Estonia

Country Infos

Overview

Scheme

One part of the national seminatural grassland subsidy scheme is piloting the result-based support, that started in 2023. In LIFE-IP ForEst&FarmLand project result-based support is being tested on 500 hectares as a pilot activity over a period of 5 years. The implementation of result-based support is organized by the Environmental Board. In cooperation with the experts of the University of Tartu and managers, an action plan was prepared for 5 years. The conditions of maintenance in action plan are different from the conditions stipulated in the regulation of the national semi-natural grassland subsidy scheme. Every year, the action plan is updated according to feedback from managers and monitoring results. In addition to monitoring by experts, managers also evaluate the condition of meadow using the guidelines developed by the University of Tartu.

Location of the scheme

several regions

Väinameri Conservation Area, Abruka Nature Reserve, Koiva-Mustjõe Landscape Conservation Area, Matsalu National Park, Struuga Landscape Conservation Area, Pikknurme Nature Reserve, Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve.

Duration of the scheme

Since: 2023
Until: 2027

Objective(s) of the scheme / project

• Biodiversity

During the piloting, the experts will determine the habitat quality indicators and methods how to estimate the quality of the habitat. As the result of this action subsidy system is updated with best practises. Based on the results of the pilot, we will determine whether such a support system motivates landowners and managers and thus ensures the better condition of the meadows.

Which habitats or species are in the focus of the scheme / project?

• Habitats (incl. habitats of Fauna-Flora-Habitat-Directive (FFH-D.))
• Wetland

Floodplain meadows (6450) and coastal meadows (1630*).

Which indicators are used?

• Species (incl FFH and BD)
• Landscape Elements
• Physical structures (e.g. dead wood, presence of brushwood, hollow trees, tall grass)

Positive and negative habitat characteristic species.

For example bird's-eye primrose (Primula farinosa) is a positive indicator species for coastal meadow and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a negative indicator species, if it covers area that is bigger than 20 m².

Design of scheme / project

• Hybrid result based payment with complementary management based payments

By which fund(s) is the scheme / project implemented?

• Other measures of Rural Development
• LIFE

How are the incentives (payment levels) calculated?

• Based on the costs of management actions

Is there a top up in case of reaching the goals?

• No

How many hectares are in the scheme?

• 100 – 500

How many farmers take part in the scheme?

• Less than 50

How are participating farmers supervised/advised?

• Advisors visits (optional)
• Advice by telephone
• Information documents (pamphlets, reports, etc.)
• Website
• Information meetings/workshops (voluntary)

Are there any evaluation results?

• No

Website

https://www.loodusrikaseesti.ee/en/renewal-support-system

Contact person

Annaliisa Kaaremaa (Kopli 76, Tallinn, Harjumaa; Estonian Environmental Board; Annaliisa.kaaremaa@keskkonnaamet.ee; 372 5101635)

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