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PROJECT APPLICATION FORM

Project identification

Project title Oru park as an exhibition space – rising awareness on environmental protection and green energy.

Project Acronym ORUEXPO

Project number ER264

Programme thematic objective TO 6 Environmental protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation

Programme specific area Increasing awareness of environmental protection and the efficient use of energy resources

Name of the lead partner organisation/original language Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

Name of the lead partner organisation/English State Forest Management Centre

Project duration in months 6 months 0 days

Start date 01.07.2023

End date 31.12.2023

Date of submission 02.02.2023

Project summary Please give a short overview of the project and describe:

the common challenge of the programme area you are jointly tackling in your project; the overall objective of the project and the expected change your project will make to the current situation; the main outputs you will produce and who will benefit from them; the approach you plan to take and why is cross-border approach needed; what is new/original about it?

Please note that, in case of approval, parts of this summary will be published on the programme's web site. It should be clear, easily readable, self-explanatory and without references to other parts of the application form and other

documents.

Please pay attention that all the questions are answered!

The project is composed to promote environmental education in the program area and to its visitors. The overall objective of the project is to support the preservation and presentation of Oru Park (Oru park nature conservation area) as a comprehensive landscape complex and using its popularity to raise awareness on the topics of environmental protection and green energy - Oru park as an exhibition space. The main output of the project is, to establish an environmental education study route with information points, to bring environmental protection and green energy into the field of topics presented in Oru park and  to improve the condition of visitor infrastructure of the route. The results of the project support the preservation of protection values and a learning experience for the park visitors, rise environmental awareness, and provide information about relevant topics – environmental protection and green energy. Oru park as an exhibition space provides a good setting for raising environmental awareness by linking the existing year-round use of Oru Park, the large number of visitors and leisure time spent in the park by acquisition of knowledge - bringing environmental protection and green energy into the field of topics presented in the park. Based on State Forest Management Centres Visitor counting data, in 2021, the number of visitors to Oru Park was 142 300, a three-year average of 140 000 per year. According to the 2021 RMK Visitor Survey, 31% of visits to Oru Park were made in summer (June-August), 26% in spring (April-May), 23% in autumn (September-November) and 21% in winter (December-March)). The main activitities in the project are the creation of environmental education study route with information points (including active elements, if possible), to bringing environmental protection and green energy into the field of topics presented in Oru park and to improve visitor infrastructure on the route (part of the route, including the staircase of Silver springing cave (heritage culture object)).   

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Programme Co-financing (based on information filled in sections Partners and Partner budget)

Partner Programme co-financing Contribution

Total eligible Partner Partner

abbreviation Country EE-RU CBC EE-RU CBC

co-financing( %)

Percentage of total EE-RU

CBC

Public contribution

Private contribution

Total contribution

Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

RMK EESTI 151 200,00 90,00 % 100,00 % 16 800,00 0,00 16 800,00 168 000,00

Subtotal for partners inside 151 200,00 90,00 % 100,00 % 16 800,00 0,00 16 800,00 168 000,00

Subtotal for partners outside 0,00 --- 0,00 % 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00

Total 151 200,00 90,00 % 100,00 % 16 800,00 0,00 16 800,00 168 000,00

Programme output indicators and your contribution

Programme output indicators and your contribution (based on information filled in the Work package list section) Programme output indicators Project's target (total) Measurement unit Project's targets Output code

The number of persons actively participating in environmental actions and awareness raising activities 100,00 Number

0,00 T1.1.1

100,00 I1.1.1

0,00 I2.1.1

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PROJECT PARTNERS

Partner list

Number Name Region Inside programme area

Abbreviation Role Associated to

1 Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

Kesk-Eesti Yes RMK LP

2 Toila vallavalitsus Kirde-Eesti Yes AP Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

Partnership Description

Project partners

Project partner 1 Partner role in the project LP

Name of organisation in original language Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

Name of organisation in English State Forest Management Centre

Abbreviation of organisation RMK

Department/unit/division Visitor Management Department

Address Area EESTI (EE)

Country Eesti (EE00)

Region Kesk-Eesti (EE006)

Postal code 51013

City Sagadi Village, Haljala Municipality, Lääne-Viru County

Street Mõisa

House number 3

Homepage www.rmk.ee

Legal and Financial Information

Type of Partner Other bodies that are governed by public legal acts, (e.g., municipal and national enterprises, trade unions, medical institutions, museums, etc.)

Legal status public

Co-financing rate (%) 90.00

Is your organisation entitled to recover VAT based on national legislation for the activities implemented in the project? No

VAT Number

Registration number 70004459

Legal Representative First name Kristjan

Last name Tõnisson

E-mail address [email protected]

Phone number +372 5691 8728

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Contact Person First name Kaidi

Last name Maran

E-mail address [email protected]

Phone number +37253412669

Experiences of partner Which are the organisation’s experiences and thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project?

Among several task of State Forest Management Centre is visitor management in recreational and protected areas all over Estonia. State Forest Management Centre has long-term experience in planning, creating and management of outdoor recreation possibilities and awareness raising environmental education activities, also experiences with organizing outdoor events. State Forest Management Centre is the manager of the project site and the lead partner.

Benefit What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project?

The benefit for State Forest Management Centre for participating in the project, is to achieve common goals through cooperation, create a sustainable visitor infrastructure to support the preservation of the natural and conservation values of Oru park and rise awareness on the topics of environmental protection and green energy.

Other projects Please describe the organisation’s experience (if any) in participating in and/or managing international/EU co-financed projects/ national projects or other projects.

State Forest Management Centre has participated in several projects, information available here:https://rmk.ee/organisatsioon/el-fondid-1  Visitor Management Department has been part of several projects funded by: European Regional Development Fund (est: Euroopa regionaalarengu Fond ERF), Cohesion Fund (est: Ühtekuuluvusfond ÜF), Central Baltic Interreg programm 2014-2020.

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Associated partner 2 Partner role in the project AP

Name of organisation in original language Toila vallavalitsus

Name of organisation in English Toila Municipality Government

Associated to partner Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

Address Area EESTI (EE)

Country Eesti (EE00)

Region Kirde-Eesti (EE007)

Postal code 41702

City Toila

Street Pikk

House number 13a

Legal Representative First name Eve

Last name East

E-mail address [email protected]

Phone number 5143306

Contact Person First name Mehis

Last name Luus

E-mail address [email protected]

Phone number 5209403

Role Partner's role in the project

In project activity 1. Production of the environmental education route and information points (with active elements if possible). The associate is taking part in generating the ideas, non-monetary tasks; 2. Opening event and further use of the environmental education study route. The Associate is endorsing the opening event, non-monetary tasks. 3. Improving the quality of visitor infrastructure of the environmental education study route. The associate works in the range of legal responsibilities, of Toila Municipality Government, non-monetary tasks.

What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project?

Involvement supports the completion of a high-quality and versatile environmental education route and the introduction of the project, to rise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and green energy.

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Project relevance Cross-border Challenge

What are the common cross-border challenges that will be tackled by the project?

Please describe the relevance of your project for the programme area in terms of common challenges and/or joint assets addressed?

The results of the project support the preservation of protection values, give good conditions and a learning experience for the park visitors, involving  local community, visitors from different regions and with versatile cultural  backgrounds, rising environmental awareness, and provide information about relevant topics -  environmental protection and green energy.  

Project approach

What is the project's approach in addressing these common challenges and/or joint assets and what is new about the approach the project takes?

Please describe new solutions that will be developed during the project and/or existing solutions that will be adopted and implemented during the project lifetime and in what way the approach goes beyond existing practice in the sector/programme area/participating countries.

Oru park as an exhibition space, provides a good setting for raising environmental awareness by linking the existing year-round use of Oru Park, the large number of visitors and leisure time spent in the park by acquisition of knowledge - bringing environmental protection and green energy into the field of topics presented in the park.

Cooperation Reason

Why is cross-border cooperation needed to achieve the projects objectives and result?

Please explain why the project goals cannot be efficiently reached acting only on a national/regional/local level and/or describe what benefits the project partners/target groups/project area gain in taking a cross-border approach.

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Project focus Programme TO (thematic objective) specific area Increasing awareness of environmental protection and the efficient use of energy resources

Project Main Overall Objective

What is the main overall objective of the project and how does it link to the programme objective? Specify one project main objective and describe its contribution to the programme priority specific objective.

The overall objective of the project is to support the preservation and presentation of Oru Park (Oru park nature conservation area) as a comprehensive landscape complex and using its popularity to raise awareness on the topics of environmental protection and green energy - Oru park as an exhibition space. The Project is linked to the programme objective by supporting the possibility to increase awareness of environmental protection and efficient use of energy resources and the preservation and promotion of cultural and historical heritage on a municipal level, by creating an educational study route that is related to the use of energy and environmental protection.

Programme Result Indicator

Select one programme result indicator your project will contribute to.

Increased awareness in environmental protection and energy efficiency among inhabitants and institutions in the Programme area

Project Main Result

What are the project main results and how do they link to the programme result indicator? Specify your one or more projects main results and describe their contribution to the programme result indicator.

The projects main result is an environmental education study route with information points, to bringing environmental protection and green energy into the field of topics presented in Oru park and good condition of the visitor infrastructure (parts of the route, including the staircase of Silver Spring Cave (heritage culture object)). The education study route will be in public use, thereby increasing the awareness of environmental protection and green energy. Good condition of visitor infrastructure ensures that the conservation values of Oru park nature protection area are preserved.

Project Specific Objectives

Which are the specific objectives the project will be working towards? Define max. 3 project specific objectives.

Please provide a short explanation on the defined specific objectives

Project specific objective Short explanation of the defined specific objective

Project context Project Context How does the project contribute to wider strategies and policies? Please describe the project`s contribution to relevant strategies and policies; in particular, those concerning the project or programme area.

