Submission of the Annual Support Measure Report for the Support Measure "Biodiversity Programme"

Lõkke 4 / 10122 Tallinn / 663 8200 / [email protected] / www.rtk.ee / Registrikood 70007340

Christoph Liechti

Embassy of Switzerland to Latvia, Lithuania

and Estonia

[email protected] Ours 27.03.2026 no 11.1-5/26/731-1

Smilšu iela 8 Riga

LV-1050 LATVIA

Submission of the Annual Support Measure

Report for the Support Measure

"Biodiversity Programme"

The National Coordination Unit of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme hereby submits

the second Annual Report for the Support Measure „Biodiversity Programme“, covering the period

from 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2025.

Yours sincerely,

(signed digitally)

Urmo Merila

Deputy Director General

Annexes:

Annual Support Measure Report for the Support Measure "Biodiversity Programme“

Updated Procurement Plan

Helena Musthallik +372 56466003

[email protected]

Second Swiss Contribution

Estonia

Annual Support Measure Report

Support Measure Name Biodiversity Programme

Reporting Period 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2025

Report Number II

Report Submission Date 31.03.2026

Partner State Support Measure Code (if any)

Swiss Support Measure Code 7F-10768.01

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Table of contents

1. Basic Support Measure information ............................................................................ 4

2. Report submission and approval ................................................................................. 4

3. Overview of results achieved and steering implications .......................................... 4

4. Support Measure progress ........................................................................................... 6

4.1 Achievement of Support Measure objectives....................................................................... 6

4.2 Status of implementation .................................................................................................... 20

4.2.1 Update of implementation schedule ................................................................................ 20

4.2.2 Procurements................................................................................................................... 20

4.2.3 Communication activities ................................................................................................. 21

4.3 Beneficiaries........................................................................................................................ 27

4.4 Swiss Support Measure Partners ....................................................................................... 27

4.5 Products and services supplied by Swiss contractors ....................................................... 27

5. Support Measure management................................................................................... 28

5.1 Organisational level ............................................................................................................ 28

5.2 Steering Committees .......................................................................................................... 30

5.3 Audits .................................................................................................................................. 30

5.4 Evaluation ........................................................................................................................... 31

5.5 Monitoring ........................................................................................................................... 31

6. Risk management......................................................................................................... 31

Annexes ................................................................................................................................... 33

Annex 1: Updated list of all Programme Components and characteristics .................... 34

Annex 2: Overview of Implementation locations ................................................................ 35

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List of abbreviations CH Switzerland

CHF Swiss Franc

KAUR Keskkonnaagentuur

NCU National Coordination Unit

SC Steering Committee

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SCO Swiss Contribution Office

SM Support Measure

1. Basic Support Measure information

Executing Agency type Programme Operator

Executing Agency name

and address

The Ministry of Climate

Name of contact person Kairi Toiger

E-Mail of contact person [email protected]

Phone of contact person +3726262931

SM type Programme

Objective Protecting the environment and the climate

Thematic area Nature conservation and biodiversity

Duration according to

SM Agreement

Start date: 01.05.2024 Completion date: 30.04.2028

Swiss Contribution to

the SM CHF

6 930 000

2. Report submission and approval

Executing Agency

The Ministry of Climate Signature

digitally signed

Name

Position Secretary General

E-Mail info@kliimaminis-

teerium.ee

Phone +372 626 2931 Date digitally signed

3. Overview of results achieved and steering implications

The Ministry of Climate prepared directive for the components and this was signed 28th of February 2025.

The Annual Support Measure Report was submitted to the NCU on 30 March 2025, including a revised implementation schedule and procurement plan.

Second Steering Committee meeting and monitorting visit was held in April 2025 in Saaremaa where Pro-

gramme Operator and Programme Component Operators provided the overview of the developments of the

'Biodiversity Programme'.

Program Operator submitted the first Reimbursement Request in September 2025.

Program Operator went on study trip with Programme Component 2 in Switzerland in September 2025. We

visited Swiss National Park and Jurapark Aargau.

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Third Steering Committee meeting and monitoring visit was held in October 2025 in Ida-Virumaa where Pro-

gramme Operator and Programme Component Operators provided the overview of the developments of the

'Biodiversity Programme'.

4. Support Measure progress

4.1 Achievement of Support Measure objectives

Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively achieved

as per- centage of target

Outcomes

Outcome 1

The efficiency and reliability of biodiversity

monitoring has improved

Baseline: no auto-

mated process, most

of the data reaches

databases within

more than one year

Data collected as part of the

biodiversity monitoring pro-

gramme reaches the data-

bases within one year

through automated process

6% 6% 6%

Outcome 2

The effectiveness of management planning of protected areas as well as protected spe-

cies and habitats has improved

Baseline: The previ-

ous guidelines are

outdated (2012, up-

dated 2018)

New guidelines for drawing

up management plans of

protected areas have been

implemented

20% 90% 90%

Outputs

Output 1.1

Existing IT systems (databases and portals)

and their connectivity is improved

Baseline: 0 for addi-

tional connections

and tools (overall, IT

systems has already

many other existing

At least 4 additional connec-

tions or tools for the ex-

change of data between the

IT systems have been estab-

lished

6% 6% 6%

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Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively

achieved as per- centage

of target

connections and

tools)

Output 1.2

New technologies and novel solutions for bi- odiversity monitoring are mapped, devel- oped, tested and implemented

Baseline: 0 At least 5 new developed

and piloted solutions (Ran-

dom Encounter Method, Arti-

ficial Intelligence, 3D bird ra-

dar, eDNA and, other new

technical solutions that will

be worked out in first stage of

the project

2,5 2,5 50%

Output 2.1

Site-based and national conservation objec- tives and measures for protected species and habitats are revised

Output 2.2

The conservation management plans of pro- tected areas, action plans for species and habitats are revised and updated

Baseline: 0 (using

new methodology)

Baselines: 2 action

plans for habitats; 0

conservation man-

agement plans for

protected areas (us-

ing the new format)

The effectiveness of

the management of

at least 300

protected objects (different

types of protected areas) is

assessed

5 action plans for

habitats; 64

Conservation

management plans

for protected areas

using a new format,

5 action plans for

97

97

3, 5, 10

32%

36%

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Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively

achieved as per- centage

of target

Baseline: 0

habitats and 24% of

all the protected

species in Estonia

have action plans.

