Nature protection and biodiversity - Drivers and pressures (Estonia)

The biggest key driver of biodiversity loss in Estonia is fragmentation of the decision-making processes and unbalanced planning of economic activities. Environmental knowledge at different administrative levels in the state system varies greatly, as does an understanding by the wider public. An ecosystem approach, taking account of the related ecosystem services, is still far from being a part of national decision-making and planning processes.

Estonia does have a strategy for the environment, for agri-environmental measures as well as for environmental forestry management, and some building projects are beginning to take measures to limit their fragmentation effects. However, these are not always in line with an ecosystem approach due do lack of scientific knowledge and also to conflicting economic interests. Sustainability principles in practice are not yet popular in Estonia.

Examining the environmental impact assessments for 2005-2008, including the ratio of Natura2000 assessments initiated/not-initiated, shows that in general the initiation of environmental impact assessments has increased, but the percentage of Natura2000 assessments shows a declining trend. Also only one in six decision-makers adheres to obligations arising from legislation to report possible impacts on Natura2000 areas.