“General Principles of Climate Policy until 2050” (GPCP2050) – a vision document established by The Parliament of Estonia, that sets long term greenhouse gas emissions reduction target and policy guidelines for adjusting with the impact of climate change or ensuring the preparedness and resilience to react to the impact of climate change. The project supports the rise of awareness about the importance of environmental protection and green energy, thereby supports climate-friendly attitudes and choices about society's conscious mitigation of climate change and adaptation to its effects.

“The Estonian Environmental Strategy 2030” aims at defining long-term development trends for maintaining a good status of the natural environment, while keeping in mind the links between the sphere of the environment and economic and social spheres and their impact on the natural environment and people. The project supports the rise of awareness about the importance of environmental protection and good condition of protection values (Oru park nature conservation area).   

Synergies What are the synergies with other past or current EU and other -projects or EU-initiatives the project makes use of?

With the funding from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) a project in Oru park was financed: "Oru park nature conservation area reconstruction project and visitor infrastructure reconstruction." As part of the project stage I reconstruction works of the Oru park visitor infrastructure were completed. The time of project activities was: 01.08.2010 - 31.07.2012. 

Knowledge How does the project make use of building available knowledge? Please describe the experiences/lessons learned from previously funded EU projects the project draws on, and other available knowledge the project capitalises on.

Horizontal principles (cross-cutting issues)

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Horizontal principles (cross-cutting issues) Please indicate which type of contribution to horizontal principles applies to the project, and justify the choice.

Horizontal principles Type of contribution Description of the contribution

Sustainable development (environment) positive

Implementing the project has positive impact for sustainable development by raising awareness on environmental protection and green energy.

Equal opportunity and non-discrimination neutral Recreation objects managed by State Forest Management Centre are for public use for everyone.

Equality between men and women neutral Recreation objects managed by State Forest Management Centre are for public use for everyone.

HIV prevention neutral Recreation objects managed by State Forest Management Centre are for public use for everyone.

Project risks

Risk 1 Start date End date Risk impact Risk likelihood

01.07.2023 31.12.2023 high not likely

Information points not ready by the deadline

Risk description

Information points (info materials, with active elements if possible) for the route not ready by the deadline (failure of procurement, difficulties in supplying materials, rising cost of materials, delay in documentation processing). 

Risk mitigation

Well-thought-out procurement documents, concepts for the information points, cooperation and rightful approvals (preliminary agreements and coordination with nessasary authoritys). The possibility for obstacles have been forseen and prevented. Proper organization and adherence to the work schedule.

Risk 2 Start date End date Risk impact Risk likelihood

01.08.2023 31.12.2023 medium likely

Vandalism

Risk description

The study route vith information points will be establisched in a park setting, where vandalsim might be an issue. 

Risk mitigation

Preparation of high-quality information points on the study route, suitable for park setting, supervision. 

Risk 3 Start date End date Risk impact Risk likelihood

01.07.2023 31.12.2023 high not likely

Construction works not ready by the deadline

Risk description

Construction works for the routes visitor infrastructure not ready by the deadline (failure of construction procurement or owner supervision procurement, unfavorable weather conditions, difficulties in supplying materials, rising cost of materials, delay in documentation processing). 

Risk mitigation

Well-thought-out construction and owner supervision procurement materials, successful procurements. Preliminary agreements and coordination with nessasary authoritys,  rightful approvals. The possibility for obstacles in the builder's work and delivery difficulties regarding building materials have been forseen and prevented. Proper organization of construction works and adherence to the construction schedule.

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WORK PLAN

Work plan per work packages

Preparation

WP Nr WP Title WP Start date WP End date WP Budget P Preparation 05.2023 06.2023 0,00

Summary description and objective of the work package including explanation of how partners will be involved (who will do what)

The leading partner is State Forest Management Centre, who will:

collaborate with the projects associate about the environmetal education study routs ideas; ask for preliminary agreements and coordinate with nessasary authoritys (incl. nature conservation restrictions taken into account when planning the objects developments); put together procuremnt documents for finding a qualified project manager for the environmental education study routes information points;  put together construction and owner supervision procurement documents for the environmental study routes vositor infrastructure construction works, aso. 

Management

WP Nr WP Title WP Start date WP End date WP Budget M Management 07.2023 12.2023 18 000,00

WP responsible partner Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

Partner involvement

Partners involved Name: State Forest Management Centre Role: LP

Describe how the management on the strategic and operational level will be carried out in the project, specifically:

structure, responsibilities, procedures for the day-to-day management and co-ordination communication within the partnership reporting and evaluation procedures risk and quality management Indicate whether the management is foreseen to be externalised

The structure, responsibilities and procedures for the day-to-day management and co-ordination, communication, reporting and evaluation procedures, risks and quality management are managed based to the establisched and practiced rules of procedure of State Forest Management Centre, considering the programmes rules and regulations. Project day-to-day management is carried out by State Forest Management Centre personnel, project manager will be appointed, needed specialists and personnel working in the area will be assigned to the working group. Since project timeframe is short using in most part personnel from State Forest Management Centre provides the possibility to do needed preparation work beforehand State Forest Management Centre has procurement department, accounting department etc.. There will be regular cooperation with associated partners to reach goals, this by face to face meetings or web meetings. Project timetable and budget is assessed on regular basis.

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Please describe activities and outputs of each activity within the work package

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity M.1 Owerall project management 07.2023 12.2023

For owerall project management the appointed staff of State Forest Management Centre is responsible.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date

Activity M.2 Project management for the creation of the study routes information points 07.2023 12.2023

A project manager will be hired (procurement), responcible for: content of information points, finding a producer of the active elements (if establishing is possible), designer, etc,; working and reporting in the areas of ​​work responsibilitys, stipulated in the contract.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity M.3 Communication within the associated partner 07.2023 12.2023

For communication with the associated partner the appointed staff of State Forest Management Centre is responsible and the project manager for the study route information points creation in the areas of ​​work responsibilitys, stipulated in the contract.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity M.4 Reporting and evaluation procedures 07.2023 12.2023

For reporting an evaluation procedures the appointed staff of State Forest Management Centre is responsible and the project manager for the study route information points creation in the areas of ​​work responsibilitys, stipulated in the contract.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity M.5 Risk and quality management 07.2023 12.2023

For risk and quality managemet the appointed staff of State Forest Management Centre is responsible and the project manager for the study route information points creation in the areas of ​​work responsibilitys, stipulated in the contract.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity M.6 Opening event and promotion 12.2023 12.2023

For the opening event and promotion the appointed staff of State Forest Management Centre is responsible. The associated partner supports the promotion of the opening event and future use of the environmental education study route (non-monetary tasks).

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Investment

WP Nr WP Title WP Start date WP End date WP Budget

I1 Study routs information points 07.2023 12.2023 50 000,00

WP responsible partner State Forest Management Centre

Partner involvement

Partners involved Name: State Forest Management Centre Role: LP

Description and objective of the work package

Investment I1 describes activities for creating the study routes information points. The result is an environmental education study route with information points (with active elements if possible), to bringing environmental protection and green energy into the field of topics presented in Oru park. The exact form of the active elements will be clarified within the framework of the project works and in accordance with the nature conservation restrictions. The sustainable approche of the project is based on creating long-term value by using good quality materials and environmentally conscious work methods. 

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Justification Explain the need for investment to achieve project objectives and results. Describe clearly the cross-border relevance of the investment. Describe who is benefiting (e.g. partners, regions, end-users etc.) from this investment and in what way. In case of pilot investment, please clarify which problem it tackles, which findings you expect from it, how it can be replicated and how the experience coming from it will be used for the benefit of the programme area.

The environmental education study routes information points (with active elements if possible), located in Oru park, will provide information about relevant topics - environmental protection and green energy and support the rise of environmental awareness. The local community, general public, educational institutions and (indirectly) tourism entrepreneurs will benefit from this investment. The study route will give an educational experience and possibility to rise environmental awareness.

Location of the investment Location of the physical investment Area: EE, EESTI Country: EE00, Eesti Region: EE007, Kirde-Eesti

Oru park (Cadastral unit: 80201:001:0587; address: Ahtme metskond 103, Pühajõe village, Toila municipality, Ida-Viru county; https://riigivara.fin.ee/rkvr-frontend/varad/8825583).

Risks associated with the investment Description of the risks associated with the investment, go/no-go decisions, etc. (if any)

Investment documentation Please list all documents (technical documentation and permissions (e.g. building permits)) relevant to this workpackage and attached to this project application. In case they are already available attach them to this application form, otherwise indicate when do you expect them to be available.

The investment documents (technical documentation, permint aso) will be a product of the project and can not be attached to this project application an this point. Primary track description of the environmental education study route is attached to this project application.

Ownership Who owns the site where the investment is located? - Who will retain ownership of the investment at the end of the project? - Who will take care of maintenance of the investment? How will this be done?

The site, where the investment is located is state owned and will retain ownership of the investment at the end of the project. Visitor Management Department of State Forest Management Centre will maintane the investment as part of the visitor object - Oru park. About the right to use the land can be checked on the Ministry of Finance's website from the State Real Estate Register: https://riigivara.fin.ee/rkvr-frontend/varad/8825583.

Please describe project main outputs that will be delivered based on the activities carried out in this work package. For each project main output a programme output indicator should be chosen. Please note that they need to have the same measurement unit.

Project main output Describe your project main output

Choose a programme indicator to which the project main output will contribute

Measurement unit

Quantify your distribution

I1.1

Environmental education study route with information points

Completed environmental education study route with information points (with active elements, if possible) and thereby increased awareness of environmental protection and green energy.

The number of persons actively participating in environmental actions and awareness raising activities

Number 100,00

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Target groups per main outputs Who will use the main outputs

Target group involvement

Sustainability of main outputs How will the project main output be further used once the project has ended? Please describe concrete measures (including e.g. institutional structures, financial sources, etc.) taken during and after project implementation to ensure the durability of the project main output. If relevant, please explain who will be responsible and/or the owner of the output.

