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Description
The project focuses on empowerment of local communities and municipalities on forest management. To achieve this, participation opportunities are introduced, and participation encouraged at local municipality and community leaders’ gatherings; seminars and roundtables are organised, and a “toolbox” for different cases and circumstances developed. As a result, the quality of local level decisions will improve and public interest inclusion in decision-making process will increase. This will lead to lesser conflict in local level and helps to improve coherence both locally and in wider society. Public interest-conscious forest management is better able to provide ecosystem services and fulfil the cultural and social role of forests. With new qualifications and a toolbox, the Estonian Fund for Nature will be better prepared to serve the communities that turn to them for assistance.
Summary of project results
More intensive forest management has decreased the quality of life and biodiversity in many regions in Estonia and local people are very much interested in participating in decision-making processes, however, they lack the knowledge and courage. The project focused on empowerment of the local communities and municipalities on participation and design of local forest management decisions. Through the thematic guidelines, seminars and media work relevant decision-making processes were introduced and participation encouraged. As a result, targeted participation in local forestry-related decision-making processes has increased. Also, the participating parties are more aware of the decision designing tools available.