The

protection

categories of all the pro-

tected species’ groups (not

separate species) are evalu-

ated

Draft document to

change the

regulations of

3, 51102

9 (238)

9 (238)

42%3

33%4

2 The numbers indicate (in the same order): action plans for habitats, conservation management plans, action plans for species. The number of species’ action plans is considered; the objective

was to compile action plans for 60 species. The percentage will be calculated later.

3 The percentage has been calculated considering the number of species in species groups, the total number of protected species in Estonia is 570. In 2026 and 2027, two largest groups

(plants, birds) will be under discussion.

4 The proposal will consist of three parts.

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Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively

achieved as per- centage

of target

Baseline: 0

Baseline: 0

protection

categories

is prepared.

The toolset for

Conservation

Management

Effectiveness

assessment is set

up and in use in the

Environmental

Board.

0.33

-

0.33

-

Output 3

Competence of the specialists as well as public awareness and engagement is im-

proved

Baseline: 0 • At least 21 trainings/sem-

inars

• At least 8 study trips

• A network of volunteers

is created

• At least 20 campaigns to

involve volunteers in

wildlife monitoring

78% (20 train-

ings/seminars; 1

study trip, 10 cam-

paigns; 0 bigger

events for volun-

teers; 0 events

stakeholders, 4 arti-

cles about new solu-

tions in wildlife moni-

toring; 2

80% (20 train-

ings/semi-

nars, 4 study

trips, 14 cam-

paigns, 0 big-

ger events, 1

bigger stake-

holder events,

4 articles, 2

80%

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Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively

achieved as per- centage

of target

• 2 bigger events for volun-

teers

• 2 bigger events for stake-

holders

• At least 8 articles of the

new solutions in wildlife

monitoring

• At least 8 appearances in

radio shows

• At least 2 appearances in

TV shows

• 1 presentation in Switzer-

land to introduce the re-

sults of the project

• CC_CI_1 Number of

people benefiting from

training to improve insti-

tutional and professional

capacity

• At least 350 people will

benefiting from training to

improve institutional and

professional capacity

appearances in radio

and 2 in TV, 2

presentations in

Switzerland about

the results of the

project)*;

236 people has ben-

ef itted f rom training

(89 men and 147

women)

846 volunteers has

benef itted f rom train-

ing (352 men and

494 women).

appearances

in radio, 2 ap-

pearances in

TV; *

236 people has

benef itted f rom

training (89 men

and 147 women)

846 volunteers has

benef itted f rom

training (352 men

and 494 women).

•

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*Environmental Agency:

15 training events, totally ca 224 participants (names of the participants were not registered, therefore gender-based numbers cannot be separated):

1. In 3rd of February 2025 Public web seminar for volunteers as training seminar on method of the voluntary observation of wintering bats was held in web of the Estonian Environment Agency (in Estonian): Algaja nahkhiirevaatleja tarkuseminutid | Facebook

2. In 6th of February 2025 in Tallinn Zoo an opening event of the campaign “Animal of the year 2025 – Moose" in cooperation with Estonian Theriological Society, NGO “Aasta Loom” (“Animal of the Year”) and Tallinn Zoo. Presenters: Ragne Erimäe ja Rauno Veeroja. More than 50 participants.

3. In 7th of May 2025 Public web seminar for volunteers as training seminar on method of the voluntary observation of amphibians was held in web of the

Estonian Environment Agency (in Estonian): Kahepaiksete vabatahtlik seire 2025 | loodusveeb 4. In 10th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was

held in Tallinn, in Lasnamäe. 5 volunteers attended.

5. In 11th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was held in Soomaa National Park. 9 volunteers attended.

6. In 12th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was

held in Tartu, in Majoraadi Park. 5 volunteers attended. 7. In 29th of May 2025 there was held a seminar for the officers working in Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency. Project manager Lauri

Klein presented there an overview about activities done and planned within the frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity

programme” component 1. Discussion followed. About 30 participants. 8. In 6th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer roosts was

held in Tallinn, in Kadriorg Garden. 16 volunteers attended.

9. In 11st to 12nd of June 2025 in Rae fieldwork base in South-Estonia, there was held a seminar of a nature protection team of Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency whose responsibility is to keep nature databases and on that seminar many aspects of the IT-activities of the Swiss- Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 were discussed. 8 participants.

10. In 12th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer roosts was held in Rakvere town. 5 volunteers attended.

11. In 13th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer roosts

was held in Sindi (near Pärnu town). 6 volunteers attended. 12. In 14th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer roosts

was held in Viljandi town. 11 volunteers attended.

13. In 18th to 19th of September 2025 in Rae fieldwork base in South-Estonia, there was held a seminar of a wildlife monitoring team of Wildlife Depart- ment of Estonian Environment Agency whose responsibility is to perform wildlife monitoring projects and on that seminar especially voluntary monitor- ing method of diving beetles under elaboration within frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity programme” component 1

was discussed. 8 participants. 14. In 19th to 21st of September 2025 there was held a Autumn School of the Estonian Theriological Society that was held within the frame of the Swiss-

Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1. The overall topic of the seminar was “Voluntary monitoring of mammals”.

There were many presentations by the project team members. 41 participants (38 on site and 3 on web).

