Diversity of Nature in Estonia Estonian Nature Conservation in 2007 Diversity of Nature in Estonia ESTONIAN NATURE CONSERVATION IN 2007 Estonian Environment Information Centre Tallinn 2008 Published as 3rd book within series “Diversity of Nature in Estonia” Editor: Lauri Klein Compiled by: Taimo Aasma, Marika Arro, Lauri Klein, Reigo Roasto, Kaire Sirel, Margit Tennokene, Rene Volt, Hanno Zingel Photographs: Arne Ader, Mati Kose, Toomas Tuul, Lauri Klein, Heiko Kruusi, Reigo Roasto, Uudo Timm, Tiina Napp, Ingmar Muusikus Cover photo: Floodplain meadow at Suitsu. Matsalu National Park. Author: Mati Kose. Design by: Tõnis Kipper Printed by: Tallinna Raamatutrükikoja OÜ, Publisher: Laki 26, 12915 Tallinn, Estonia, www.trt.ee Printed on 100% recycled paper Cyclus Off set with environmentally friendly colours Copyright: Estonian Environment Estonian Environment Information Centre Information Centre, 2008 Mustmäe tee 33, 10616 Tallinn, Estonia Phone: +372 673 7577 Fax: +372 673 7599 ISSN 1406-2399 [email protected] ISBN 978-9985-881-54-5 (hard copy) www.keskkonnainfo.ee ISBN 978-9985-881-56-9 (online) 2 Foreword Dear reader, Th e book you are holding is an overview of Es- Th e purpose of this book is to provide a com- tonian nature conservation management in 2007 pact overview of Estonian nature conserva- – 16 years after the restoration of independence tion in its current state. Following accession to and three years after accession to the European international conventions, membership of the Union. It is in these most recent years of rapid European Union and updates to legal acts on economic development that nature conservation nature conservation, many innovations have been has become one of the top topics of discussion introduced in Estonian nature conservation, and a in Estonian society. In complying with the Eu- better understanding of the details would benefi t ropean Union’s legal acts in the fi eld of nature every one of us. With this purpose in mind, this conservation, Estonia has selected areas suitable book explains the essence of diff erent levels of for the Natura 2000 network and established nature conservation sites, supplemented with state protection regimes for these areas. Pressure statistical and illustrative material. Intended to on the natural environment has increased as a be a concise guide for those who need a guide to result of accelerated economic development and the offi cial landscape, this book will hopefully urban sprawl due to Estonia’s economic success also be a useful reference book for nature lovers in the last decade. At the same time, the state of everywhere. the environment and conservation have become greater priorities in Estonia. Local people have Happy reading! become vocal opponents of development that harms local habitats and living environment and environmental impact assessments now focus more on how natural values might be aff ected. 3 Contents Introduction 5 1. History of nature conservation in Estonia 6 1.1. Tsarist era 6 1.2. Republic of Estonia (1918-1940) 7 1.3. Estonian SSR 8 1.4. Republic of Estonia (1991-present) 9 2. The current situation in 2007 12 3. Protected natural objects and natural objects with conservation value 15 3.1. Natural objects protected on the basis of international agreement 15 3.1.1. European Union directives andthe Natura 2000 network 16 3.1.2. The Ramsar Conventionon Wetlands 18 3.1.3. The Bern Convention 19 3.1.4. The Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environmentof the Baltic Sea Area 19 3.1.5. UNESCO biosphere reserves 20 3.1.6. The European Diploma 21 3.1.7. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) 22 3.1.8. The Ecological Network 23 3.2. National objects 28 3.2.1. Protected areas 28 3.2.2. Limited-conservation areas 34 3.2.3. Species protection sites 35 3.2.4. Protected nature monuments 37 3.2.5. Natural objects protectedat the municipal level 39 3.2.6. Woodland key habitats 40 3.2.7. Protected territory 43 3.2.8. Protection regime 46 3.3. Protection management 49 3.3.1. Management plans and action plans 49 3.3.2. Land ownership 50 3.3.3. Land tax 55 4. Threatened and protected species 56 4.1. Species with international importance 56 4.1.1. Bern convention species 56 4.1.2. IUCN Red List species 58 4.1.3. Species listed in the Annexes to the directives 61 4.2. Species classified as threatened and protected in Estonia 63 4.2.1. Estonian Red Data Book species 63 4.2.2. Protected species 65 5. Habitats 68 5.1. Habitat inventories 68 5.2. Habitat protection 72 5.2.1. Protection of threatened species habitats 72 5.2.2. Habitat directive habitats in Estonia 76 Summary 79 Documentation page 80 4 Author: Toomas Tuul Toomas Author: Wooden path at Viru bog. Lahemaa National Park. Introduction In recent decades, Estonia has lacked an in- Th e section also deals with conservation man- depth factbook on the