RMK to support Estonia’s scientific research projects with more than half a million euros 11.04
The RMK Research Council selected three large-scale applied research projects, the implementation of which will be supported with a total of EUR 567,114 over the next three years. The largest grant went to the group of scientists studying the possibilities of restoring the habitat of the capercaillie.
According to Aigar Kallas, Chairman of the Management Board of RMK, the call for applied research project proposals involving the sustainable management of Estonia’s forests, organised since 2008, has really started to bear fruit and the results of several research projects have been successfully implemented in the daily work of RMK. “Similar to previous years, the projects funded this year also discuss topical forestry issues – such as greenhouse gas emissions in drained forests or the protection of the habitat of rare forest birds,” Aigar Kallas said.
The largest grant – EUR 308,576 – was received by the scientists of the University of Tartu (UT), Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ) and the Estonian Ornithological Society, who will begin studying the use of habitat by the gradually perishing population of capercaillie and the possibilities for restoring their habitats, as well as the impact of predators on the population of capercaillies. EUR 160,000 will be allocated to the scientists of UT and EMÜ, whose research focuses on whether drained forests help to prevent global warming and EUR 93,538 to the third group of scientists at Tallinn University (TU) and EMÜ, who aim at elaborating a suitable methodology for RMK to assess the impact of clear cutting and to prevent possible conflicts.
Created in 2008, RMK’s Research Council is a council of research and specialist experts that advises the Management Board of RMK on the commissioning and assessment of applied research related to sustainable forestry management. In the period 2008-2011, RMK allocated EEK 4 million for applied research, for which three applied research projects were carried out. During the period 2011-2014, RMK will allocate EUR 766,940 for applied research. In 2011, three new projects were selected, with EUR 301,911 allocated for their funding and in 2012, two projects with total funding in the amount of EUR 199,750.
RMK is a profit-making state agency established under the Forestry Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest. RMK grows reforestation materials, organises forestry works, is engaged in the sale of forest and timber and organises game upkeep. Additionally, RMK establishes opportunities for nature walking and forest holidays in recreation areas, in Estonia’s five national parks and almost 40 other protected areas, and shapes nature awareness. RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.
Further information:
Kristjan Tõnisson
Head Specialist of Environmental
Management and member of the Research Council, RMK
telephone 5691 8728
e-post kristjan.tonisson@rmk.ee
