim is to map and test new technologies and solutions in
wildlife monitoring to increase the quality and reliability of data. More specifically, the ambition
is to create remote sensing solutions for mapping the spread of forest losses and reeds, auto-
matic renewal of the maps of ecosystem services completed in previous projects, acquiring
modern technology and testing them in wildlife monitoring (new night observation equipment
for monitoring e.g. Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and Great Snipe (Gallinago media),
drones with thermosensors, binoculars measuring height and distance for bird monitoring,
etc.). Technologies and solutions must be mapped in cooperation with the experts in the field,
which is why the list of activities is left open.
Output: 1 mobile 3D bird radar acquired and at least 3 new methodologies/solutions have been
tested and integrated into wildlife monitoring programme. Result: These new methodolo-
gies/solutions can supplement or replace existing ones. Data volume and quality improved.
Wider deployment of Random Encounter Methodology (REM) and training of Artificial Intelli-
gence (AI) (Annex 1, 1.2.1) – The Environment Agency has tested the REM method to collect
data in a small area using track cameras and created a prototype of AI that can identify different
animal species from track camera photos and assess their abundance. The prototype will be
further developed, and 700 track cameras have been procured (financed from the European
Union Cohesion Fund), allowing them to be installed all over Estonia. Over the next years, the
number of track cameras and photos they take, will increase at least by 7 times, which means
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more workload to install and maintain them and to work through the photos cameras automat-
ically take. It is temporarily necessary to hire a person to introduce a new methodology and
train AI, which would allow replacing the old methodology with a new one.
Output: AI trained, REM fully developed and tested. Result: The REM methodology has been
applied all over Estonia. Alternative method for monitoring of the game species developed and
time-consuming photo-analysis automated with usage of AI.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing (Annex 1, 1.2.1) in wildlife biodiversity monitoring – use of
eDNA in biodiversity monitoring is a rapidly developing field, but its potential has not yet been
tested in Estonian national biodiversity monitoring. Potential species or species groups will be
mapped, pilot areas will be selected and eDNA usability will be tested for biodiversity monitor-
ing.
Output: usability potential of eDNA is evaluated, method is tested and where appropriate it is
integrated into wildlife monitoring methodologies. Result: Data volume and quality is improved,
cost-efficiency is increased.
Promoting citizen science and creating network of volunteers (Annex 1, 1.1.2 and 3.1) – use
of citizen science and involvement of volunteers in environmental monitoring is an increasingly
important topic around the world. It creates new opportunities to engage people, collect more
data and improve the quality of data, promote cooperation between different parties, involve
civil society organisations in policymaking, prevent and solve problems as well as increase
environmental awareness in society. Among other things, it helps to pay greater attention to
emerging environmental problems, prevent loopholes both in legislation and monitoring data
as well as improve data collection process.
Output: a network of volunteers is created. At least 20 campaigns (some campaigns will be
repeated every year) have been organised in 4 years: 2 bigger events for volunteers. Voluntary
monitoring is integrated into wildlife monitoring methodologies. Result: involvement of volun-
teers in wildlife monitoring is improved and data volume is increased.
Development of IT systems (Annex 1, 1.1.1)– Environmental data is kept in different systems
in Estonia and often those systems are not linked to each other which means that data must
be transferred manually from one system to another. Also, there is a risk, that relevant and
updated information is not used in decision making and analysis. In order to facilitate fieldwork,
it is necessary to create a fieldwork tool that allows the field-workers to enter the monitoring
and inventory data directly to the system already in the field. This would reduce the workload
of officials and ensure a faster data delivery into system. It is also necessary to create a man-
agement efficiency assessment tool for the Environmental Board into EELIS. It should help
officials assess the efficiency of the management of protected areas.
Output: the necessary connections and tools for the exchange of data between the IT systems
have been established; management efficiency tool in EELIS has been created; fieldwork tool
has been created. Results: time-consuming manual human work is decreased, data transfer
between different IT systems is improved and quality of the automated analysis is increased.
