Nature conservation planning is
- protection of new natural objects and modification of existing ones
- development of protection procedures for protected natural objects (incl. preparation and amendment of protection rules)
- conducting and commissioning expert examinations, studies and inventories of the feasibility of protection
- planning of nature conservation works through the preparation of conservation management plans
- involvement of the groups interested in defense planning activities
Protection rules
Management plans
A protection rule is a piece of legislation that defines
- conservation objectives of the protected area and the ruler
- boundaries of the protected area
- permitted, prohibited and necessary activities in protected zone zones (nature reserve, special protection zone, restricted zone)
On the basis of the protection rule, consent or prohibition decision is approved and given for various activities, such as construction, organization of public events, logging.
The protection rules can be found in the Riigi Teataja.
The explanatory notes can be found on the website of the Ministry of Climate.
Landowners and other groups interested are involved in drafting protection rules
A management plan is an operational action plan in which
- the values of the area are described
- the factors endangering the natural object and their impact are pointed out
- protection objectives are set
- the necessary work and measures are planned to achieve the objectives
- the order of priority, schedule and volume of work shall be determined
Management plans are available in Estonian Nature Information System (EELIS).
Landowners and other goups interested may also participate in the preparation of management plans.
Nationally protected natural objects are
- protected areas:
- national parks
- nature and landscape protection areas, parks, stands and arboretums are protected as
- special types of landscape protection areas
- recurring sites
- protected species and fossils
- permanent habitats
- protected individual natural objects
Customer support
Customer support will help direct you to the appropriate specialist if you have any questions:
- Where can I find the restrictions in the protected area?
- Why are there specific restrictions on the protected area?
- Why do protected areas have such boundaries?
- What values remain in the protected area?
- What work could be done in the protected area?
Compensation of landowners entails the protection of natural objects
On private forest land located in the special protection zone, nature protection restrictions are compensated with a support of 110 euros, and in the restricted zone and conservation area up to 60 euros per hectare per year.
Compensation for compliance with restrictions
More information on compensation and how to apply for it is available on the website of the Private Forest Center.
Read moreThe state may, in agreement with the landowner, acquire an immovable, the intended use of which is significantly restricted by the protection regime of the area, for a fee corresponding to the value of the immovable.
Sale of protected land to the state
More information on selling protected land to the state can be found on the page below.
read moreThe protected natural object has a land tax relief: no land tax is paid for the land in the special protection zone, the land tax in the restricted zone and conservation area is 50% of the land tax rate.
Last updated: 18.03.2024