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15. In 27th to 28th of November 2025 there was held a seminar for the officers working in Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency. Project team members Liisa Rennel and Lauri Klein presented there new innovative devices purchased for wildlife monitoring within the frame of the Swiss-

Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 during 2025 year. About 30 participants.

0 study trips

10 campaigns to involve volunteers in wildlife monitoring (totally 846 volunteers who did all get web-based instructions for monitoring, gender ratio is 352

male and 494 female. Total number of volunteers is smaller than summed numbers per campaigns, because there were volunteers who participated in many campaigns):

1. Moose as the animal of the year 2025 – period: 1.01.25 to 31.12.25; nr of volunteers: 181

2. Otter – period: 1.01.25 to 31.12.25; nr of volunteers: 15 3. Reptiles – period: 1.01.25 to 31.12.25; nr of volunteers: 345 4. Wintering bats – period: 1.02.25 to 5.03.25; nr of volunteers: 80

5. Geese – period 1.03.25 to 31.05.25; nr of volunteers: nr of volunteers: 325 6. Amphibians – period: 15.04.25 to 30.06.25; nr of volunteers: 279 7. Globeflower – period: 1.05.25 to 31.10.25; nr of volunteers: 221

8. Diving beetles – period: 1.05.25 to 30.09.25; nr of volunteers: 23 9. Bats in summer feeding areas - period: 17.05.25 to 7.07.25; nr of volunteers: 13 10. Swans – period: 15.09.25 to 15.10.25; nr of volunteers: 199

Campaign for Northern birch mouse was cancelled, due to too difficult methodology for volunteers and campaign of pollinators was postponed to year 2026 due to need for more time for elaboration of methods.

Articles and media appearances:

1. 4.01.25 Uudo Timm and Ragne Erimäe made introduction of the animal of the year, Moose in Radio Kuku broadcast “Ilmaparandaja”: https://kuku.pleier.ee/podcast/ilmaparandaja/185062

2. 16.01.25 Article about animal of the year, Moose in Estonian Environment Agency blog page: https://keskkonnaagentuur.ee/node/2086

3. 21.01.25 Article about Moose as model species for green network and wildlife passages planning in Estonian Environment Agency blog page: https://keskkonnaagentuur.ee/node/2099

4. 9.02.25 Lauri Klein participated in radio Vikerraadio broadcast “Vikerhommik”, speaking about Moose and its campaign: https://arhiiv.err.ee/au-

dio/vaata/vikerhommik-intervjuu-lauri-klein-viimsis-ja-pirital-elutseb-alaliselt-ka-pea-poolsada-potra 5. 10.04.25 Article about results of the voluntary observation campaign of the wintering bats in Estonian Environment Agency blog page: https://keskkon-

naagentuur.ee/node/2222

6. 30.04.25 Liisa Rennel performed in morning broadcast of Estonian national TV channel ETV talking about voluntary observation campaign of globe- flower (in Estonian): broadcast “Terevisioon”: Terevisioon : 81 | Videoarhiiv | ERR

7. 5.05.25 Article in Estonian Environment Agency blog page about Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme Biodiversity Programme steering committe

visit to Saaremaa: https://www.keskkonnaagentuur.ee/node/2260 8. Methodological guidelines for voluntary observation campaigns: https://loodusveeb.ee/et/themes/harrastusteaduse-projektid?page=0

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9. 25.09.25 Liisa Rennel performed in scientific broadcast of Estonian national TV channel ETV talking about voluntary observation campaign of globe- flower (in Estonian): broadcast “TeadusEST: 4 | Harrastusteadus”: TeadusEST: 4 | Harrastusteadus | Videoarhiiv | ERR

10. Two especial videoclips were taken in cooperation of Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme coordinator State Support Services Center information department: topics were eDNA sampling from rivers within elaboration of the new monitoring method and voluntary observation method of monitoring diving beetles. Liisa Rennel was present on both clips. Also, a voluntary observation method of bats in summer feeding areas was filmed.

Environmental Board:

Trainings/seminars

1. 22 January 2025, kick-off seminar “Changing the Categories of Protected Species” in the building of Tartu University organised for species experts’. There were 120 participants (50 men and 70 women – signed list) in Tartu and more than 140 (the participants were not required to register under their name, they joined the seminar using the MS Teams link on the website) people listened to the seminar online. Presentations were from the Environ-

mental Board, Climate Ministy and Tartu University, a Latvian expert was invited to talk about how Latvia updates their lists of protected species. The programme, presentations, videos and photos are on the website of the Environmental Board.

2. 30 January 2025, online (MS Teams) seminar introducing the new guidelines of lake habitat inventories organised by the Environmental Board (Marko

Vainu) and the experts from the Estonian University of Life Sciences. 185 online participants. 3. 12 June 2025, seminar “Water Crossroads in Nature” in Tartu University. It was a joint seminar organised by the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sci-

ences of Tartu University, Environmental Board and Estonian Nature Fund. 132 participants (42 men, 90 women – signed list). The presentations are

recorded and uploaded HERE. 4. 16 September 2025, online seminar on the conservation management assessment for the department of conservation management planning organ-

ised by Veljo Runnel.

5. 30-31 October 2025, Riina Kotter, Gert Enno, Kaire Kalk and Veljo Runnel organised a workshop on management planning in the nature conservation conference organised by Forest Management Centre in Saaremaa. 13 participants (7 men, 6 women - photos). Study trips:

22 September-26 September 2025, study trip to Switzerland (Zurich Canton, Swiss National Park, Jurapark Aargau). 10 participants (2 men, 8 women). Carried out two presentations (Canton of Zurich, Swiss National Park) on the results of the project.