Thanks to this, quality of the environmental decisions is improved.
The activities are described in more detail in the annex of the application.
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7.3 Beneficiaries
Environment Agency is the main beneficiary, who will benefit directly from this Programme
Component. In addition, 0,5 position, is planned for the IT Centre of the Ministry of the Envi-
ronment.
According to the law, it is mandatory to organize public procurements in order to outsource
services and equipment. Indirectly universities (eDNA) and enterprises that provided specific
equipment (e.g. 3D bird radar) or service (IT developments) benefit from this programme.
After creating better tools (IT systems, AI) and using more efficient equipment in wildlife mon-
itoring that allows to collect more and improve the quality of the data, different private and
public organizations benefit from this programme – Environment Board, Ministry of the Climate,
companies that do environmental impact assessments, universities and scientists using wild-
life data, etc.
Is the benefit of the Programme Component a na- National☒ Regional☐
tional or regional benefit?
If regional, indicate the benefiting NUTS-2 regions.
7.4 Sustainability
After the end of the Swiss-Estonian cooperation programme, Environment Agency will main-
tain the results and finance the activities necessary to maintain the developed IT systems and
implementing new monitoring methods. Aim of the programme is to develop more efficient
systems and methods (e.g REM and AI), that would replace the old ones. Thanks to the de-
velopment of the IT systems, less human work is necessary and saved budget can be used to
maintain the systems. Capacity will be increased as the object of the programme is to reduce
human work, use new technical solutions and use more automatic solutions that would in-
crease the quality and volume of the data, make data transfers into the systems more efficient
and increase the quality of the analyses. Environment Agency will continue with that also after
the programme, but thanks to this cooperation, wildlife monitoring will be taken on to next level.
Improved quality of the data improves also the decisions made by policy makers.
7.5 Budget
Detailed budget is included in the Annex 4.
7.6 Risk Analysis and Risk Management
Main risks for the Environment Agency are:
1. Price of the services and equipment will increase (risk level: low medium). To mitigate
the risk, we have taken this into account in the preparation of the budget and we have
added necessary buffer. In case buffer will be not needed we will make a proposal to
transfer it to another budget line.
2. IT developments take longer than planned (risk level: medium high). We are already
developing procurement documents to save time and start as soon as agreement is
signed.
3. The number of potential service providers is limited that impacts public procurements
and public procurements may fail (risk level: low medium). To mitigate the risks, we
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have involved stakeholder in the preparation of this programme and we will actively
spread the information of the public procurements and as the number of potential ser-
vice providers is limited in Estonia, we will use international public procurements if nec-
essary and mandatory according to the law.
4. The quality of services is low (risk level: low medium). When ordering services, it is
necessary to plan well ahead and provide the quality criteria that need to be followed.
The services have to be described in detail in contracts, if work does not confirm to the
contract, a chance to improve the work is given. It is necessary to check the quality
services offered regularly.
8. Annexes
# Annex
8-1 Annex 8-1 Environment Agency actions and personnel
Annex [9]
Detailed Information to Programme Component
Basic Programme Component Information
Title Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social
and conservation outcomes of protected areas
Planned Duration [months] 48
Requested Swiss contribu- 3 843 456,11
tion (CHF)
Requested co-financing 85%
rate of Switzerland [%]
9. Programme Component Operator
9.1 Basic Information
Name of Programme Com- The Environmental Board
ponent Operator
Type of entity National administrationNational administration
If type of organization is Government Agency
“other”, describe the type
briefly
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Name of contact person Ms Riina Kotter
Position Leading specialist
Correspondence address: Roheline 64, 80010 Pärnu, Estonia
E-Mail
[email protected]
[email protected]
Webpage and social media www.keskkonnaamet.ee; www.keskkonnaamet.ee/en
(if any)
www.facebook.com/keskkonnaamet
Date of establishment 1 January 2021 Tax number (if applica-
ble): EE101281142
Merging the for-
mer Environ- Commercial register
mental Board code: 70008658
and the Envi-
ronmental In-
spectorate
Number of employees: 584.05
Financial Turnover for each of the 3 previous years [in State budget:
EUREUR]
2021 20,657,606
2022 20,979,697
2023 23,052,343
Has the Programme Component Operator previously received Yes☐ No☒
funding from the Swiss Contribution?
