This publication has  been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication is the sole responsibility of the Baltic Fund for Nature and can in no way be taken to reflect the views  of the European Union.

 

Project on transboundary management of nature reserves at lake Peipus area – Alam-Pedija, Emajõe-Suursoo and Remidov nature reserves

Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF)
Nature Conservation Society “Eagle”, Estonia
Baltic Fund for Nature

Contract number of the project: 2006/123-466

The project is funded by the European Union within the framework of BSP III B – INTERREG III A Priority North – Tacis programme. The project is funded bythe European Union within the framework of BSP III B – INTERREG III A Priority North – Tacis programme.

The project is implemented under co-operation agreement between Estonian Fund for Nature and Baltic Fund for Nature

Lead Partner and Project Manager: Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) Director - Jüri-Ott Salm Riia 185a 51014 Tartu, Estonia Tel: +372 7428443; e-mail:elf@elfond.ee; http://www.elfond.ee/

Project co-ordinators:

Mari Kaisel (ELF)
Sergey Rezvyi (BFN)

Project implementation period: August 2006 – August 2007

Transboundary natural areas with high conservation value are important biogeographical areas but artificially divided by national boundaries. There are many so called transfrontier parks which provide joint protection and management of resources and environments, but can also help promote the cause of peace, and preserve and enchance cultural values and diversity among human communities living in or near such areas. Transfrontier protected areas provide many benefits, also promoting cooperation and peace rather than conflict between nations. Estonia and Russia share important area, fourth largest lake – Lake Peipus – in Europe. Border region - EU eastern borders have particular need for approaching common management on these areas. Examples of international cooperation of this kind include EU regional initiatives Green Lungs of Europe and Ecological Bricks sites. 3 nature reserves under this project are determined as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar).

It is also concluded that once a border agreement is concluded between Estonia and the Russian Federation, the idea of a establishing a Transfrontier Ramsar Site with the Russian Federation’s could gain currency. Present project is also addition for activities under Ministry of Environment in Estonia concerning development and Lake Peipsi / Chudskoe Basin Management Program concerning fisheries and water management. The intention of the project is to improve the information change on these areas thus preventing potential damages or threats and helping to preserve identified values. The initiative must have raise funds and develop management plans for these areas. Collaboration between the management bodies of transfrontier protected areas may extend to all the functions of management. Particularly important are joint monitoring programs, joint staff training and exchange. There are also increased opportunities for environmental interpretation and education.

Project objectives:

  • evaluate the possibilities for joint management activities through exchange of professionals, study tours, team-work, etc.,
  • develop strategy of protected areas,
  • develop of management and integrate management strategies,
  • consider the common resource management for cooperation between states and people living in border regions,
  • spread information for conservation goals.

Project activities:

  • Complex analysis of the data on current state of the Protected Areas (August 2006 – March 2007)
  • Additional field surveys (April – June 2007)
  • Study tour in Estonia for Russian specialists (15-18.01.2007)
  • Study tour in Russia (Pskov Region) for Estonian experts (28-31.05.2007)
  • 3 working seminars on Protected Areas’ management (including final seminar in Estonia 6-9.08.2007)
  • Dissemination of the project results (media, Internet, posters etc.)

Project results:

  • Reports by experts:
  • State of the Protected Areas (species, habitats)
  • Infrastructure of the Protected Areas, needs and possibilities of its improvement
  • Management Plans of the Protected Areas
  • Methodology of semi-natural habitats management
  • Training needs and possibilities
  • Development of nature tourism and environmental education
  • Agreed activity plan for further cooperation on management issues established between three areas
  • Long term impacts on  management of nature reserves will be achieved through initiated activity plan and determined funding needs forwarded to and accepted by relevant institution(s). Improved management on its transboundary perspective could be a good training ground for other border areas and transboundary activities. Better understanding by communities, public organizations and authorities about conservation issues, possibilities for transboundary action and cooperation is established through mediation of project activities.

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This project is funded by the European Union
 

 

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