Programme component 1 “Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solutions and improvement of Environmental databases and sys- tems” Acquisition of four mobile 3D bird radars. Terms of reference (technical specifications) and other needed documents for the international procurement of the radars were prepared and coordination of them in KAUR and with the State Shared Service Centre (RTK) was done during the first quarter of 2025. Documents were also coordinated with the Swiss Contribution Office and Steering Committee of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme in its second meeting on 15th

of April 2025. International procurement was performed during period 19th of May to 26th of June 2025. Only one offer was received and passed evaluation by 18th of July 2025. It was offer by Swiss Birdradar Solution AG with amount 675 400,00 EUR. Contracting date was 15th of September 2025 (delay was appearing

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due to holidays and need for contracting on paper, but it does not affect the implementation of the project). Delivery deadline of all four mobile 3D birdradars is 15th of June 2026.

Random Encounter Method (REM) has been under practical testing and software development in order to involve AI has been also under testing phase during 2025. Testing of REM during the spring period (May-June) of 2025 was done in 41 monitoring areas. Into every area 25-26 trail cameras were installed for at least 35 days. From all photo series all positive image cases (start and end time of series), species on images and number of animals on series were registered. From 2024 spring photos 9289 cases were detected with different animals: 7533 mammals, 1464 birds, 110 insects and 9 reptiles (lizards). From 2025 spring photos 11 218 cases were detected with different animals: 9967 mammals, 1200 birds, 62 insects. Most frequently detected species are roe deer, wild boar and badger. In addition to that fieldwork with 19 trail cameras has also been done in spring on Muhu Island. Software development for using AI in species detection from trail camera photos is still in testing phase. For acquisition and testing of new technologies for wildlife biodiversity monitoring first procurement was prepared by the end of the 2024 and following devices were received during 2025: rugged tablets (5) for testing with fieldwork software QField in voluntary monitoring networks (received in January 2025); bat- detectors attachable to mobile phones (11) for testing in voluntary bat monitoring network campaign (received in January 2025); bird sound recorders with GPS attached (5) for testing in national bird and other animals monitoring methods (received in January 2025); GPS-devices compatible with existing bird sound recorders for testing and use in national bird monitoring methods (received in January 2025); drone with thermal camera to be tested in night bird monitoring as well as in seal monitoring methods (received in January 2025); binoculars with distance meter and altimeter (3) to be tested in national bird monitoring methods, incl. on-site surveys in wind parks (received in July and October 2025); binoculars with thermal camera (1) to be tested in night bird, bat and other animals monitoring methods (received in July 2025); fully automated insect monitoring device (2) to be tested in national insect monitoring methods (received in May 2025). Tablets, bat-detectors, bird sound recorders, drone and binoculars were successfully tested in fieldwork of different biodiversity monitoring projects and resulted to plan of purchasing them more, to cover needs of these monitoring projects which methods they will be integrated. Therefore, new purchase was prepared and launched in the end of the 2025, including following devices and amounts: rugged tablets for fieldwork, 20 pc – for all national wildlife monitoring projects, incl voluntary monitoring network; bat-detectors attachable to mobile phones, 20 pc – for voluntary monitoring network; bird sound recorders, 20 pc – for national bird (and some mammal, amphibian) monitoring projects; drone with thermal camera, 1 pc – for national bird and mammal monitoring projects; professional drones for bird monitoring, 3 pc; professional mini-drones for bird monitoring, 10 pc; binoculars with distance meter and altimeter, 2 pc – for national bird monitoring projects; binoculars with thermal camera, 3 pc – for national bird and mammal monitoring projects; spotting scopes for testing in bird monitoring, 4 pc. Only two fully automated insect monitoring devices, we decided not to purchase more, but test them further, as the data management and adaptation for usage in Estonia need more time and effort. Testing of eDNA usage in biodiversity monitoring methods has been divided into two parts: first testing set has been started during the second half of 2024 and it includes testing eDNA usability and method cost-effectiveness in aquatic environment (rivers) with focus on species identification (crayfish, mussels, dragon- flies, diving beetles) and distribution detection (Habitat directive Fish species). For that, a separate procurement was successfully done, and the University of Life Sciences was contracted. 193 eDNA samples were taken from 14 rivers and 1 lake (96 sampling sites) during June and repeated in August. EDNA analysis was very successful as preliminary results show, but as final report is still now under correction phase, we will report results in the next annual report. Second testing set, testing eDNA usability and method cost-effectiveness in terrestrial environment with focus on bar-coding, e.g. animal dispersal within same species (Flying squirrel) to compare current catch and release method with eDNA usage as not affecting animals themselves is planned to be performed during 2026. In promoting citizen science and creating network of volunteers, 2025 was first year for full set of campaigns. Ten voluntary monitoring campaigns were per- formed: for monitoring Moose (animal of the year 2025, in cooperation with Estonian Theriological Society and other third sector associations) as social media campaign for whole year (more than 500 observations all together); bats, two campaigns: wintering campaign in social media group (1.02-5.03.2025 and totally 104 observations of 175 bats) and simple mobile based sound recorders usage in summer count (17.06.2025 - 10.07.2025 and 31 transects were done in

