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Description
Estonian Environmental Law Center is an expert organization acting in public interest, founded in 2007 by Estonian Fund For Nature and by three environmental lawyers. EELC has been created to ensure that environmental legislation and its application meets people’s health and well-being needs, in addition to biodiversity. The main target groups of the Centre are NGOs (environmental organizations and community organizations), communities and private individuals. With the ACF support the Centre works to ensure that climate arguments are part of environmental impact assessment process; public has access and is engaged in policy development and strategic planning regarding climate; and environmental decisions affecting local communities are inclusive and engaging local communities. In addition, the Centre aims to improve its impact assessment process.
Summary of project results
The aim of the organizational grant was to provide KÕK with the flexibility to implement its strategy and annual action plans. It is not always possible to foresee all necessary activities in great detail, including specific dates and formats for execution. The selection of the most impactful and necessary activities is often influenced by changes in the external environment in which the organization operates. For instance, new legislative proposals may arise unexpectedly, significant changes in administrative practices may occur, or a landmark Supreme Court decision may be issued. Project-based funding, in contrast, is typically more rigid, with a narrow focus and a predefined action plan, allowing less flexibility to address the most pressing issues at any given time.
At the same time, the organizational grant intended to play a crucial role in ensuring that activities remain aligned with the organization’s strategy and long-term plans. This prevents erratic decision-making and helps maintain focus on strategic goals and key thematic priorities. The grant is intended to support KÕK’s capacity development and its ability to participate in advocacy efforts, including collaboration with other environmental organizations.
In 2022-2023 KÕK’s focus has been on activities to enhance climate considerations in environmental impact assessments and decision-making. A key achievement was the development of guidelines for assessing climate impact, which were referenced by the Supreme Court in a major case regarding the Enefit-280 construction permit. Additionally, active participation in the legislative process for the Climate Act has helped shape policy discussions, ensuring a more structured approach to climate-related regulations.
Public participation in climate-related strategic planning and legislation remains a challenge, but efforts have been made to improve inclusivity. Despite setbacks, KÕK has played a crucial watchdog role, providing feedback on legislative proposals, engaging in working groups, and raising awareness about the importance of meaningful public involvement.
Raising awareness of climate adaptation has also been a focus. A public opinion survey revealed that 68% of Estonians believe climate change could impact their quality of life, and 64% seek more information on adaptation measures. A climate adaptation conference attracted considerable interest, with both in-person and online participation exceeding expectations.
Efforts to regulate the extraction of mineral resources through spatial planning have advanced, with new special plans initiated in several regions. KÕK has actively contributed to these processes by participating in steering groups and submitting expert opinions. Similarly, legal advocacy has led to improvements in how mining and exploration permits consider environmental and community concerns. Training sessions have been held for local governments, and key discussions with the Environmental Board have taken place.
However, little progress has been made in ensuring fair compensation for communities affected by mining, despite some local agreements between developers and communities. KÕK has provided legal guidance on structuring such agreements.
Forestry-related activities have included legal representation in strategic court cases concerning logging permits and public participation in forest management decisions. Several court rulings have reinforced environmental protections, though state agencies have been slow to change their practices. KÕK has also engaged in policy discussions on forestry governance and reported on important legal precedents.
In the field of Natura 2000 conservation, progress has been made in refining environmental impact assessments, partly due to EU infringement proceedings against Estonia. KÕK has analyzed legislative proposals, provided legal support in environmental disputes, and participated in consultations with policymakers.
Finally, public access to environmental information and justice remains an ongoing issue. Challenges include short consultation periods for legislative processes, restricted access to environmental data, and financial risks associated with legal disputes. However, a positive development has been the establishment of a legal precedent preventing excessive legal costs for environmental litigants. KÕK has continued advocating for greater transparency and fairness in environmental decision-making.
The 2-year support contributed to KÕK becoming a more effective organization in its advocacy efforts. The support played a key role in increasing the organization''s visibility, as demonstrated by the growing number of inquiries and collaboration proposals from important partners and clients, including other environmental organizations and government institutions. Additionally, the funding provided financial stability, allowing KÕK to focus on strategic goals that are genuinely important for the organization and the sector, rather than being limited to projects with available funding or client-driven assignments.
However, restoring financial stability after the end of the support period has been challenging. A positive outcome was that, during the funding period, KÕK had the opportunity to carefully consider future funding sources and concentrate on preparing high-quality project applications and detailed client proposals.
The organizational grant also contributed to strengthening the organization''s operational capacity. The renewed website has improved visibility, while the clarification of focus areas and internal agreements on shared values have enhanced KÕK''s ability to carry out its work effectively.