9.2 Programme Component Operator Management
The Environmental Board is a government agency which operates within the area of the Min-
istry of Climate.
The Environmental Board’s task is to implement state policies on environmental use, nature
conservation and radiation safety and to monitor the fulfilment of the laws and norms estab-
lished for the protection of the natural environment. It is also involved in the development and
updating of legal acts and other official documents regulating the environmental field.
The areas the Environmental Board operates in are wide-ranging: from issuing fishing and
waste management permits to placing natural assets under protection, and from publishing
environmental fees to offering environmental education programmes. In total, the Environmen-
tal Board offers 65 public services. The clients include individuals, companies and local au-
thorities, and it provides a lot of public services for the benefit of the state and society in the
broadest sense.
The Environmental Board is represented all over Estonia, with 31 offices around the country.
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The Swiss Support Measure programme will be managed by the conservation management
planning department.
DIRECTOR GENERAL
MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL USE WILDLIFE SURVEILLANCE
Administrative Depart- Climate and Radiation Conservation Manage-
ment Department ment Department Surveillance Department
Conservation Manage-
Circular Economy De- ment Planning Depart- Environmental Compen-
Service Department partment ment sation Department
Natural-Resource Use De- Investigation Depart-
Personnel Department Water Department partment ment
Public Relations De-
partment Forest Department Legal Department
Strategy and Analysis Environmental Education
Department Department
Internal Control
Adviser
9.3 Programme Component Management
Will external management personnel be hired to implement the Pro- Yes☒ No☐
gramme Component?
What personnel capacity will be dedicated Internal resources External resources
for the management of the Programme Com-
ponent implementation (in full-time equiva- 15 FTEs
lents FTE)?
The General Programme Manager (0.5 FTEs, 2024‒2028) will be responsible for the general
coordination of the project in the Environmental Board. He/She will coordinate the activities in
general, be responsible for the use of the budget and procurements, organise the communi-
cation, seminars and study trips. She will also supervise and manage the personnel hired for
the programme component activities.
Activity 1: Conservation Management Effectiveness Assessment
Management Effectiveness Assessment Coordinator (1 FTE July 2024 ‒ 2028) will coordinate
the management effectiveness assessment, supervise the assessors, be responsible for the
use of methodology, analysing and summarising the assessment.
Management Effectiveness Assessment Experts (2 FTEs, 2025‒2028) – carry out the assess-
ment, possible splitting (e.g. part-time assessors).
43/50
Data Analyst (0.4 FTEs, Dec 2024 ‒ 2028) – initially coordinates the preparation and evalua-
tion of the assessment tool, later summarises the results and makes proposals for further de-
velopment of the tool if necessary, analyses the results of assessments, helps to get the nec-
essary data.
Activity 2: Conservation Management Planning
Programme Coordinators (1.25 FTEs, 2024‒2028, will be split) ‒ responsible for the coordina-
tion of Activity 2 regionally: methodologies of habitat inventories, instructions for preparing
management plans, checking the quality of prepared plans etc.
Habitat Action Plan Expert (1 FTE, Sept 2024 ‒ 2028) – prepares national habitat action plans,
plans habitat inventories, if necessary plans the preparation of basic expertise for drawing up
plans, involves stakeholders, analyses the integration of habitat plans in other Estonian stra-
tegic documents.
Conservation Management Planning Experts (3 FTEs, 2024‒2028) – prepare site-specific
management plans, help coordinate the preparation of habitat inventory methodologies, plan
site-specific inventories of habitats and species, plan the preparation of the basic expertise
required for the preparation of the management plan, involve interest groups and stakeholders
in drawing up plans.