How will the project ensure that the project outputs are applicable and replicable by other organisations/regions/countries outside of the current partnership? Please describe to what extent it will be possible to transfer the outputs to other organisations/regions/countries outside of the current partnership.

Please describe activities and activity outputs within the work package

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity I1.1 Creation of the study routes information points 07.2023 10.2023

Production of the environmental education routes information points (with active elements if possible), procurement, leagal approvals of the initial task and solutions.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date

Activity I1.2 Installation of the study routes information points in the park 11.2023 12.2023

Installation of the study routes information points in Oru park.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Investment

WP Nr WP Title WP Start date WP End date WP Budget

I2 Visitor infrastructure of the study route 08.2023 12.2023 95 000,00

WP responsible partner State Forest Management Centre

Partner involvement

Partners involved Name: State Forest Management Centre Role: LP

Description and objective of the work package

As part of the project the construction works are planned to rise the quality of the visitor infrastructure of the environmental education study route. The primary track description of the route is included with the appendix materials of this procjects application form.  The good condition of visitor infrastructure of the environmental education study route will support and ensure the preservation of the conservation values of Oru park nature protection area. The sustainable approche of the project is based on creating long-term value by using good quality materials and environmentally conscious work methods. 

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Justification Explain the need for investment to achieve project objectives and results. Describe clearly the cross-border relevance of the investment. Describe who is benefiting (e.g. partners, regions, end-users etc.) from this investment and in what way. In case of pilot investment, please clarify which problem it tackles, which findings you expect from it, how it can be replicated and how the experience coming from it will be used for the benefit of the programme area.

The good condition of visitor infrastructure of the environmental education study route will support and ensure the preservation of the conservation values of Oru park nature protection area. The route will carry the elements of information points about relevant topics - environmental protection and green energy and support the rise of environmental awareness. The local community, general public, educational institutions and (indirectly) tourism entrepreneurs will benefit from this investment. The study route will give an educational experience and possibility to rise environmental awareness.

Location of the investment Location of the physical investment Area: EE, EESTI Country: EE00, Eesti Region: EE007, Kirde-Eesti

Oru park (Cadastral unit: 80201:001:0587; address: Ahtme metskond 103, Pühajõe village, Toila municipality, Ida-Viru county; https://riigivara.fin.ee/rkvr-frontend/varad/8825583).

Risks associated with the investment Description of the risks associated with the investment, go/no-go decisions, etc. (if any)

Investment documentation Please list all documents (technical documentation and permissions (e.g. building permits)) relevant to this workpackage and attached to this project application. In case they are already available attach them to this application form, otherwise indicate when do you expect them to be available.

The primary documents are in the container "Oru park", incl "Enronmental study route A4", Joonis 1 rada, Joonis 2 trepp, Joonis 3 trepp, Seletuskiri Oru park". The construction contractor will create work blueprints and take the mandatory approvals based on them.

Ownership Who owns the site where the investment is located? - Who will retain ownership of the investment at the end of the project? - Who will take care of maintenance of the investment? How will this be done?

The site, where the investment is located is state owned and will retain ownership of the investment at the end of the project. Visitor Management Department of State Forest Management Centre will maintane the investment as part of the visitor object - Oru park. About the right to use the land can be checked on the Ministry of Finance's website from the State Real Estate Register: https://riigivara.fin.ee/rkvr-frontend/varad/8825583

Please describe project main outputs that will be delivered based on the activities carried out in this work package. For each project main output a programme output indicator should be chosen. Please note that they need to have the same measurement unit.

Project main output Describe your project main output

Choose a programme indicator to which the project main output will contribute

Measurement unit

Quantify your distribution

I2.1

Visitor infrastructure of environmental education study route in good condition

The visitor infrastructure (part of the route, including the staircase of the Silver spring cave) is in good condition, which ensures that the conservation values are preserved. The route will carry the elements of information points about relevant topics - environmental protection and green energy and support the rise of environmental awareness.

The number of persons actively participating in environmental actions and awareness raising activities

Number 0,00

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Target groups per main outputs Who will use the main outputs

Target group involvement

Sustainability of main outputs How will the project main output be further used once the project has ended? Please describe concrete measures (including e.g. institutional structures, financial sources, etc.) taken during and after project implementation to ensure the durability of the project main output. If relevant, please explain who will be responsible and/or the owner of the output.

How will the project ensure that the project outputs are applicable and replicable by other organisations/regions/countries outside of the current partnership? Please describe to what extent it will be possible to transfer the outputs to other organisations/regions/countries outside of the current partnership.

Please describe activities and activity outputs within the work package

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date

Activity I2.1 Carrying out and completing the construction works 08.2023 12.2023

A construction contractor will carry out and complite the construction works of the environmental education study routes visitor infrastructure.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Implementation (core activity)

WP Nr WP Title WP Start date WP End date WP Budget

T1

Rising the quality of visitor infrastructure of the environmental education study route

07.2023 07.2023 0,00

WP responsible partner State Forest Management Centre

Partner involvement

Partners involved Name: State Forest Management Centre Role: LP

Summary description and objectives of the work package including explanation of how partners will be involved.

Core activity T1 describes activities for rising the quality of visitor infrastructure of the environmental education study route. The result is an environmental education study route with information points, to bringing environmental protection and green energy into the field of topics presented in Oru park. The sustainable approche of the project is based on creating long-term value by using good quality materials and environmentally conscious work methods. 

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Please describe project main outputs that will be delivered based on the activities carried out in this work package. For each project main output a programme output indicator should be chosen. Please note that they need to have the same measurement unit.

Project main output Describe your project main output

Choose a programme indicator to which the project main output will contribute

Measurement unit

Quantify your distribution

T1.1

Visitor infrastructure of environmental education study route in good condition

The visitor infrastructure (part of the route, including the staircase of the Silver spring cave) is in good condition, which ensures that the conservation values are preserved. The result is an environmental education study route with good visitor infrastructure and information points, to bringing environmental protection and green energy into the field of topics presented in Oru park.

The number of persons actively participating in environmental actions and awareness raising activities

Number 0,00

Target groups per main outputs Who will use the main outputs

Target group involvement

Sustainability of main outputs How will the project main outputs be further used once the project has been finalised? Please describe concrete measures (including eg. institutional structures, financial sources etc.) taken during and after project implementation to ensure the durability of the project main outputs. If relevant, please explain who will be responsible and/or the owner of the output.

How will the project ensure that the project outputs are applicable and replicable by other organisations/regions/countries outside of the current partnership? Please describe to what extent it will be possible to transfer the outputs to other organisations/regions/countries outside of the current partnership.

Please describe activities and activity outputs within the work package

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date

Activity T1.1 Procurement for consruction works and owner supervision 07.2023 07.2023

Carrying out a procurement to find a construction contractor and owner supervision for the construction works on the environmental education study routs infrastructure.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Communication

WP Nr WP Title WP Start date WP End date WP Budget

C Communication and visibility 07.2023 12.2023 5 000,00

WP responsible partner State Forest Management Centre

Partner involvement

Partners involved Name: State Forest Management Centre Role: LP

Summary description and objectives of the workpackage including explanation of how will partners be involved of activities carried out and contribution of each partner.

State Forest Management Centre takes into account the programmes communication and visibility requirements when managing the project and organizing the opening event.  The project associete contributes based on the information given in annex 3. 

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Project specific objectives Communication objectives - What can communications do to reach a specific project objective?

Approach/Tactics - How do you plan to reach the communication objective?

Please describe activities and activity outputs within the work package

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity C.1 Start-up activities including communication 07.2023 07.2023

Cooperation with project associate (Toila Municipality Covernment), involving other official authoritys (e.g. The Estonian Environmental Board).

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity C.2 Public Event(s) 12.2023 12.2023

Public opening event for the environmental education study route, organized by State forest Management Centre, involving the project associte to promote the event.

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Activity Number Activity Title Activity Start Date Activity End Date Activity C.3 Promotional material 12.2023 12.2023

Articles or other materials in different media outlets (State forest Management Centre, involving the project associte).

Activity Output Number Activity Output Title Activity Output

Targetvalue Activity Output Date

Periods

Period number Duration Start Date End Date Reporting Date 0 2 months 01.05.2023 30.06.2023 31.12.2023

1 6 months 01.07.2023 31.12.2023 31.12.2023

Target groups

Target group/-s

Please further specify the target group/s (e.g., bilingual elementary schools, environmental experts, etc.).

Target value Please indicate the size of the target group you will reach.

Education/training centre and school Oru park is a popular destination spot for field excursions and also a school is situated next to Oru park.

3 500,00

General public The object is in public use and diverse target groups are involved. 100 000,00

Page 17 of 26

PROJECT BUDGET

Partner Budget

Name of partner organisation Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

Partner ID 1

Legal status public

Type of partner Other bodies that are governed by public legal acts, (e.g., municipal and national enterprises, trade unions, medical institutions, museums, etc.)

