FINNISH - ESTONIAN COOPERATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS IN 1996

1. The exchange of information, experience and publications

has been regular between Union of Protected Areas of Estonia and Finnish Forest and Park Service. Finnish Forest and Park Service has sent all his publications to Estonian Ministry of Environment, to Nature Conservation Research Centre and to Union of Protected Areas of Estonia.

2. Study trip to Estonia for Finnish people.

Twelve persons from Finnish Forest and Park Service visited the protected areas in Central and Southern Estonia in August 26th - 30th (Endla, Haanja, Nigula, Karula, Soomaa). The aim of the study trip was to learn about the management of protected areas in Estonia and draft some projects of mutual interest for the future cooperation.

3. The joint projects reviews.

1) Interpretation, environmental education and visitors service management in protected areas. Was planned that an study trip in Finland and a seminar in Estonia concerning this matter will be arranged for representatives from both countries. Arvo Kullapere from Estonian side and Maarit Kyöstilä from Finnish side are responsible for this project. The preliminary negotiations have been held during the last summer. In November 19 - 21, four persons from Vilsandi Nature Reserve and Ministry of Environment visited Nuuksio and Tammisaari in Finland. The joint seminar (4-5 days) in Saaremaa will take place in 1997. The aim is to work out the interpretation and visitors information standards for Estonian protected areas.

2) Plant and vegetation management within protected areas and threatened plant monitoring. A field trip to Saaremaa by four botanists from Finland in June was made. The Estonian participants came from our protected areas, Nature Conservation Research Centre and Academy of Sciences. The project is of mutual interest and proposal to continue it in 1997.

 

Arne Kaasik

Chairman of Council

11 March, 1997