Designated terrestrial protected areas

By the end of 2024, Estonia had 4 508 protected territorial elements and species protection sites, covering 1 650 123 ha – 20.8% of the territory (including large lakes) – with 12.6% of these sites being under strict protection. Compared with 2016, the protected area increased mainly due to new forest habitats and species protection sites.

Negotiations with conservation organisations are under way to define additional conservation areas,and the ongoing inventorying of species and habitats is likely to lead to the identification of additional areas of conservation value. By 2024, 20.1% of forests were protected (protected territorial elements and species protection sites), including 11.6% classified as strictly protected forest land. Taking into account additional restrictions arising from nature conservation (e.g coastal protection zones), 28.5% of the forests were under protection, with 16.8% strictly protected.

In addition to protected areas, natural ecosystems in good ecological condition play an important role in providing ecosystem services and maintaining the connectivity of the green network. 55% of the natural ecosystems in protected areas have a high connectivity value, while outside protected areas the respective value has been rated at only 6%.