Co-financing source EE-RU CBC

Inside programme area yes

Partner Budget Amount Co-financing rate

Programme co-financing 151 200,00 90,00 %

Partner contribution 16 800,00 10,00 %

Partner total eligible budget 168 000,00 100.00 %

Origin of partner contribution (indicative)

Source of contribution Legal status % of total partner contribution Amount

Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK) public 100,00 % 16 800,00

Sub-total public contribution 100,00 % 16 800,00

Sub-total private contribution 0,00 % 0,00

Total 100,00 % 16 800,00

Partner total target value 16 800,00

Page 18 of 26

Office and administration Description Unit type WP P - preparation

Period No. of units Price per unit Total Period -1 1,00 0,00 0,00

Total 0,00

External expertise and services Description Unit type WP P - preparation

Period No. of units Price per unit Total Information points project manager Period -1 1,00 0,00 0,00

Total 0,00

External expertise and services Description Unit type WP M - management

Period No. of units Price per unit Total Information points project manager

Project manager for the study routes information points, 6 months. Period -1 1,00 0,00 18 000,00

Total 18 000,00

External expertise and services Description Unit type WP T1 - implementation

Period No. of units Price per unit Total Information points project manager Period -1 1,00 0,00 0,00

Total 0,00

Page 19 of 26

External expertise and services Description Unit type WP I1 - investment

Period No. of units Price per unit Total Information points project manager Period -1 1,00 0,00 0,00

Total 0,00

External expertise and services Description Unit type WP I2 - investment

Period No. of units Price per unit Total Information points project manager Period -1 1,00 0,00 0,00

Total 0,00

External expertise and services Description Unit type WP C - communication

Period No. of units Price per unit Total Information points project manager Period -1 1,00 0,00 0,00

Communication and visibility actions

Communication and visibility - public event, promotion (1 opening event, advertisement or materials). Period -1 1,00 0,00 5 000,00

Total 5 000,00

Investment Description Unit type WP P - preparation Period No. of units Price per unit Total

Study routs visitor infrastructure. Period -1 1,00 0,00 0,00

Total 0,00

Page 20 of 26

Investment Description Unit type WP I1 - investment Period No. of units Price per unit Total

Study routs visitor infrastructure. Period -1 1,00 0,00 0,00

Study routs information points.

Creation and installation of information points. Establishment of information points (establishment of information points on the foundation, provision of information and technological solutions). There will be 4 information points. Unit type is 1 set, equals 1 information point; 1 unit cost is 12500 EUR.

Period -1 1,00 0,00 50 000,00

Total 50 000,00

Investment Description Unit type WP I2 - investment Period No. of units Price per unit Total

Study routs visitor infrastructure.

Environmental study routs reconstruction works (including reconstruction of stairs (including stairs cascade), reconstruction and improvement work of the routes walkway (study routes plan added to eMS documents). Unit: 1 work (one procurement); 1 unit cost: 90 000 EUR.

Period -1 1,00 0,00 90 000,00

Owner supervision. Owner supervision for the construction period. Period -1 1,00 0,00 5 000,00

Total 95 000,00

Page 21 of 26

Activities outside the programme area

Please describe and justify the location of activities, which take place outside the eligible programme area.

There are no activities planned outside the programme territory.

Total budget of activities to be carried out outside the programme area 0,00

Total EE-RU CBC for activities outside 0,00

% of total EE-RU CBC (indicative) 0,00 %

Page 22 of 26

PROJECT BUDGET OVERVIEW

Project budget per co-financing source (fund) - breakdown per partner

Partner Programme co-financing Contribution Total eligiblePartner

Abbreviation Country EE-RU CBC EE-RU CBC co-financing(%)

Percentage of total EE-RU CBC

Public Contribution

Private Contribution Total Contribution

RMK EESTI 151 200,00 90,00 % 100,00 % 16 800,00 0,00 16 800,00 168 000,00

Sub-total For Partners Inside 151 200,00 90,00 % 100,00 % 16 800,00 0,00 16 800,00 168 000,00

Sub-total For Partners Outside 0,00 --- 0,00 % 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00

Total 151 200,00 90,00 % 100,00 % 16 800,00 0,00 16 800,00 168 000,00

Project budget - overview per partner/ per budget line

Partner Abbreviation

Co-financing Source Staff costs Office and

administration

Travel and accommodatio

n

External expertise and

services Equipment Investment Total Budget Net Revenue Total Eligible

RMK EE-RU CBC 0,00 0,00 0,00 23 000,00 0,00 145 000,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Total 0,00 0,00 0,00 23 000,00 0,00 145 000,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Percentage Of Total Budget 0,00 % 0,00 % 0,00 % 13,69 % 0,00 % 86,30 % 100,00 % 0,00% Of Total Budget

100,00% Of Total Budget

Co-financing Source Staff costs Office and

administration Travel and

accommodation

External expertise and

services Equipment Investment Sum Financed

Budget Decreasing Net

Revenue Total Financed

Budget

EE-RU CBC 0,00 0,00 0,00 23 000,00 0,00 145 000,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Page 23 of 26

Project budget - overview per partner/ per period Partner Abbreviation Co-financing Source Period 0 Period 1 Total Budget Net Revenue Total Eligible

RMK EE-RU CBC 0,00 0,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Total 0,00 0,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Percentage Of Total Budget 0,00 % 0,00 % 100,00 % 0,00% Of Total Budget 100,00% Of Total Budget

Co-financing Source Period 0 Period 1 Total Financed Budget

EE-RU CBC 0,00 0,00 168 000,00

Page 24 of 26

Project budget - overview per partner/ per WP Partner

Abbreviation Co-financing

Source WP P WP M WP T1 WP I1 WP I2 WP C Total Budget Net Revenue Total Eligible

RMK EE-RU CBC 0,00 18 000,00 0,00 50 000,00 95 000,00 5 000,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Total 0,00 18 000,00 0,00 50 000,00 95 000,00 5 000,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Percentage Of Total Budget 0,00 % 10,71 % 0,00 % 29,76 % 56,54 % 2,97 % 100,00 % 0,00% Of Total Budget

100,00% Of Total Budget

Co-financing Source WP P WP M WP T1 WP I1 WP I2 WP C Total Financed Budget

EE-RU CBC 0,00 18 000,00 0,00 50 000,00 95 000,00 5 000,00 168 000,00

Page 25 of 26

Project budget - overview per WP/ per budget line

WP Number Staff costs Office and administration

Travel and accommodation

External expertise and

services Equipment Investment Total Budget Net Revenue Total Eligible

WP P 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00

WP M 0,00 0,00 0,00 18 000,00 0,00 0,00 18 000,00 0,00 18 000,00

WP T1 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00

WP I1 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 50 000,00 50 000,00 0,00 50 000,00

WP I2 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 95 000,00 95 000,00 0,00 95 000,00

WP C 0,00 0,00 0,00 5 000,00 0,00 0,00 5 000,00 0,00 5 000,00

Total 0,00 0,00 0,00 23 000,00 0,00 145 000,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Percentage Of Total Budget 0,00 % 0,00 % 0,00 % 13,69 % 0,00 % 86,30 % 100,00 % 0,00% Of Total

Budget 100,00% Of Total

Budget

Co-financing Source Staff costs Office and

administration Travel and

accommodation

External expertise and

services Equipment Investment Sum Financed

Budget Decreasing Net

Revenue Total Financed

Budget

EE-RU CBC 0,00 0,00 0,00 23 000,00 0,00 145 000,00 168 000,00 0,00 168 000,00

Page 26 of 26

Project budget - overview per WP/ per period WP Number Period 0 Period 1 Total Budget Net Revenue Total Eligible

WP P 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00

WP M 0,00 0,00 18 000,00 0,00 18 000,00

WP T1 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00

WP I1 0,00 0,00 50 000,00 0,00 50 000,00

WP I2 0,00 0,00 95 000,00 0,00 95 000,00

WP C 0,00 0,00 5 000,00 0,00 5 000,00

Co-financing Source Period 0 Period 1 Total Financed Budget

EE-RU CBC 0,00 0,00 168 000,00

Total EU Funds 0,00 0,00 168 000,00

1

Estonian EU external border programme

2014-2020

Grant Contract

for the implementation of the project (one beneficiary)

ER264 Oru park as an exhibition space – rising

awareness on environmental protection and green

energy (ORUEXPO)

2

Preamble

This Grant Contract („the Contract“) is concluded between State Shared Service Centre

(registry code 70007340), Lõkke 4, Tallinn 10122, Estonia

acting as the Managing Authority („MA“) of the Estonian EU external border programme

2014-20201 („Programme“) represented by Mrs Külli KAARE, Acting as the Head of the

Managing Authority

of the one part,

and

State Forest Management Centre (in original language: Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus

(RMK)) (reg.nr 70004459, public body), Mõisa 3, Sagadi village, Haljala Municipality,

45403 Lääne-Viru, Estonia represented by Mr Kristjan TÕNISSON, Member of the

Management Board

Acting as the Lead Beneficiary (the "Beneficiary”)

of the other part,

(the Parties)

have agreed for the implementation of the project ER264 Oru park as an exhibition space

– rising awareness on environmental protection and green energy (ORUEXPO)

(“the Project”) as follows:

1 In accordance with the Commission Implementing Decision C(2014)7172 the legal name of the Programme is

Estonia-Russia Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, however due to suspension of the Financing

Agreement between the European Unioin, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia, and JMC decision

made on 23 May 2022 the Estonia-Russia CBC Programme 2014-2020 is temporary called Estonian EU external

border programme.

3

Article 1 – Legal Framework

1. The Lead Beneficiary shall guarantee that the Project referred to in Article 2 is

implemented and managed in accordance with the following regulations and rules as well

as the horizontal policies of the European Union and national legislation:

1.1 National rules of the Republic of Estonia

1.2 European Union legal acts:

1.2.1 Regulation (EC) No 232/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council

of 11 March 2014 (ENI Regulation);

1.2.2 Council Regulation (EC, EURATOM) No 966/2012 on the Financial Regulation

that is applicable to the general budget for the European Communities;

1.2.3 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the

protection on the European Communities financial interests;

1.2.4 Regulation No 236/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11

March 2014 laying down common rules and procedures for the implementation of

the Union’s instruments for financing external action;

1.2.5 Commission Implementing Regulation No 897/2014 of 18 August 2014 laying

down implementing rules for cross-border cooperation programmes financed under

Regulation No 232/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down

general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument

(Implementing Rules);

1.2.6 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of

27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of

personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive

95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation).

