Let’s make forestry decisions inclusive and transparent

About this project

<p>The situation in the Estonian forest is worrying. Intensive forest management is becoming an increasing problem due to the associated loss of biodiversity, damage to local values ​​and, more and more, its contribution to climate change. It is crucial that environmental associations and local communities with expertise are involved in forest related decision-making. In practice, however, involvement/public participation mechanisms do not work.</p> <p>The aim of the project is to reintroduce the principles of public participation in forest decision-making. To this end, it is planned to address both legal bottlenecks and to enforce the requirements for involvement in practice, through participation in specific decision-making processes. The target groups are decision-makers at the national level (the parliament, government, Environmental Board), environmental associations and local active groups.</p> <p>Project activities involve a legal analysis of the bottlenecks in public involvement in forest decision-making, participating in real-life decision-making processes and empower local active groups with expert support and advice. All activities are supported by strong public communication work.</p> <p>As a result of the project, the following will be achieved: 1) an understanding of the legal bottlenecks in making forest decisions and solutions, which will also be taken to decision-makers; 2) compliance with the requirements for involvement in specific forest decision-making processes, which results in better decisions on the one hand and model cases on the other, on which to proceed in the future; 3) more motivated and capable local communities.</p>

Project partners

• Estonian Ornithological Society Project partner· Estonia
• Green Läänemaa Project partner· Estonia