Data Analyst (0.3 FTEs, Dec 2024 ‒ 2028) – with a background in statistics and mathematics,
provides input to habitat protecion necessities by organising and analysing habitat data.
Data Specialist (0.5 FTEs, Dec 2024 ‒ 202) – helps organise habitat inventory methodologies,
manages data entry and verification.
Activity 3: Species Protection
Programme Coordinator (0.25 FTEs, Dec 2024 ‒ 2028) ‒ responsible for the coordination of
Activity 3, supervise the preparation of action plans.
Species Action Plan Experts (2 FTEs, 2024‒2028) – preparation of action plans, organising
inventories and studies required for this purpose.
Protection Categories Expert (1 FTE, July 2024 ‒ 2028) – coordinating inventories and expert
assessments in order to propose changes to protection categories, preparing proposals for
changes to protection categories to the ministry.
Data Analyst (0.3 FTEs, Dec 2025 ‒ 2028) – with a background in statistics and mathematics,
provides input to species protection necessities by organising and analysing species data.
Data Specialist (0.5 FTEs, Dec 2024; 2025‒2028) – is engaged in updating the data of pro-
tected species n the basis of inventories commissioned under the project.
Why prefer FTEs to services?
- In Estonia, there are not enough competent bidders outside the Environmental Board
to carry out planned activities (e.g. drawing up plans);
- these are specific activities that are easier to coordinate and guide in a coherent man-
ner;
- when coordinating the activities in the Environmental Board, we can ensure that the
expertise will remain within the Environmental Board;
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- the outsourced service is more expensive;
- in the case of outsourced services, the quality of the work performed is uneven and the
work needs to be improved later;
- when ordering the service, the Environmental Board itself also has a heavy workload
(preparation of initial tasks, preliminary work, acceptance of work, introduction of cor-
rections, approval procedure).
Are CVs attached to this documentation? Yes☐ No☒
Are terms of reference for the management functions to be established Yes☐ No☒
attached to this documentation?
9.4 Programme and Project Management Experience
The Environmental Board is a partner in 25 ongoing similar international projects at the mo-
ment. The total budget of the projects is about 23 million euros. In recent years the amount of
ongoing projects has been approximately the same.
Restoring Semi-Natural Habitats 2023‒2029
The aim of the project is to restore wet semi-natural habitats (boreal Baltic coastal meadows,
Northern boreal alluvial meadows, alkaline fens/wet meadows, molinia meadows on calcare-
ous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae), hydrophilous tall herb fringe commu-
nities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels) in order to adapt to the changes of climate.
The project partners are the Ministry of Climate, the State Forest Management Centre and the
Estonian Seminatural Community Conservation Association. It is an ongoing project and the
member team is part of the organisation.
The project is funded by EU Cohesion Policy Funding. The project period is 2022‒2029, the
total amount of the project is 5 million euros, EU funding is 4.25 million euros.
Restoring the Baltic coastal habitat networks 2018‒2025
CoastNet LIFE (LIFE17 NAT/FI/000544) aims to improve the conservation status of Natura
2000 sites along the Baltic coastal zone. To achieve this, it carries out restoration work on four
types of habitat: boreal Baltic islets and small, open habitats, mosaics of herb-rich, broad-
leaved forests and semi-natural habitats, sun-lit habitats, as well as large coastal meadows
and new forests on previously uncolonised land. The project’s work helps to increase the pop-
ulations of numerous species by giving them new areas to colonise. It also helps to combat
the effects of habitat fragmentation and isolation, as well as boosting the populations’ resilience
to climate change. Several species covered by the Birds Directive will benefit from improve-
ments to their nesting habitats and those on their migration routes.
In Estonia restoration is carried out on 41 project sites, e.g. in Lahemaa National Park, Kolga
Bay and Aegna Landscape Protection Area, Paljassaare Limited-Conservation Area.
