Invasive alien species
Endangers other species, changes habitats and natural balance. Rapidly spreading causes damage to the economy and the environment. The lists of invasive alien species of Estonia and the European Union, the keeping and cultivation of which is prohibited, have been approved separately.
Problematic species
Estonian wild species, the increase of which, similarly to alien species, may affect other wild species and endanger human health and property. This can be caused by human activities as well as natural changes and fluctuations in species numbers.
The issue of alien species is regulated in Estonia by the Nature Conservation Act, according to which it is prohibited to release live specimens of alien species into the wild and to plant and sow alien plant species in the wild. Therefore, any release of alien species from the home yard and / or room into the wild must be ruled out, including, for example, the dumping of surplus aquarium fish into the lake, the introduction of grassed or excavated plants into the forest.
Environmental Board:
- organizes the regulation of the number of alien species introduced into the wild (eg all-Estonian control of alien species of bears, attempts to control various alien species),
- processes applications for permits for the introduction of certain raccoon farms and live specimens into Estonia and issues permits,
- process applications for and issue permits for scientific research on invasive alien species,
- organizes the preparation and implementation of management plans,
- maps the sites of invasive alien species.
Management plans
The Environmental Board shall prepare a management plan for an alien or problem species if scientific inventories show a significant negative impact on the environment or a threat to human health or property due to the increase in the number of the species.
The species management plan includes:
- data on the biology, abundance and distribution of the species;
- the purpose of the management;
- the order of priority of the techniques required for control and the timetable for their implementation;
- management budget.
Basic rules for dealing with alien species:
- prefer domestic species and do not bring new species to Estonia;
- do not bring an invasive species home;
- if you bring an alien species into your home or garden, keep it there;
- treat the pet in accordance with the requirements of animal husbandry;
- compost plant residues in your garden;
- if you want to give up the species, find a new owner;
- avoid the introduction or spread of a living specimen of a foreign species. The responsible behavior of each person helps to avoid major problems for society as a whole;
- do not take garden waste anywhere between the forest, the edge of the road or the bush, as grassy or excavated alien plant species or their seeds may germinate there. Garden waste is stored in compost heaps or in composting sites provided by the local government.
The Environmental Board greets notes about the sites of invasive alien species at the e-mail address info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Last updated: 12.04.2024
