Development of methods for assessment and mapping of ecosystem services of marine and inland waters

The project ‘s overall aim is to contribute to decrease of biodiversity loss in riverine habitats and of ecosystems in the European Union.

• the methodologies of mapping and assessing marine and inland water ecosystem services will be developed
• list of environmental indicators for monitoring ecosystem services will be compiled
• monetary values of pilot water bodies will be found
• recommendations for the assessment methods for ecosystem services will be worked out.

These first level outcomes are needed, to move on with the next steps in achieving biodiversity strategic objectives can be taken.

Important part of the project is to disseminate information, to increase public awareness on biodiversity and ecosystem service in Estonia. Since the concept of ecosystem services follows socio-economic approach, there is a high probability that the wider community understands better the need for conservation and protection of ecosystems. Project will be implemented in close cooperation and consultations with the European Union and Norwegian experts. Special attention will be paid to the cooperation with Estonian research institutions and environmental agencies, which allows to achieve better results in the protection of biodiversity at regional level.