1.2.7 Regulation (EU) 2022/2192 of the European Parliament and of the Council of

9 November 2022 laying down specific provisions for the 2014-2020 cooperation

programmes supported by the European Neighbourhood Instrument and under the

European territorial cooperation goal, following programme implementation

distruption

1.3 Estonia - Russia Cross Border Cooperation Joint Operational Programme 2014 -

2020 approved by the European Commission on 18 December 2015, decision No

C(2015)9193, last changes approved on 16.12.2020.

1.4 Guidelines for the 6th Call for proposals.

1.5 Project Implementation Guidelines and annexes thereto.

Article 2 — Purpose

2.1 The purpose of this Contract is the award of a grant by the MA for the implementation

of the Project no ER264 entitled: Oru park as an exhibition space – rising awareness on

environmental protection and green energy (ORUEXPO) attached as Annex I.

2.2 The Contract is signed in accordance with the decision of the Joint Monitoring

Committee (the “JMC”) of the Programme of 25-26 April 2023 and with the decision of the

MA No 41/2023 to award the grant to the Project.

2.3 The Lead Beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) will be awarded the grant on the terms and

conditions set out in this Contract and Annex I, which the Beneficiary hereby declares it

has noted and accepted.

2.4 The Beneficiary accepts the grant and undertakes to be responsible for carrying out

the Project.

4

Article 3 — Implementation period of the Project

3.1 This Contract shall enter into force on the date when the second of the two Parties

signs.

3.2 The Project implementation period starts on 01.07.2023 and ends on 31.12.2023.

Starting date of the Project implementation period can be either:

1. the day following that on which the Contract is signed by both the Beneficiary

and MA;

2. a later date agreed in the Contract, but no later than 1 July 2023.

3.3 The execution period of this Contract shall end when the payment of the balance is

made by the MA unless postponed in accordance with Article 18.4 of this Contract.

Article 4 — Financing the Project

4.1 The total eligible costs of the Project are estimated at EUR 168 000,00, as set out in

Annex I.

4.2 The MA undertakes to finance a maximum amount of EUR 151 200,00 from the

Programme budget.

4.3 The grant is further limited to 90% of the total actually incurred eligible cost of the

Project.

4.4 To the activities of the Beneficiay of the Republic of Estonia, the State aid or de minimis

aid are not applicable.

4.5 On the basis of this Contract the Beneficiary ensures that they may grant indirect de

minimis aid to the participants of Project activities. In this case the Beneficiary collects

data from the receivers of indirect de minimis aid, checks that any new grant of aid does

not exceed the relevant ceiling and informs the undertaking which receives the aid in

writing of the prospective amount of the aid expressed as a gross grant equivalent and of

its de minimis character, making reference to the respective EU regulation and citing its

title and publication reference in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Beneficiary

must inform participants of the Project activities about becoming subjects to de minimis

aid before the Project activity takes place.

4.6 The Beneficiary of the public sector of the Republic of Estonia that receives state aid

or de minimis aid above Programme co-financing rate is considered as state aid or de

minimis aid grantors for themself, unless their co-financing comes from external financing,

in a form, which is free of any public support (e.g from other economic activities or loans).

4.7 The flat-rate of eligible indirect costs for the Beneficiary is 0.%,

as calculated according to the point 2.5.6.2 of the Implementation Guidelines.

Costs declared under flat-rate shall satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in Article 20.1 and

20.2. They do not need to be backed by accounting or supporting documents.

4.8 The amounts transferred but not used by the Beneficiary have to be returned to the

MA.

Article 5 — Communication with Programme authorities

5.1 Any communication with the Programme authorities related to this Contract shall be

effected via electronic monitoring system (eMS), https://ems.estoniarussia.eu

Article 6 — Annexes

6.1 The following documents form an integral part of the Contract:

5

 Latest full Project application with annexes approved by the JMC/MA/JTS and

uploaded in eMS

6.2 In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Contract and the Annex thereto,

the Contract shall take precedence.

Article 7 — General provisions

General principles

7.1 The Beneficiary and the MA are the only Parties to this Contract.

Data protection

7.2 Any personal data will be processed solely for the purposes of the performance,

management and monitoring of this Contract by the MA and may also be passed to the

bodies charged with monitoring or inspection tasks under the law of the European Union

and, the Republic of Estonia. If the Beneficiary has any queries concerning the processing

of personal data, it shall address them to the MA. The MA and the Beneficiary have to

undertake all measures to fulfil the requirements of EU General Data Protection Regulation

and national legislation. The Beneficiary and the MA will have right of recourse at any time

to the European Data Protection Supervisor.

7.3 The Beneficiary shall ensure that personal data of natural persons participating in the

Programme shall be collected, stored and transferred, with their consent, in databases of

the Programme Authorities and management bodies. The Beneficiary shall limit access

and use of personal data to that strictly necessary for the performance, management and

monitoring of this Contract and shall adopt all appropriate technical and organisational

security measures necessary to preserve the strictest confidentiality and limit access to

this data.

Responsibilities of the Beneficiary :

7.4 setting up and maintaining effective, efficient and reliable Project implementation

system (strategic, daily operational and financial management), i.e.: ensuring efficient use

of the Project’s resources; ensuring that these tasks are subsequently fulfilled; ensuring

proper communication with wider public, whererelevant;

7.5 representing the Project – the Beneficiary serves as a contact point to the MA, JMC,

National Authority (the NA), Audit Authority (the AA) and Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS)

concerning the implementation of the Project and should ensure continuous communication

with the Programme (JTS);

7.6 progress of the Project as far as its financial and physical execution is concerned, and

in particular, for ensuring the delivery of outputs and results in line with the Project

application;

7.7 establishing adequate monitoring and evaluation system of the Project that ensures

timely delivery of Project outputs and results in a proper quality;

7.8 ensuring that the MA, JTS, JMC members, as well as independent assessors authorised

by the Programme authorities and representatives of the European Commission can have

access to all Project documents, sites and premises when carrying out monitoring or

evaluation missions, on-the-spot checks and audits; Access shall be granted on conditions

of strict confidentiality with regard to third parties, without prejudice to public law

obligations to which they are subject;

7.9 timely and correct reporting in compliance with Article 8 of this Contract;

7.10 requesting and receiving payments from the MA;

7.11 respecting and observing Programme rules and requirements, the EU, EURATOM, and

national legislation concerning financial management and controls, public procurement,

rules on nationality and origin, information and publicity and state aid rules;

6

7.12 ensuring the correctness of the Project accounting system and documents. The

Beneficiary shall have separate accounting system or an adequate accounting code for the

Project funds and expenditures.

7.13 ensuring that the Beneficary`s expenditure has been incurred, is supported by

invoices or documented by accounting documents and adequate supporting documents

understandable to third parties and has actually been paid out by the Beneficiary in

accordance with the Implementation Guidelines and no later then 31 December 2023.

7.14 ensuring that the expenditure presented by the Beneficiary has been incurred for the

purpose of implementing the Project and corresponds to the application and verify that the

expenditures has been examined by public officer;

7.15 ensuring production and maintenance of all documentary evidence required for control

and audit purposes on the Beneficiary's level;

7.16 ensuring timely and proper closure of the Project;

7.17 repayment of the amounts to the MA unduly paid according to the Financial Correction

Decision;.

7.18 ensuring adequate visibility of the EU contribution to the project, as well the

contribution by the participating country, Estonia, in order to strengthen public awareness

of the actions being taken by Estonia and EU, and to create a consistent image for the

support by Estonia, and EU in the project.

Article 8 — Obligations related to reporting

8.1 As project duration covers only 6 months the Beneficiary must draw up only Final

Report.

8.2 The Beneficiary prepares an individual final report and fills in information in eMS within

30 calendar days after the end of the project. An inividual final report shall consist of

narrative and financial report on the costs incurred and paid in the reporting period;

8.3 The public officer shall examine within 60 calendar days whether the costs declared by

the Beneficiary and the revenue of the Project are real, accurately recorded and eligible

under this Contract and produce an expenditure verification report.

8.4 The Beneficiary prepares a consolidated final report on the basis of the verified

individual report and submits it to the JTS via eMS. The consolidated report shall be

submitted to the JTS by the Beneficiary within 30 calendar days after the individual final

report is verified by the public officer.

The consolidated report shall contain all necessary information on achievement of project

outputs, a detailed description of the conditions in which the project was carried out,

information on the steps taken to ensure the visibility of Programme financing, information

with which to evaluate the project's outputs, the proof of the transfers of ownership (if

applicable), etc.

The JTS and MA have 25 working days to check and approve the consolidated report.

8.5 The Beneficiary shall provide the MA with all required information on the

implementation of the Project. The report shall describe the implementation of the Project

according to the activities envisaged, difficulties encountered and measures taken to

overcome problems, eventual changes introduced, as well as the degree of achievement

of its results (impact, outcomes or outputs) as measured by corresponding indicators. The

reports shall be drafted in such a way as to allow monitoring of the objective(s), the means

envisaged or employed and the budget details for the Project. The level of detail in any

report should match that of the Project and of the budget for the Project.

8.6 The individual and consolidated final reports shall be prepared in eMS in English and in

accordance with the Implementation Guidelines.

7

The final reports shall:

a) be submitted via eMS and cover the Project as a whole, regardless of which part

of it is financed by the MA;

b) consist of a narrative and a financial part;

c) provide a full account of all aspects of the Project's implementation for the period

covered the qualitative and quantitative information needed to demonstrate the

fulfilment of the conditions established in this Contract, incl. flat rate amount;

d) include the results within an updated table based on the logical framework matrix

including the results achieved by the Project as measured by their corresponding

indicators; agreed baselines and targets, and relevant sources of verification;

e) be drafted in the currency of euro (EUR) and in the English language;

f) include information about communication and visibility activities respecting

requirements as provided by Article 12;

g) include any relevant reports, publications, press releases and updates related to

the Project.

h) include the proofs of the transfers of ownership as referred to in Article 13 (if

applicable).