553-12.5-00001 \ COO.2101.104.2.2929319 15/35

Tallinn and 12 transects outside all over Estonia); geese in migration roosts (01.03.2025 - 31.05.2025); amphibians (campaign in 28.03.2025 - 30.06.2025, with 594 observations done by 332 volunteers); reptiles (campaign in 01.01.2025 - 31.12.2025); globeflower (campaign in 01.05.2025 - 31.10.2025 and more than 500 observations); diving beetles (simple catch-photo-release method), campaign in 15.04.2025 - 30.09.2025 and observations from more than 120 waterbodies, including two habitat directive species detected from 12 waterbodies. Results of all these campaigns will be presented publicly in gathering of the volunteers in March 2026. Planning of the voluntary monitoring networks to be tested and launched with campaigns in 2026 are as follows: Hedgehog as animal of the year 2026 in cooperation with Estonian Theriological Society and other third sector associations; bats, two campaigns: wintering campaign in social media group and simple mobile based sound recorders usage in summer count; geese in migration roosts; crows and magpies; slow worm; amphibians; diving beetles; pollinators; moths; swifts and swallows; cranes. Results of these campaigns will be presented publicly in gathering of the volunteers in December 2026. For a development of IT systems (establishment of interfaces between KESE and EELIS; establishment of interface between EELIS and eBiodiversity (PlutoF); development of management plans assessment tool and development of fieldwork tool) 2025 was a phase during we made background decisions and signed cooperation contracts: framework contract was signed in September 2024 between IT Centre of the Ministry of the Environment and IT developer (Inversion Software OÜ) that won the framework procurement for IT developments in IT-plan of Ministry of Climate for next four years (2025-2028); Cooperation contract between Estonian Environment Agency and IT Centre of the Ministry of the Environment in order to set up framework for all four developments listed above was signed in June 2025. EELIS2 (new version of IT-system) has been under testing by Chief Specialist (IT system specialist) in the Environmental Agency (respon- sible for the input of the IT developments and testing). That specialist also participated in weekly EELIS2 development meetings and EELIS1 (old IT-system) development meetings as well as workshops for different feedback to developer (massive data import, data handling, protected areas and objects, data forms, object migration etc). Specialist (data manager) in the Environmental Agency has been manually transporting data from KESE to EELIS, testing same time details for interface development, also testing Tableau analytics and open data. All four developments/interfaces will be performed during next periods of the programme. Programme component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and conservation outcomes of protected areas” Activity 1. Conservation Management Effectiveness Assessment 2024 was the preparatory phase for the management effectiveness assessment. The assessment started in 2025. The assessors (Liggi Namm, Kirsi Loide, Kerttu Elm, Andres Miller) were hired from January 1, 2025. In 2025, a total of 97 protected areas were assessed using an adapted methodology. A detailed

manual for assessors was compiled to support consistent interpretation and application of the assessment framework. The assessment questionnaire was further developed to enable responsive data entry and the automated generation of reports with normalised scores. All assessment reports were uploaded to the public document management system. In addition, supporting data tools and analytical workflows were developed to identify indicator species, interpret

results through a traffic-light system, and carry out data analysis. These developments improved the consistency, comparability, and practical usability of as- sessment results across protected area types.

One online seminar was organised for the whole department of conservation management planning.

Activity 2. Conservation Management Planning

The guidelines for protected area management plans are finalised and ready for use. They include all compulsory (legally required) chapters, and several sections have been refined based on the testing process. During the testing phase, specialists prepared protected area management plans and provided feedback for improving or amending the guidelines, as a result of which the guidelines were further refined. In addition, the guidelines were supplemented with

technical solutions such as visitor management online maps, the Environmental Portal webpage, and the full translation of the lists of pressures, threats, and

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conservation measures. Under the new guidelines, three (Anne loodusala, Kaasiku loodusala, Andresaare loodusala) management plans have been approved, and twelve draft plans have been prepared for approval. Visitor management infrastructure is planned using a web tool (virtual office) that has been put together

in cooperation with the Land and Spacial Development Board. In 2025 management plans were connected to the following web pages:

- The data sheet about protected areas was completed. The data sheet is based on the data analytics tool Tableau, and the information is displayed on the Environmental Portal (Keskkonnaportaal). The data used originate from the Estonian Nature Information System (EELIS). The web page has been publicly available since November 2025. Thanks to the web page, there is no longer a need to provide detailed descriptions or create maps for presenting

the area and its values in management plans. The page consolidates all essential information related to protected areas in one place. - In cooperation with the Land and Spacial Development Board a web map for inventories was put together. It was made available to the public. You can

see all the inventories that are carried out in Estonia on the map, land owners can see what inventories are carried out on their land. Other institutions

(Environmental Agency, Forest Management Centre etc) have also access to the web page and they can also upload the inventories on the site. Action plans for habitats

- An action plan for lakes and springs has been put together by Marko Vainu. The draft version of it has been under revision in the Environmental Board and in the University of Life Sciences. It will be introduced to stakeholders at the beginning of 2026. The new guidelines for inventories of lakes (additional materials: guidelines of mapping plants, methodology of estimating representativeness) has been completed. Inventories of 64 small lakes and 62 coastal

lagoons were carried out; the inventories are completed. - An action plan describing and planning administrative measures of protecting forest habitats has been put together by Gert Enno. The plan is under

revision and will be introduced to the stakeholders.

- An action plan for bogs, mires and fens has been updated by Triin Amos. The action plan is under revision and will be introduced to the stakeholders. - An action plan for rivers and streams is under preparation; the new expert (Kaisa Viira) will be hired from the beginning of February. Inventories of rivers

and streams are being carried out using the new guidelines.

The following inventories and expert opinions were ordered in 2024 (all completed):

1. Updating the guidelines for lake inventories (completed in 2025)

2. Inventory and expert opinion of the habitats of the crested newt in Lasila, Sadramõtsa, Martsina, Kõõru and Kiksova species’ protection sites (1st part completed in 2024, 2nd part completed in 2025)

3. Expert opinion on the restoriation of natural water regime in Tillniidu Nature Protection Area (completed in 2025)

4. Inventories of semi-cultural habitats in West Estonia (completed in 2025) 5. Inventories of protected butterflies in Elva, Prange, Endla and Alam-Pedja SAC (completed in 2025) 6. Inventories of protected butterflies in Poanse, Kuke-Kiili, Kurese, Väinamere and Marimetsa-Õmma SAC (completed in 2025)

7. Inventories of protected plants in Mustajõe, Puhatu and Änniksaare SAC (completed in 2024) 8. Inventory and protection measures of protected plants in Aseri Lanscape Protection Area (completed in 2024) 9. Inventory of protected vascular plants in Sarve Landscape Protection Area (completed in 2025)

