RMK performed a record-breaking amount of nature conservation work last year  22.01

RMK Development Plan 2015-2020 aims to restore endangered or low quality habitats up to 10,000 hectares. Since 2015, nearly EUR 16 million has been spent on nature conservation works and workshops, the majority of which comes from the European Union Cohesion Fund. 

In 2018, nature conservation works were carried out and nature conservation infrastructure was set up for EUR 4.88 million. Bog habitat restoration works were performed on 2778 hectares and semi-natural habitats were restored on 505 hectares.  

Large-scale water regime works were completed in Endla nature conservation area in Linnusaare and Kaasikjärve bog in a total area of more than 700 hectares , in Soomaa National Park in Valgeraba and in Öörd bog on nearly 600 hectares, and in Rubina nature conservation area on more than 500 hectares. The larger sites for the restoration of semi-natural habitats were completed in Saaremaa (230 ha) and in the Alam-Pedja nature conservation area (119 ha) in Tartu County. 

This year, nature conservation works for EUR 5 million and EUR 1.3 million are planned for setting up nature conservation infrastructure. The biggest restoration works on the water regime are planned to be completed in Kikepera and Ördi bog (800 ha) in Soomaa, and in Maarjapeakse bog in Luitemaa (539 ha). 500 ha of semi-natural habitats are planned to be restored.  

In order to preserve biodiversity, it is essential to improve the status of the habitats of endangered and disadvantaged species. The main endangered and low quality habitats that require active intervention to improve their condition are semi-natural habitats, bog habitats and open dune and moorland communities.  

RMK relies on the best available knowledge in nature conservation activities. For this, close co-operation with scientists is undertaken and research on the improvement of the habitats of specific species (e.g. wood grouse and flying squirrel) is also funded from the RMK Research Fund. Activities in the Põlula Fish Rearing Centre, which has been part of RMK since the beginning of 2014, is also linked to biodiversity. 

RMK or the State Forest Management Centre takes care of around 30% of the total land area of Estonia, where 47% of Estonian forests are located. RMK is the keeper, protector and manager of the forest and other natural biotic communities belonging to the Estonian state. RMK cultivates forests, preserves the assets of nature, earns income for the state by managing the forest, creates opportunities for visiting nature, and provides nature education.