It is a joint Finnish-Estonian project, the partners in Estonia are the Environmental Board, Tal-
linn Urban Environment and Public Works Department. The lead partner is Metsähallitus from
Finland.
The total budget of the project is 8.7 million euros, Estonian budget is 1.1 million euros. It is an
ongoing project and the member team is part of the organisation.
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https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE17-NAT-FI-000544/restoring-the-
baltic-coastal-habitat-networks
Restoration of Estonian alvar grasslands 2014‒2019
The LIFE to alvars (LIFE13 NAT/EE/000082) project’s main objective was to restore the most
valuable, but currently overgrown, alvar grassland areas on 2,500 ha of land and to create the
right conditions for local farmers to manage these areas after the restoration. In order to
achieve this aim, the project planned to introduce effective large-scale restoration methods
and to create the necessary infrastructure for continuous management of the restored sites.
The project also aimed to directly involve private land owners and to raise awareness among
the local community and the general public of the value of alvar areas and of the importance
of managing them effectively.
The LIFE to alvars project achieved all its objectives and improved the conservation status of
Estonian alvar grasslands at all the project sites. Specifically, the project restored, in total, 2
501.5 ha of alvar grasslands. This included restoration work on 1,000 ha of private land, with
the involvement of approximately 600 private landowners.
The project won a Natura 2000 award in the socio-economic category in 2018.
The total budget of the project was 3.7 million euros. The Environmental Board was the lead
partner of the project, other partners were Tartu University, Estonian University of Life Sci-
ences and the Estonian Seminatural Community Conservation Association. Some people from
the member team still work in the organisation.
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE13-NAT-EE-000082/restoration-
of-estonian-alvar-grasslands
10. Programme Component Description
10.1 Short Summary
One goal of the programme is to evaluate the effectiveness of the management of the pro-
tected areas with the new methodology created under Technical Support Instrument financed
by the European Commission. Also, site-based inventories are carried out and site-based con-
servation objectives and measures for protected species and habitats are revised. The con-
servation management plans of protected areas, action plans for species and habitats and
protected categories of species (category I, category II and category III) are revised and up-
dated. The contents of management plans and action plans are revised and this helps priori-
tising what protection measures are most effective. The effectiveness of management of pro-
tected areas as well as protected species and habitats is improved because of national and
site-based conservation objectives are better targeted and measures fully correspond to con-
servation objectives.
10.2 Activities and Expected Results
Activity 1: Conservation Management Effectiveness Assessment
- The operational guidance for the implementation of the TSI project action plan for car-
rying out the evaluation;
- development of the Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (in cooperation with
the Environmental Agency) (Annex 1, 2.1.1);
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- additional training for the implementation of the Management Effectiveness Assess-
ment Methodology for the assessors and the staff of the Environmental Board (Annex
1, 3.1);
- application of the methodology – the main assessors are from the project. The assess-
ment is carried out for approximately 300 natural objects (Annex 1, 2.1.2) (There are
6 national parks, 241 nature conservation areas, 150 landscape protection areas, 308
conservation areas and 2018 species’ protection sites in Estonia). The assessment
provides input for the preparation of management plans and proposes what kind of
additional expertise and fundamental research is necessary for the preparation of man-
agement plans;
- analysis of the results, compilation of a summary (digital report in Estonian and English)
and its introduction to the public (Annex 1, 2.1.1).