10. Expert opinion of protected plant species of wetland habitats in Kuke-Kiili SAC (completed in 2025) 11. Expert opinion on the restoration of natural water regime in Kaisma SAC (completed in 2025) 12. Expert opinion on the protection measures of the white-tailed eagle and inventory of forest habitats in Karujärve and Ranna SAC (completed in 2024)

13. Expert opinion on the restoration of natural water regime and natural habitats in Kalli Landscape Protection Area (completed in 2024)

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14. Inventory and expert opinion of habitats in Põduste-Upa Limited-Conservation Area (completed in 2024)

The following inventories and expert opinions were ordered in 2025: 1. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Väike Strait Limited-Conservation Area (completed) 2. Inventories of forest habitats in Pirita, Ülgase and Püümetsa SAC (completed)

3. Inventories of forest habitats in Suurupi and Türisalu SAC 4. Inventories of forest habitats in Nõva-Osmussaare SAC 5. Inventory of forest habitats in Läänemaa Suursoo conservation zone

6. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Kahtla-Kübassaare SAC 7. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Kasti Bay SAC (completed) 8. Inventory of wetland habitats in Kingli SAC

9. Inventory of wetland habitats in Koigi SAC 10. Inventory of wetland habitats in Mullutu-Loode SAC 11. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Sutu Bay SAC (completed)

12. Inventories of forest habitats in Padinasaare, Mustallika and Saarjärve SAC (completed) 13. Inventories of forest habitats in Aidu and Aidu Bog SAC 14. Inventory of wetland habitats in Lindi SAC

15. Inventory of forest habitats in Mahu-Rannametsa SAC 16. Inventory of forest habitats in Jõuga SAC (completed) 17. Inventory of forest habitats in Mustajõe and Udria SAC (completed)

18. Inventory of forest habitats in Haavasoo SAC (completed) 19. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Rannaniidu SAC 20. Inventory of forest habitats in Kesknõmme SAC

21. Inventory of forest habitats in Koimla SAC (completed) 22. Inventory of forest habitats in Teesu SAC 23. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Kääpa SAC

24. Inventory of forest habitats in Kääpa SAC 25. Inventory of forest habitats in Rutu SAC (completed) 26. Inventory of forest habitats in Ontika SAC (completed

27. Inventory of forest habitats Selisoo SAC 28. Inventories of protected butterflies in Pakri SAC (completed) 29. Inventories of the thick shelled river mussel (Unio Crassus) in Pirita, Türisalu and Selja River SAC (completed)

30. Inventories of the thick shelled river mussel (Unio Crassus) in Vasalemma and Jägala SAC 31. Inventories of the thick shelled river mussel (Unio Crassus) in Sirtsi and Pada SAC 32. Expert opinion on wetland plant species of Lavassaare Nature Protection Area

33. Expert opinion on wetland plant species of Nätsi-Võlla Nature Protection Area 34. Inventories of protected plant species of Pikasilla Bog areas 35. Inventory and expert opinion on the fen orchid (Liparis loeselii) in Muraka SAC

36. Inventory of Dicranium viride, Dichelyma falcatum, Dichelyma capillaceum in East and West-Viru County protected areas

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37. Inventories of protected dragon-fly species in Lasila, Porkuni and Neeruti SAC (completed) 38. Inventories of protected plant species in protected areas of Vormsi Island (completed)

39. Expert opinion on protected plant species of Oese Bog Limited-Conservation Area 40. Expert opinion on protected wetland plant species of Tuhu Nature Protection Area 41. Expert opinion on protected wetland plant species of Paadrema Nature Protection Area

42. Inventory of Elatine hydropiper in Lahemaa National Park (completed) 43. Inventory of Carex mackenziei in Lahemaa National Park (completed) 44. Inventory of Phragmatobia luctifera in Pakri SAC

45. Inventories of lake habitats (completed) 46. Inventory of Ophiogomphus cecilia in Türisalu SAC 47. Inventory of bat species in Nõva-Osmussaare SAC

48. Inventory of Myotis dasycneme in Lahemaa SAC 49. Inventory of forest habitats in Lindmetsa SAC 50. Inventory of forest habitats in Siplase SAC

51. Inventory of forest habitats in Viieristi SAC 52. Inventories of protected bat species in Puhtu-Laelatu and Nehatu Nature Protection Area 53. Inventory of protected bat species in Pootsi Manor Park

54. Inventory of forest habitats in Viivikonna SCI (completed) 55. Inventories of rivers and streams in Otepää Nature Park and Elva Landscape Protection Area 56. Inventories of rivers and streams in Selja River Landscape Protection Area, Kunda Limited-Protection Area, Pada River Limited-Protection Area, Pa-

daoru Landscape Protection Area ja Mahu-Rannametsa Landscape Protection Area 57. Inventories of Cobitis taenia and Cottus gobio in Türisalu and Pirita SAC 58. Inventories of Lampetra fluviatilis in Türisalu and Pirita SAC

59. Inventory of forest habitats in Õisu SAC 60. Inventory of forest habitats in Alam-Pedja (Valmassaare, Utsali) SAC 61. Inventory of protected plant species in Väinamere Limited-Protection Area

62. Inventory of protected plant species in Pakri SAC 63. Inventory of forest habitats in Laiküla SAC (completed) 64. Inventory of forest habitats in Ohepalu SAC

Two seminars were organised: online seminar introducing the new guidelines of lake habitat inventories, a joint seminar “Water Crossroads in Nature” about river habitats. Activity 3. Species Protection

Updating the guidelines of species’ action plans. The guidelines are updated, there is also a new guideline for the short version of the species’ action plan. The same principles as there were in the guidelines of management plans have been used: there is a new system of pressures, threats and protection measures used. The new topics are included, e.g. when to archive/delete the species’ habitats. All the data from previous action plans and draft copies were gathered.

