Wetlands – areas that are permanently wet or at least partly covered by water for part of the year, including wet woodlands, shallow water bodies or flat seashores – are some of the world’s most important ecosystems, providing nature’s benefits and a place for recreation for people, as well as habitats for many species of plants, fungi and animals. At the same time, wetlands are some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, with nearly 35% of wetland habitats lost due to human activities.

A study commissioned by the Environmental Investment Centre and the Estonian Private Forest Union (Eesti Erametsaliit) working group on the revising of private forest measures, titled Natura 2000 metsaaladele seatud piirangute

Last year, BirdLife Estonia (Estonian Ornithological Society) published its current research findings on the habitats of the grey partridge and the corncrake, which revealed many new and interesting facts.

The biodiversity of Estonia, and indeed of Europe as a whole, is fundamentally linked to its agricultural landscapes. Unfortunately due to intensive agricultural practices, Estonia’s diverse landscapes have been replaced by monoculture fields.

Finally, a cooperation between University of Tartu researchers and farmers interested in sustainable farming practices has been launched, testing different practices combining food production and nature conservation, with the aim of increasing soil fertility, enhancing pollination, increasing field biodiversity and promoting natural pest control.

Together with our partners from the "LIFE IP ForEst&FarmLand" project, we went to Sadala to see the first experiments in conservation agriculture.

The Estonian Environmental Board has begun working on its restoration efforts: a newly published tender is also looking for restorers for the coastal meadows in Aandi, Laheküla, Tohvri, Tärkma II, the project area of Taguküla islands in Hiiu County, Tahu project area in Lääne County and Rootsivere on the island Saaremaa that are also being restored in the framework of the project "LIFE IP ForEst&FarmLand".

If we had to name one project that took off right from the start, it would be the restoration of amphibian breeding waters. This year, seven small water bodies were added to Ropka-Ihaste Nature Reserve, 15 to Otepää Nature Park and one to Alatskivi Landscape Reserve.

Starting this summer, we will be experimenting with innovative methods to combat four invasive alien species - reynoutria, goldenrods, false spiraea, and the snowberry. In addition to the usual mowing and trimming, we treat invasive species with hot steam and herbicide, cover them with durable geotextile and shred plants with a chain shredder. The combating attempts will be carried out by the Estonian Environmental Board, which has agreed on the works to be carried out in the next five years with all owners of the 44 test areas!