Activity 2: Conservation Management Planning
- Preparation and updating of inventory methodologies for habitats (habitat types listed
in Annex I of the Habitats Directive protected in Estonia). Inventory methodologies are
prepared for lakes, springs, outcrops and caves. For all other habitats, the guidelines
will be reviewed and, if necessary, updated. The completed and updated guides will be
posted on the ministry’s website under the Natura 2000 network materials. The result
is that there is an up-to-date guide for the inventory of all habitats (Annex 1, 2.1.3);
- organisation of training for the experts and specialists working in the Environmental
Board carrying out inventories following the methodology and guidelines (e.g. a total of
two training sessions per year) (Annex 1, 3.1);
- ordering habitat inventories and, if necessary, expert assessments for the preparation
of habitat action plans (e.g. rivers and streams, lakes, springs, outcrops and caves)
(Annex 1, 2.1.3);
- updating the data in the database (in cooperation with the Environmental Agency);
- preparation of habitat action plans (at least three action plans), stakeholder involve-
ment, introducing to the public (e.g. an action plan for rivers and streams, an action
plan for lakes and springs, an action plan for outcrops and caves);
- ordering inventories and expert assessments of habitats and protected species for the
preparation of management plans (Annex 1, 2.1.3);
- integrating climate change issues into management plans. Discussions, seminars,
training sessions (one training day per year) are organised. The guidance materials on
how climate-related issues can be reflected in the management plans is compiled (An-
nex 1, 3.1);
- linking the issues of the Green Network to the preparation of management plans. Co-
operation with local authorities, discussions on how local authorities can integrate man-
agement plans into general planning (one seminar per year with local authorities, i.e.
four seminars). The guidelines for the preparation of management plans are supple-
mented by a guideline on how to integrate the green network into the management
plan, a digital leaflet for local authorities (available on the website) is compiled (Annex
1, 3.1);
- preparation of site-based management plans, involvement of interest groups, publica-
tion of plans. The project will produce a total of 64 management plans.
Activity 3: Species Protection
- Ordering inventories, basic research and expert assessments for the preparation of
species action plans (Annex 1, 2.1.3). The need is determined when preparing the
compilation of the action plan;
- on the basis of inventories, the data is organised and updated (cooperation with the
Environmental Agency), the species data is updated before/at the time of preparation
of the action plan;
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- preparation and coordination of species protection action plans, stakeholder involve-
ment, cooperation with research institutions. 60 action plans for protected species
will be completed within the framework of the project;
- organising trainings/seminars to the specialist of the Environmental Board in order to
explain the principles of the protection of species and discuss and discuss what the
fundamental principles of discretionary decision making are (one training/seminar per
year) (Annex 1, 3.1);
- inventories, studies and expert assessments of species’ groups in order to find out what
changes in protection categories are necessary (Annex 1, 2.1.4);
- preparation of proposals for amendment of protection categories to the ministry (Annex
1, 2.1.4).
Study trips to Switzerland (Annex 1, 3.1)
- Organising two study trips to Switzerland (e.g. Swiss National Park): five days for six
specialists each, the emphasis of one or the study trips is habitat protection and the
emphasis of the other study trip is species protection. The aim of the trips is to learn
about conservation management planning/strategies, habitat and species data collec-
tion, using GIS).
Cooperation with other countries (Annex 1, 3.1)
- Organising a study trip to Czech national parks in order to get experiences from their
project activities of Swiss Support Measure, to study what the principles of habitat and
species protection are in the Czech Republic;
- Possibility of organising similar trainings to Czech specialists in Estonia.
National Procurement (according to Estonian legislation)
- The Environmental Board organises two national (Estonian) public procurements with
open announcements per year (7 calls per project period, one in May and one in Octo-
ber, no longer tendered in the second half of 2027) which commission methodologies
for habitat inventories; species inventories and surveys;
- one national (Estonian) public procurement with an open announcement per year for
the preparation of species conservation action plans (four procurements in total);
- separate ongoing procurements as small purchases.
Procurements are organised on the basis of the Estonian Public Procurement Act and the
procedure for conducting procurements of the Environmental Board.
10.3 Beneficiaries
The direct beneficiary of the component is the Environmental Board who is responsible for
the organization of the protection of protected areas and assessment of the efficiency of pro-
tection measures.