8.7 The public officer, the JTS and the MA may ask the Beneficiary complementary

information on the reports if necessary. In this case the Beneficiary is given a concrete

time-frame for submitting this information. The time limit for approving the reports will

start counting again as of the day of the receipt of this information.

8.8 If the Beneficiary fails to provide any report or fails to provide any additional

information requested by the Programme authorities within the set deadline without an

acceptable and written explanation of the reasons, the MA may terminate this Contract

according to Article 18.2 (a) and (f) of this Contract.

Article 9 — Liability

9.1 The MA cannot under any circumstances or for any reason whatsoever be held liable

for damage or injury sustained by the staff or property of the Beneficiary while the Project

is being carried out or as a consequence of the Project. The MA cannot, therefore, accept

any claim for compensation or increases in payment in connection with such damage or

injury.

9.2 The Beneficiary shall assume sole liability towards third parties related to Beneficiary,

including liability for damage or injury of any kind sustained by it while the Project is being

carried out or as a consequence of the Project. The Beneficiary shall discharge the MA of

all liability arising from any claim or action brought as a result of an infringement of rules

or regulations by its employees or individuals for whom those employees are responsible,

or as a result of violation of a third party’s rights.

Article 10 — Conflict of interest and good conduct

10.1 The Beneficiary shall take all necessary measures to prevent or end any situation that

could compromise the impartial and objective performance of this Contract. Such conflict

of interests may arise in particular as a result of economic interest, political or national

affinity, family or emotional ties, or any other relevant connection or shared interest.

10.2 Any conflict of interests which may arise during performance of this Contract must be

notified in writing to the MA without delay. In the event of such conflict, the Beneficiary

shall immediately take all necessary steps to resolve it.

8

10.3 The MA reserves the right to verify that the measures taken are appropriate and may

require additional measures to be taken if necessary.

10.4 The Beneficiary shall ensure that Project staff, including its management, is not placed

in a situation which could give rise to conflict of interests. Without prejudice to its obligation

under this Contract, the Beneficiary shall ensure replacement, immediately and without

compensation from the MA, of any member of Project staff in such a situation.

10.5 The Beneficiary shall ensure that during Project implementation all Project staff

respect human rights and applicable environmental legislation including multilateral

environmental agreements, as well as internationally agreed core labour standards.

Article 11 — Confidentiality

11.1 The MA and the Beneficiary undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any

information, notwithstanding its form, disclosed in writing or orally in relation to the

implementation of this Contract and identified in writing as confidential until at least 5

years after the payment of the balance or according to time limit stipulated in national

legislation.

11.2 The Beneficiary shall not use confidential information for any aim other than fulfilling

their obligations under this Contract unless otherwise agreed with the MA.

11.3 The Parties who have authorised access to the documents related to the Project, shall

maintain the same level of confidentiality.

Article 12 — Visibility

12.1 Unless the MA agrees or requests otherwise, the Beneficiary shall take all necessary

steps to publicise the fact that the Programme has co-financed the Project. Such measures

shall comply with the Communication and Visibility Guidelines for the implementation of

projects in line with Communication and Visibility Instructions for beneficiaries from the

Republic of Estonia.

12.2 In particular, the Beneficiary shall mention the Programme´s financial contribution in

information given to the final recipients of the Project, in its reports, and in any dealings

with the media. It shall display the Programme logo wherever appropriate and as specified

in the Communication and Visibility Instructions for beneficiaries from the Republic of

Estonia.

12.3 Any notice or publication by the Beneficiary concerning the Project, including those

given at conferences or seminars, shall specify that the Project has received Programme

funding. Any publication by the Beneficiary in whatever form and by whatever medium,

including the internet, shall include the disclaimer as specified in Communication and

Visibility Instructions for beneficiaries from the Republic of Estonia.

12.4 The Beneficiary authorises the NA, MA, JTS, members of the JMC and the European

Commission to publish its name and address, nationality, the purpose of the grant, duration

and location as well as the maximum amount of the grant and the rate of funding of the

Project's costs, as laid down in Article 3 of this Contract. Derogation from publication of

this information may be granted if it could endanger the Beneficiary or harm their interests.

Article 13 — Ownership/use of results and assets

13.1 Ownership of, and title and intellectual and industrial property rights to, the Project´s

results, reports and other documents relating to it will be vested in the Beneficiary.

13.2 Without prejudice to Article 13.1, the Beneficiary grant the NA, MA, JTS, members

of the JMC and the European Commission the right to use freely and as it sees fit, and in

particular, to store, modify, translate, display, reproduce by any technical procedure,

9

publish or communicate by any medium all documents deriving from the Project whatever

their form, provided it does not thereby breach existing industrial and intellectual property

rights.

13.3 The Republic of Estonia and the European Commission shall be entitled to use, publish

or disclose to third parties any study produced in the framework of the Project.

13.4 In case of the transfer of ownership, industrial and intellectual property rights for

outputs and results the transfer shall be done according to the national legislation. The

sustainability requirements defined in the Project should not be jeopardised and transfer

of the ownership should not result in a profit for the Beneficiary.

13.5 According to the Article 39.3 of the Implementing Rules, any Project including an

infrastructure component shall repay the Union contribution as well as the contribution of

the Republic of Estonia if, within five years of the Project closure or within the period of

time set out in state aid rules, where applicable, it is subject to a substantial change

affecting its nature, objectives or implementation conditions which would result in

undermining its original objectives. Sums unduly paid in respect of the Project shall

be recovered by the MA in proportion to the period for which the requirement has not been

fulfilled.

13.6 The MA should be notified about changes of ownership of the Project results

during implementation period of the Project and five years after completion of the Project.

13.7 The Beneficiary shall ensure that it has all rights to use any pre-existing intellectual

property rights necessary to implement this Contract.

Article 14 — Evaluation/monitoring of the Project

14.1 The monitoring of implementation of the project shall be carried out by the MA and

JTS. The monitoring will be performed based on the result-oriented evaluation. The

beneficiary shall be ready to report on the outputs and results achieved by the project in

any point of the project implementation.

14.2 If the European Commission carries out an interim or ex post evaluation or a

monitoring mission, the Beneficiary shall undertake to provide it and/or the persons

authorised by it as well as the NAs, MA, JTS and authorised independent assessors access

to the Project site as well as with the documents or information necessary for the evaluation

or the monitoring mission. Access should be granted on conditions of strict confidentiality

with regard to third parties without prejudice to public law obligations to which they are

subject.

14.3 If the construction/ renovation works are planned in the Project, within 2 weeks after

the contract on construction/renovation works is signed within the Project, the Beneficiary

shall inform JTS of the construction/renovation works including the start date of the works.

In addition, the Beneficiary should inform the JTS prior to other major Project events as

well.

14.4 If either the Beneficiary, or the Programme carries out or commissions an evaluation

in the course of the Project, it shall provide the other with a copy of the evaluation report.

Article 15 — Amendment of the Contract

15.1 The Contract and the Project can be amended as stipulated in Article 5.10 of the

Implementation Guidelines.

15.2 The amendment may not have the purpose or the effect of making changes to this

Contract that would call into question the grant award decision or be contrary to the equal

treatment of applicants. The maximum grant referred to in Article 4.2 of this Contract may

not be increased.

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15.3 The responsibility of eligibility of changes lies down on Beneficiary and to be examined

by auditors.

Article 16 — Contracts with suppliers/service providers

16.1 In procurement procedures, the Public procurement act of the Republic of Estonia has

to be followed.

Article 17 — Extension and suspension

Extension

17.1 Programme level eligibility for project implementation ends on 31 December 2023,

meaning that all project activities have to be completed, costs incurred and payments

made by that date without possibility for extension.

Suspension by the Beneficiary

17.2 The Beneficiary may suspend implementation of the Project, or any part thereof, if

exceptional circumstances, notably of force majeure, make such implementation

excessively difficult or dangerous. The Beneficiary shall inform the MA without delay,

stating the nature, probable duration and foreseeable effects of the suspension.

17.3 The Beneficiary or the MA may then terminate this Contract in accordance with Article

18.1. If the Contract is not terminated, the Beneficiary shall endeavour to minimise the

time of its suspension and any possible damage and shall resume implementation once

circumstances allow, informing the MA accordingly.

Suspension by the MA

17.4 The MA may request the Beneficiary to suspend implementation of the Project, or any

part thereof, if exceptional circumstances, notably of force majeure, make such

implementation excessively difficult or dangerous. To this purpose, the MA shall inform the

Beneficiary stating the nature and probable duration of the suspension.

17.5 The Beneficiary or the MA may then terminate this Contract in accordance with Article

18.1. If the Contract is not terminated, the Beneficiary shall endeavour to minimise the

time of its suspension and any possible damage and shall resume implementation once

circumstances allow and after having obtained the approval of the MA.

17.6 The MA may also suspend this Contract or the participation of a Beneficiary in this

Contract if the MA has evidence that, or if, for objective and well justified reasons, the MA

deems necessary to verify whether presumably:

a) the grant award procedure or the implementation of the Project have been

subject to substantial errors, irregularities or fraud;

b) the Beneficiary has breached any substantial obligation under this Contract.

17.7 The Beneficiary shall provide any requested information, clarification or document

within 30 days of receipt of the requests sent by the MA. If, notwithstanding the

information, clarification or document provided by the Beneficiary, the award procedure or

the implementation of the grant prove to have been subject to substantial errors,

irregularities, fraud, or breach of obligations, then the MA may terminate this Contract

according to Article 18.2(h).

Force majeure

17.8 “Force majeure” shall mean any unforeseeable and exceptional situation or event

beyond the Parties’ control which prevents either of them from fulfilling any of their

obligations, not attributable to error or negligence on their part (or the part of their

contractors, agents or employees) and proves insurmountable in spite of all due diligence.

Defects in equipment or material or delays in making them available, labour disputes,

strikes or financial difficulties cannot be invoked as force majeure.