state of Estonian nature agement and data related to ownership. The conservation that would make it easier to get an- fourth part of the publication examines protected swers about the what, why and how of conserva- species from both the aspect of international tion as well as fi gures. Previously smaller amounts treaties and obligations and domestic law. Th e of data were available in various publications: in fi fth part focuses on diff erent habitats and habitat parts of environmental overviews or statistical conservation. publications as well as over the Internet. Each diff erent part is structured as similarly Th e fi rst part of the book views the history of as possible to the others. First of all, a general Estonian nature conservation – from the middle description of the type of protected site is pro- of the 19th century up until the present-day. Th e vided, with reference to the legal basis. Th is is second part takes a brief look at the structure of followed by various fi gures (in the form of tables, Estonia’s system of nature conservation features graphs and maps) which either describe the as well as the offi cial structure of agencies related number of such sites in Estonia or analyze them to nature conservation. Th e third, most extensive based on a separate indicator (property owner- part focuses on protected areas in general. Th e ship). If necessary, additional notes are provided topic is divided into a number of subsections. An for a better understanding of the information. overview is provided of the international dimen- Th e information serves to characterize Estonia sion of nature conservation and the treaties and as a whole as well as on the level of the counties international obligations to which Estonia has and municipalities. acceded and is bound. In addition, it identifi ed Th e data used in the publication are generally connections between the international trea- given as of 1 July 2007. Data from another date, ties and related protected sites with the sites and information which should be credited diff er- in Estonia that are designated at national level. ently upon use, bears an additional correspond- A large part of the chapter is devoted to the ing marking. various areas under conservation in Estonia, Th e editors would like to acknowledge all who the different categories of such sites and the provided suggestions, advice and additional data protection regime. assisting the production of this work. 5 Author: Arne Ader Author: Great Ringed Plover at island Vaika. Vilsandi National Park. 1. History of nature conservation in Estonia To ensure nesting possibilities for birds and prevent their eggs from being collected, captain 1.1. Tsarist era Artur Toom, the head of the lighthouse on the island of Vilsandi leased the Vaika islands from At the end of the 19th century, before the the Kihelkonna church manor. In 1910, the Riga establishment of the Republic of Estonia, nature Naturalist Society took over as lessee of the Vaika conservation was primarily the preserve of civic islands, but Toom retained actual powers of su- initiative on the part of individuals and societies. pervision. Th e Vaika islands became the fi rst area In 1853, the Estonian Naturalist Society was under conservation in the Baltic States. Known founded, dedicated to the study of nature and as the Vaika Islands Bird Sanctuary, this was furthering of conservation. Protection of natural the birthplace of the fi rst nature management monuments – erratic boulders, old trees – and activities – in the form of establishing nesting symbolic species of fauna such as eagles became opportunities for birds. As people’s knowledge of the number one priority. Back then, nature con- nature grew and the economy became stronger, servation was clearly aimed at preserving sites more attention was turned toward practical worthy of protection as they were, restricting all conservation of natural areas. In 1913, the Friends forms of intervention by humans, even necessary of Nature Society in Saaremaa was founded, the intervention. Above all, nature was treated as fi rst of its kind. Th is period also represents the usable assets. Land owners had the best oppor- laying of the groundwork for the Friends of Nature tunity for conserving nature, and provisions Society in Tartu and interest grew in describing pertaining to preservation of trees and boulders the components of Estonia’s natural environment were even added to rental contracts. and evaluation of its values. 6 1.2. Republic of Estonia (1918-1940) Immediately after the War of independence, scholars at the University of Tartu started a dis- cussion for organizing nature conservation. In 1920, the nascent Tartu Naturalists Society’s nature conservation section contacted the Min- istries of Education and Agriculture, requesting its assistance for preserving natural monuments.