Indirect beneficiaries are:
- the Environmental Agency who can update the data of habitats and species in their
database as the result of the inventories that are carried out;
- the State Forest Management Centre who carries out protection activities on state land
according to conservation management plans and action plans of habitats and species;
- local municipalities use the data of habitats and species and also the information pro-
vided by conservation management plans in their overall planning of green infrastruc-
ture;
- the whole population of Estonia - as the beneficiaries are public authorities, they work
for the public, the aim of the component is to make conservation management more
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effective at the national level in order to make better environmental decisions in the
future.
Is the benefit of the Programme Component a na- National☒ Regional☐
tional or regional benefit?
If regional, indicate the benefiting NUTS-2 regions.
10.4 Sustainability
The main result for the Environmental Board is that the protection effectiveness of protected
areas will be assessed. The assessment will provide information how the current management
planning practices can be made more effective and where the main drawbacks are. Hence,
the process of preparing conservation management plans and national action plans for species
and habitats will be more effective. The Environmental Board will be able to carry on conser-
vation management planning using the national budget. The Support Measure will help the
Environmental Board to review its current conservation management planning practices in or-
der to match them with contemporary needs.
The expertise will remain within the Environmental Board, as the compilation of management
plans and action plans will be part of our overall work. As the positions are open for all the
specialists who have the required education and skills, specialists from the Environmental
Board can also apply for these positions. The Environmental Board will then hire new special-
ists to fulfill their positions. As the project ends, the former specialists from the Environmental
Board will remain within the Environmental Board. As the work requires special knowledge, the
probability that other people who are hired to work in the project will apply for the positions in
the Environmental Board or other institutions who deal with similar topics is very high. Estonia
will have several skilled environmental experts. All the seminars and trainings are organised
for larger audiences, other specialists from the Environmental Board will participate.
One of the challenges for the Environmental Board is the lack of experts in Estonia who can
carry out inventories and gather the data of habitats and species. In order to carry out inven-
tories of habitats and species it is necessary to raise the level of expertise among conservation
management planning and conservation management specialists in the Environmental Board.
The competence of the specialists can be improved by organising seminars and study trips in
the frames of Programme.
Another challenge is the opposition to conservation measures and activities among the repre-
sentatives of local people and developers. So, it is necessary to involve stakeholders in the
conservation planning process and find the solutions that are acceptable to the people living
in or near the site. Involving stakeholders to conservation management planning can be time-
consuming, so it is necessary to analyse how it should be carried out effectively and plan it
regarding the specifics of the area.
In the process of management planning, the Environmental Board proposes changes in the
protection rules of sites in order to improve the protection measures. Also, the proposal to
change the protection categories of species will be prepared, updating the protection catego-
ries of species helps to choose better protection measures.
10.5 Budget
Detailed budget is included in the Annex 4.
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10.6 Risk Analysis and Risk Management
The main risks for the Environmental Board are:
- Institutional reforms (risk level: low). Internal institutional reform is ongoing in the Envi-
ronmental Board, however, the project activities can be adjusted to the new structure
of the institution;
- changes in legislation (risk level: low-medium). Necessary adjustments in the pro-
gramme will be made following the legislative changes.
- the lack of competent experts to carry out inventories and give expert opinions (risk
level: low medium). Accordingly, public procurements may fail. To mitigate the risk it is
necessary to plan the procurements well in order to provide possibilities for a wide
range of experts. The period of the programme is long enough to carry out new pro-
curements and change initial plans, the planning of procurements needs to be started
right at the beginning of the programme;
- being unable to hire the personnel for the programme (risk level: medium low). It is
necessary to provide the salaries that motivate, also, services can be chosen instead.
- the quality of services is low (risk level: medium low). When ordering services it is nec-
essary to plan well ahead and provide the criteria that need to be followed. The services
have to be described in detail in contracts, if work does not conform to the contract, a
chance to improve the work is given. It is necessary to check the quality services of-
fered regularly.
- the price of the services increases (risk level: medium high). The budget can be over-
viewed, a buffer against it is planned.
# Annex
N/A
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