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17.9 None of the Parties shall be held liable for breach of its obligations under this Contract

if it is prevented from fulfilling them by circumstances of force majeure, provided that it

takes measures to minimise any possible damage and that the other Parties are duly

informed.

Article 18 — Termination of the Contract

18.1 In the cases foreseen in Article 17.2 and 17.4, if the Beneficiary or the MA believes

that this Contract can no longer be executed effectively or appropriately, it shall duly

consult the other. Failing agreement on a solution, the Beneficiary or the MA may terminate

this Contract by serving two months written notice, without being required to pay

indemnity.

Termination by the MA

18.2 Without prejudice to Article 18.1, in the following circumstances the MA may, after

having duly consulted the Beneficiary, terminate this Contract without any indemnity on

its part when:

a) Beneficiary fails, without justification, to fulfil any substantial obligation, after

being given notice by letter to comply with those obligations, still fails to do so or

to furnish a satisfactory explanation within 30 days of receipt of the letter;

b) Beneficiary or any person that assumes unlimited liability for the debts of the

Beneficiary is bankrupt, subject to insolvency or winding up procedures, is having

its assets administered by a liquidator or by the courts, has entered into an

arrangement with creditors, has suspended business activities, or is in any

analogous situation arising from a similar procedure provided for under any national

law or regulations relevant to the Beneficiary;

c) Beneficiary, or any related entity or person, have been found guilty of an offence

concerning their professional conduct proven by any means;

d) it has been established by a final judgment or a final administrative decision or

by proof in possession of the MA that the Beneficiary has been guilty of fraud,

corruption, involvement in a criminal organisation, money laundering or terrorist

financing, terrorist related offences, child labour or other forms of trafficking of

human beings or has committed an irregularity;

e) a change to Beneficiary’s legal, financial, technical, organisational or ownership

situation or the termination of the participation of Beneficiary substantially affects

the implementation of this Contract or calls into question the decision awarding the

grant;

f) Beneficiary or any related person, are guilty of misrepresentation in supplying the

information required in the award procedure or in the implementation of the Project

or fail to supply – within the deadlines set under this Contract - any information

related to the Project required by the MA;

g) Beneficiary has not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security

contributions or the payment of taxes in accordance with the legal provisions of the

country in which it is established;

h) the MA has evidence that a Beneficiary or any related entity or person, has

committed substantial errors, irregularities or fraud in the award procedure or in

the implementation of the Project;

i) Beneficiary is subject to an administrative penalty referred to in Article 18.8;

j) the MA has evidence that Beneficiary is subject to a conflict of interests;

k) the MA has evidence that Beneficiary has committed systemic or recurrent errors

or irregularities, fraud, or serious breach of obligations under other grants financed

by the Programme and awarded to that specific Beneficiary under similar conditions,

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provided that those errors, irregularities, fraud or serious breach of obligations have

a material impact on this grant.

The cases of termination under points (b), (c), (d), (h), (j) and (k) may refer also to

persons who are members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of the

Beneficiary and/or to persons having powers of representation, decision or control with

regard to the Beneficiary.

18.3 In the cases referred to in points (c), (f), (h) and (k) above, a related person means

any physical person with powers of representation, decision-making or control in relation

to the Beneficiary. Any related entity means, in particular, any entity which has a majority

of the shareholders’ or members’ voting rights or the right to exercise a dominant influence

over another enterprise according to the national legislation.

End date

18.4 The payment obligations of the Programme under this Contract shall end 6 months

after the implementation period laid down in Article 3 of this Contract, unless this Contract

is terminated according to Article 18.

The MA may postpone this end date, so as to be able to fulfil its payment obligations, in

all cases where the Beneficiary has submitted a payment request in accordance with

contractual provisions or, in case of dispute, until completion of the dispute settlement

procedure provided for in Article 19. The MA shall notify the Beneficiary of any

postponement of the end date.

Effects of Termination

18.5 Upon termination of this Contract the Beneficiary shall take all immediate steps to

bring the Project to a close in a prompt and orderly manner and to reduce further

expenditure to a minimum.

Without prejudice to Article 20, the Beneficiary shall be entitled to payment only for the

part of the Project carried out, excluding costs relating to current commitments that are

due to be executed after termination.

To this purpose, the Beneficiary shall introduce a payment request to the MA within the

time limit set by Article 21.3 starting from the date of termination.

In the event of termination according to Article 18.1, the MA may agree to reimburse the

unavoidable residual expenditures incurred during the notice period, provided, the first

paragraph of Article 18.7 has been properly executed.

In the cases of termination foreseen in Article 18.2 a), c), d), f), h) and k) the MA may,

after having properly consulted the Beneficiary and depending on the gravity of the failings,

request full or partial repayment of amounts unduly paid for the Project.

Administrative sanctions

18.6 Without prejudice to the application of other remedies laid down in this Contract, a

sanction of exclusion from all contracts and grants financed by the Programme, may be

imposed, after an adversarial procedure, upon the Beneficiary who, in particular,

a) is guilty of grave professional misconduct, has committed irregularities or has

been found in serious breach of its contractual obligations. The duration of the

exclusion shall not exceed the duration set by final judgement or final administrative

decision or, in the absence thereof, three years;

b) is guilty of fraud, corruption, participation in a criminal organisation, money

laundering, terrorist-related offences, child labour or trafficking of human beings.

The duration of the exclusion shall not exceed the duration set by final judgement

or final administrative decision or, in the absence thereof, five years;

18.7 Where the MA is entitled to impose financial penalties, the financial penalties and

corrections shall be done according to thefinancial correction decision. The MA may deduct

such financial penalties from any sums due to the Beneficiary or call on the appropriate

guarantee.

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18.8 The decision to impose administrative sanctions may be published on a dedicated

internet-site, explicitly naming the Beneficiary.

18.9 The abovementioned administrative sanctions may also be imposed to persons who

are members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of theBeneficiary, to

persons having powers of representation, decision or control with regard to the Beneficiary.

Article 19 — Applicable law and procedures for complaints

19.1 Without prejudice to the applicable European law, this Contract shall be governed by

the law of the country of the Republic of Estonia.

19.2 The Parties to this Contract shall do everything possible to settle amicably any dispute

arising between them during the implementation of this Contract. To that end, they can

meet each other at either’s request or communicate their positions in writing. In case of

written communication the reply has to be provided within 30 days as of the receipt of the

written notice.

19.3 The administrative decisions can be appealed within the framework of a pre-trial

process according to the General Rules of Procedure for Complaints.

Financial provisions

Article 20 — Eligible costs

Cost eligibility criteria

20.1 Eligible costs are actual costs incurred by the Beneficiary which meet all the following

criteria:

1) they are incurred and paid during the implementation or preparation period of the

Project as specified in Article 3 and 20.1 of this Contract. In particular:

a) costs relating to services and works shall relate to activities performed

during the implementation period. Costs relating to supplies shall relate to delivery

and installation of items during the implementation period. Signature of a contract,

placing of an order, or entering into any commitment for expenditure within the

implementation period for future delivery of services, works or supplies after expiry

of the implementation period do not meet this requirement;;

b) all costs incurred should be paid as latest on 31 December 2023;

c) procedures to award contracts, as referred to in Article 16 of this Contract,

may have been initiated and contracts may be concluded by the Beneficiary before

the start of the implementation period of the Project, provided the provisions of

Article 16 have been respected;

2) they are indicated in the Project's estimated overall budget;

3) they are necessary for the Project implementation;

4) they are identifiable and verifiable, in particular being recorded in the accounting

records of the Beneficiary and determined according to the accounting standards and the

usual cost accounting practices applicable to the Beneficiary;

5) they comply with the requirements of applicable tax and social legislation;

6) they are reasonable, justified, and comply with the requirements of sound financial

management, in particular regarding economy and efficiency;

7) they are supported by invoices or documents of equivalent probative value.

Eligible costs

20.2 Subject to Article 20.1 the eligible costs are stipulated in Article 7 of the Guidelines

for the 6th Call for proposals;

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Non-eligible costs

20.3 The costs as stipulated in Article 7.3.3 of the Guidelines for the 6th Call for proposals

are non-eligible.

Article 21 — Payment

Payments and pre-payments to the Beneficiary

21.1 The MA must pay the grant to the Beneficiary following the payment procedures as

stated in Article 10.2.3 of the Guidelines for the 6th Call for proposals and according to the

decision of the Joint Monitoring Committee of the Programme of 22 June 2023 on

conditional contracting:

a) Pre-financing after signing of the Grant Contract and submission of the obtained

approval by the Estonian Environmental Board and construction notice in amount

of 60% of awarded grant;

b) payment of the final balance (upon completion of the project) after approval of

the Final Consolidated Report.

21.2 The basis for making payments to the Beneficiary are:

a) Contract, signed by the Head of the MA and the Beneficiary for the advance

payment;

b) Consolidated final report accompanied by expenditure verification report

approved by the MA for the final payment. The final report shall in all cases include

a detailed breakdown of expenditure covering the whole Project.

Payment shall not imply recognition of the regularity or of the authenticity, completeness

and correctness of the declarations and information provided.

Suspension of the period for payments

21.3 Without prejudice to Article 18, the time-limits for payments may be suspended by

notifying the Beneficiary that:

a) the amount indicated in its request of payments is not due, or;

b) proper supporting documents have not been supplied, or;

c) clarifications, modifications or additional information to the individual or

consolidated final report are needed, or;

d) there are doubts on the eligibility of expenditure and it is necessary to carry out

additional checks, including on-the-spot checks to make sure that the expenditure

is eligible, or;

e) it is necessary to verify whether presumed substantial errors, irregularities or

fraud have occurred in the grant award procedure or the implementation of the

Project, or;

f) it is necessary to verify whether the Beneficiary have breached any substantial

obligations under this Contract, or;

g) the visibility obligations set out in Article 12 are not complied with.