Discussions about what species need action plans and how to make the process of putting together action plans easier were carried out with the Ministry of

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Climate. Species were grouped and it was decided that some spec ies’ groups can have a joint action plan, other species can have short action plans. Action plans are being compiled.

The project staff have updated two species’ action plans (Hammarbya paludosa and Cerastium alpinum), which have also been approved by the Environmental Board. The approved action plans have been published and are made publicly available on the website of the Environmental Board. Th additional action plans

have been updated and subjected to public consultation; constructive feedback received during the consultation process will be added, after which the action plans will be submitted for approval. The project team is currently updating a further 7 action plans. In total, 10 action plans are being updated by project staff.

Procurement procedures have been completed and contracts have been concluded for the preparation of 10 action plans. All purchased action plans are group plans or plans prepared for at least two species. Several plans have been commissioned together with field inventories to ensure that up-to-date data are used in the planning of conservation measures and actions within species conservation action plans.

The following inventories and expert opinions were ordered in 2024 (all completed):

1. Inventory of the habitats of the moor-king lousewort and Saussurea alpina subsp. Esthonica (completed in 2024)

2. Inventory of the thick shelled river mussel in Kurtna-Vilivere and Vääna SCI (completed in 2025) 3. Expert opinion on updating the action plan of the white-tailed eagle (completed in 2025) 4. Expert opinion on updating the action plan of the lesser spotted eagle (completed in 2025)

The following inventories and expert opinions were ordered in 2025:

1. Inventory of the habitats of moor-king lousewort (Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum) (Part II) (completed)

2. Expert opinion on updating the action plan for European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and asp (Leuciscus aspius) 3. Inventory of the habitats of mountain parsley (Peucedanum oreoselinum), Prussian sermountain (Laserpitium prutenicum) (Part II) (completed) 4. Expert opinion on updating the action plan for mountain parsley (Peucedanum oreoselinum), Prussian sermountain (Laserpitium prutenicum) and bog

angelica (Angelica palustris) (completed) 5. Preparation of action plan for lichens of open habitats 6. Inventory and preparation of action plan for lichens of forest habitats

7. Inventory of the habitats of heath rush (Juncus squarrosus) 8. Inventory of the habitats of blue cowslip (Pulmonaria angustifolia) 9. Preparation of action plan for bryophytes, including an inventory of selected species’ habitats

10. Preparation of action plan for farmland birds 11. Preparation of action plan for sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), including an inventory of selected species’ habitats 12. Preparation of action plan for coastal meadow plant species, including an inventory of selected species’ habitats

13. Preparation of action plan for dry habitat plant species, including an inventory of habitats of mountain milk-vetch (Oxytropis campestris) and slender crosswort (Cruciata glabra)

14. Preparation of action plan for woodpeckers (Picidae)

Changing the categories of protected species. Data on all the protected species has been collected and analysed. Principles of assessing the categories of species have been put together and discussed with the Ministry of Climate. On January 22, 2025, the kick-off seminar was organised by the project team,

Estonian best species experts were invited to the seminar. 119 people participated in Tartu and more than 140 people listened to the seminar online. All the

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materials (recordings, presentations, summaries, photos) can be found HERE. The seminar also summarised what the project team have done in 2024 (data gathering, principles of assessing the categories, updating the guidelines of management plans, habitat and species’ action plans).

In 2025 (March, April, June), eight expert group meetings were organised. The categories of nine species’ groups (mammals, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, molluscs, insects, lichens, mosses, fungi) or 238 protected species were discussed. 39 experts took part in the discussions. There were three follow-up meetings

with the Ministry of Climate in August and September. The proposal to change the categories of the species’ groups has been compiled. A seminar about changing the categories of species was organised to the experts.

4.2 Status of implementation

4.2.1 Update of implementation schedule

Has the detailed implementation schedule (as originally submitted with the SM Proposal) for the re-

maining SM duration been adjusted in the reporting period? Yes☐ No☒

If yes, the new, updated implementation schedule is in An-

nex:

There was a delay in signing the implementation agreement and the minister’s directive for the components, as these documents took more time to prepare than anticipated. The detailed implementation schedule (as originally submitted with the SM Proposal) for the remaining duration of the SM has not been adjusted during the re- porting period.

4.2.2 Procurements

Annex to this report the procurement plan submitted with the last Reimbursement Request. If in the previous reporting period no Reimbursement Request was submitted, update the procurement plan according to latest information.

Please describe the tenders, for which the contract was awarded during the reporting period. In particular, the following information is requested:

- Justification if non-competitive procedures were used - Explanation if bids were rejected - Explanation if there was only one bid

- Explanation and measures to be taken in case of major differences between the estimated and actual contract value - Explanation in case of important delays - Information on any suspected irregularities during the tender process

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Please explain also if any tender had to be repeated or cancelled during the reporting period. Finally, inform about any contracts that were extended or whose contract value was increased during the reporting period.

Procurement for acquisition of four mobile 3D bird radars (in procurement plan as “Purchasing mobile 3D bird radar”). Terms of reference (technical specifica- tions) and other needed documents for the international procurement of the radars were prepared and coordination of them in KAUR and with the State Shared

Service Centre (RTK) was done during the first quarter of 2025. Documents were also coordinated with the Swiss Contribution Office and the Steering Committee of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme in its second meeting on 15th of April 2025. International procurement was performed during period 19th of May to 26th of June 2025. Only one offer was received and passed evaluation by 18th of July 2025. It was offer by Swiss Birdradar Solution AG with

amount 675 400,00 EUR. Contracting date was 15th of September 2025 (delay was appearing due to holidays and need for contracting on paper, but it does not affect the implementation of the project). Delivery deadline of all four mobile 3D birdradars is 15th of June 2026.