The suspension of the time-limits for payments starts when the above notification is sent

to the Beneficiary. The time-limit starts running again on the date on which the above

notification has been satisfactorily answered and if needed, a correctly formulated request

for payment is recorded. The Beneficiary shall provide any requested information,

clarification or document within 30 days of the request.

If, notwithstanding the information, clarification or document provided by the Beneficiary,

the payment request is still inadmissible, or if the award procedure or the implementation

of the grant proves to have been subject to substantial errors, irregularities, fraud, or

15

breach of obligations, then the MA may refuse to proceed further with payments and may,

in the cases foreseen in Article 18, terminate accordingly this Contract.

In addition, the MA may also suspend payments as a precautionary measure without prior

notice, prior to, or instead of, terminating this Contract as provided for in Article 18.

Article 22— Accounts, technical and financial checks and audit

Accounts

22.1 The Beneficiary shall keep accurate and regular accounts of the implementation of

the Project using an appropriate accounting and double-entry bookkeeping system. The

Beneficiary must use accrual accounting, so that the expenditure verification can be

correctly performed..

The accounts:

a) may be an integrated part of or an adjunct to the Beneficiary’s regular system;

b) shall comply with the accounting and bookkeeping policies and rules that apply

in the country concerned;

c) shall enable income and expenditure relating to the Project to be easily traced,

identified and verified.

22.2 The Beneficiary shall ensure that any report as required under Article 8 can be

properly and easily reconciled to the accounting and bookkeeping system and to the

underlying accounting and other relevant records.

Audit

22.3 The MA, the Audit Authority (AA), the European Commission, the European Anti-Fraud

office (OLAF) and the European Court of Auditors, and any external auditor or public officer

authorized by these institutions and bodies, with the support of the Group of Auditors may

conduct documentary and on-the-spot checks on the use made of the Project financing

under this Contract and carrying out a full audit, if necessary, on the basis of supporting

documents of accounts and accounting documents and any other documents relating to

the financing of the Project, throughout the duration of this Programme and for the period

of record-keeping.

The authorities carrying out the checks must be informed of the exact location of the

documents at which they are kept. Where appropriate, the findings may lead to recovery

by the MA.

Right of access

22.4 The Beneficiary shall grant the authorities mentioned in Article 22.5, as well as NA,

MA, JTS and their authorised agents access to sites and premises at which operations

financed under this Contract are carried out, including their computer systems, and to any

documents and computerised data concerning the technical and financial management of

those operations, and to take every appropriate measure to facilitate their work with the

exception of data classified as a state secret in accordance with the national legislation.

Access shall be granted on the basis of confidentiality with respect to third parties, without

prejudice to the obligations of public law to which they are subject.

22.5 The Beneficiary shall allow the above entities to:

a) access the sites and locations at which the Project is implemented;

b) examine its accounting and information systems, documents and databases

concerning the technical and financial management of the Project;

c) take copies of documents;

d) carry out on the-spot-checks

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e) conduct a full audit on the basis of all accounting documents and any other

document relevant to the financing of the Project.

22.6 Additionally the authorised persons of the Republic of Estonia and European Anti-

Fraud Office shall be allowed to carry out on-the-spot checks and inspections in accordance

with the procedures laid down by the respective legislation for the protection of the financial

interests of the Republic of Estonia and European Union against fraud and other

irregularities.

Where appropriate, the findings may lead to recovery by the MA.

22.7 Access given to agents of the European Commission, European Anti-Fraud Office and

the European Court of Auditors and to any external auditor or public officer authorised by

the MA carrying out verifications shall be on the basis of confidentiality with respect to third

parties, without prejudice to the obligations of public law to which they are subject.

Record keeping

22.8 Project accounting and other relevant records and supporting documents need to be

kept for five years from the date of payment of the balance to the programme or until the

date stipulated in the state aid rules (if applicable). As long as the balance payment date

is unknown, it is agreed that both programme and project level records and supporting

documents need to be kept until at least end of 2030. The MA informs the Beneficiary

about the date of reception of the balance payment from EC.

They shall be easily accessible and filed so as to facilitate their examination and the

Beneficiary shall inform the MA of their precise location. The Beneficiary is obliged to use

accrual accounting, so that the audit can be correctly performed.

22.9 All the supporting documents shall be available in the original form, which includes

also electronic form. In case a circumstance occurs where the Beneficiary cannot keep the

original of a document, a certified true copy of the document should be available.

22.10 In addition to the reports mentioned in Article 8, the documents referred to in this

Article include but are not limited to:

a) Accounting records (computerised or manual) from the Beneficiary’s accounting

system such as general ledger, sub-ledgers and payroll accounts, fixed assets

registers and other relevant accounting information, regulation of organisations’

relevant internal procedures (if necessary);

b) Proof of procurement procedures such as tendering documents, bids from

tenderers and evaluation reports;

c) Proof of commitments such as contracts and order forms;

d) Proof of delivery of services such as approved reports, signed time sheets,

transport tickets, proof of attending seminars, conferences and training courses

(including relevant documentation and material obtained, certificates) etc;

e) Proof of receipt of goods such as delivery slips from suppliers;

f) Proof of completion of works, such as acceptance certificates;

g) Proof of purchase such as invoices and receipts;

h) Proof of payment such as bank statements, debit notices, proof of settlement by

the contractor;

i) Proof that taxes and/or VAT that have been paid cannot actually be reclaimed;

j) For fuel and oil expenses, a summary list of the distance covered, the average

consumption of the vehicles used, fuel costs and maintenance costs;

k) Staff and payroll records such as contracts, salary statements and signed time

sheets.

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22.11 Failure to comply with the obligations set forth in Article 22.1 to 22.11 constitutes a

case of breach of a substantial obligation under this Contract. In this case, the MA may in

particular suspend the Contract, payments or the time-limit for a payment, terminate the

Contract and/or reduce the grant.

Article 23 — Final amount of the grant

Final amount

23.1 The grant may not exceed the maximum ceiling as stated in Article 4.2 of this

Contract.

If the eligible costs of the Project at the end of the Project are less than the estimated

eligible costs as referred to in Article 4.1 of this Contract, the grant shall be limited to the

amount obtained by applying the percentage laid down in Article 4.3 of this Contract to the

eligible costs of the Project approved by the MA.

23.2 In addition and without prejudice to its right to terminate this Contract pursuant to

Article 18, if the Project is implemented poorly or partially - and therefore not in accordance

with the requirements of the Project in Annex I - or late, the MA may, by a duly reasoned

decision and after allowing the Beneficiary to submit its observations, reduce the initial

grant in line with the actual implementation of the Project and in accordance with the terms

of this Contract. This applies as well with regards to the visibility obligations set out in

Article 12.

No profit

23.3 The grant may not produce a profit for the Beneficiary. Profit is defined as a surplus

of the receipts over the eligible costs approved by the MA when the request for payment

of the balance is made or according to State aid regulation if the Project is State aid

relevant.

23.4 Where the final amount of the grant determined in accordance with the Contract

would result in a profit, it shall be reduced by the percentage of the profit corresponding

to the final Programme contribution to the eligible costs actually incurred approved by the

MA.

Article 24 — Recovery

Recovery

24.1 If any amount is unduly paid to the Beneficiary, or if recovery is justified under the

terms of this Contract, the Beneficiary undertakes to repay the MA these amounts. The

repayments will be effected as stipulated in the Financial Correction Decision.

24.2 In particular, payments made do not preclude the possibility for the MA to issue a

financial correction decision.

24.3 As a rule, the financial correction decision shall be submitted to the Beneficiary

through eMS or any other relevant channel.

24.4 The NA of the Republic of Estonia or the European Commission is entitled to demand

the repayment of the amount due to the MA from the Beneficiaryestablished in the Republic

of Estonia in case the Beneficiaryhas not reimbursed the funds unduly spent to the MA.

Interest and fine for delay

24.5 The MA will charge interest if the repayment of the support to be refunded is

postponed and in case of the unlawful state aid according to the Guidelines to Financial

Corrections as approved by the JMC of the Programme. If the amounts have not been

repaid by the due term for repayment of support, the MA will charge fine for delay according

to the Guidelines to Financial Corrections as approved by the JMC of the Programme.

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Offsetting

24.6 Amounts to be repaid to the MA may be offset against amounts of any kind due to

the Beneficiary, after informing it accordingly. This shall not affect the Parties’ right to

agree on payment in instalments.

Other provisions

24.7 Bank charges incurred by the repayment of amounts due to the MA shall be borne

entirely by the Beneficiary.

24.8 Without prejudice to the prerogative of the MA, if necessary, the European Union

may, as donor, proceed itself to the recovery by any means.

Article 25 – Applicable law

25.1 Without prejudice to the applicable European law, this Contract is governed by the

laws of the Republic of Estonia. The place of jurisdiction is Tallinn, Estonia.

Article 26 – Payment and contact details

Payment details

26.1 The MA shall make payments in EUR to the Beneficiary to the following bank account

referred to in this Contract which allows the identification of the funds paid by the MA:

Bank name: AS SEB Pank

Bank account number: EE881010002021370008

IBAN: EE881010002021370008

SWIFT/BIC: EEUHEE2X

Holder of the account: RMK

26.2 Contact details of the MA and the Beneficiary

For the MA

Mrs Ege Ello

Head of Managing Authority

Grants Development Department

State Shared Service Centre

Lõkke 4, Tallinn 10122, Estonia

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +372 663 1933

For the Beneficiary

Mr Kristjan Tõnisson

Member of the Management Board

State Forest Management Centre

Mõisa 3, Sagadi village, Haljala Municipality, 45403 Lääne-Viru, Estonia

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +372 5691 8728

Signatures

Külli Kaare Kristjan Tõnisson

Acting as the Head of the Managing Authority Member of the Management Board

Signed digitally Signed digitally