4.2.3 Communication activities

General information about the Support Measure “Biodiversity” is published on the website of the Ministry of Climate https://kliimaministeerium.ee/eesti-sveitsi- koostooprogramm Programme component 1 “Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solutions and improvement of Environmental databases and sys- tems” Events/presentations:

1. In 3rd of February 2025 Public web seminar for volunteers as training seminar on method of the voluntary observation of wintering bats was held in web of the Estonian Environment Agency (in Estonian): Algaja nahkhiirevaatleja tarkuseminutid | Facebook

2. In 6th of February 2025 in Tallinn Zoo an opening event of the campaign “Animal of the year 2025 – Moose" in cooperation with Estonian Theriological Society, NGO “Aasta Loom” (“Animal of the Year”) and Tallinn Zoo. Presenters: Ragne Erimäe ja Rauno Veeroja.

3. In 24th of April 2025 Monitoring specialist of the Programme component 1, Liisa Rennel, did a presentation about voluntary monitoring campaigns in

general meeting of the Estonian Naturalists´ Society. 4. In 7th of May 2025 Public web seminar for volunteers as training seminar on method of the voluntary observation of amphibians was held in web of the

Estonian Environment Agency (in Estonian): Kahepaiksete vabatahtlik seire 2025 | loodusveeb

5. In 8th of May 2025 Project manager of the Programme component 1, Lauri Klein did a presentation about the activities done and planned within Swiss Estonian Cooperation Programme component 1 in conference within Nature Festival “Garden of Paradise” in Lääne County, in Cultural Centre of Haap- salu town, organised by Haapsalu Vocational Education and Training Centre.

6. In 10th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was held in Tallinn, in Lasnamäe. 5 volunteers attended.

7. In 11th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was

held in Soomaa National Park. 9 volunteers attended. 8. In 12th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was

held in Tartu, in Majoraadi Park.

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9. In 21st of May 2025 Project manager Lauri Klein did a presentation about the activities done and planned within Swiss Estonian Cooperation Programme component 1 in monthly meeting of the Estonian Environment Agency.

10. In 22nd of May 2025 Project manager Lauri Klein did a presentation about the activities done and planned within Swiss Estonian Cooperation Programme component 1 in a seminar for officers working in the field of biodiversity monitoring in the administrative area of the Ministry of Climate.

11. In 29th of May 2025 there was held a seminar for the officers working in Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency. Project manager Lauri

Klein presented there an overview about activities done and planned within the frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1. Discussion followed.

12. In 6th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer feeding areas

was held in Tallinn, in Kadriorg Garden. 16 volunteers attended. 13. In 11st to 12nd of June 2025 in Rae fieldwork base in South-Estonia, there was held a seminar of a nature protection team of Wildlife Department of

Estonian Environment Agency whose responsibility is to keep nature databases and on that seminar many aspects of the IT-activities of the Swiss-

Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 were discussed. 14. In 12th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer feeding

areas was held in Rakvere town. 5 volunteers attended.

15. In 13th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer feeding areas was held in Sindi (near Pärnu town). 6 volunteers attended.

16. In 14th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer feeding

areas was held in Viljandi town. 11 volunteers attended. 17. In 18th to 19th of September 2025 in Rae fieldwork base in South-Estonia, there was held a seminar of a wildlife monitoring team of Wildlife Department

of Estonian Environment Agency whose responsibility is to perform wildlife monitoring projects and on that seminar especially voluntary monitoring

method of diving beetles under elaboration within frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 was discussed.

18. In 19th to 21st of September 2025 there was held a Autumn School of the Estonian Theriological Society that was held within the frame of the Swiss-

Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1. The overall topic of the seminar was “Voluntary monitoring of mammals”. There were many presentations by the project team members.

19. In 6th to 7th of November 2025 there was held a seminar for officers working in the field of biodiversity in the administrative area of the Ministry of

Climate. Project team members Liisa Rennel and Lauri Klein presented there new innovative devices purchased for wildlife monitoring within the frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 during 2025 year.

20. In 27th to 28th of November 2025 there was held a seminar for the officers working in Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency. Project

team members Liisa Rennel and Lauri Klein presented there new innovative devices purchased for wildlife monitoring within the frame of the Swiss- Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 during 2025 year.

Web media / social media posts:

16.01.25 an introductory post about the moose as animal of the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://www.face- book.com/photo/?fbid=920007736978958&set=a.231025209210551&__cft__[0]=AZUVoEp3-5KgJSG05XQnW0g3n9FMUMmwCfhECBC- cAnpL9M5EVBp6E0GOfvvk3bmOmCdZVpb1Pl_8Jtc1zLoUbTNZom4cEB196RQyxD8hPp_HVTxfT-qDPtCrv8dHx4hwkSr-

dubyzxScGuu0XQo5IGVlge7EKC_odazU1XN3bCyvZqD0rng8V0sdGSZO8i_QAmrQ&__tn__=EH-R

https://keskkonnaagentuur.ee/node/2086

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21.01.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the moose during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor the moose and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal) (in Esto-

nian): https://loodusveeb.ee/et/themes/harrastusteaduse-projektid/podra-vaatluste-kogumine-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawH_QfxleH- RuA2FlbQIxMQABHReYnWL5FYEXc7HXl3hCqdMIXxOWWmNrxuro97TqBHjRyrKQ887l5TTmvg_aem_Ny_gcYJkPCpPkjOI0YbSLA

29.01.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the wintering bats during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor winter-

ing bats, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagen- tuur/posts/pfbid02GyXJAEgwSxrNihvHzZq3zp9Adp5RPof5WJhPuC9inBHPUSiZ6tYvsV88b4A4kdRLl?__cft__[0]=AZWnxmWFilC-

Vrlz1qrw4PWiGiGRPvXpAHEHrJ80Jt1LOr_idmCjGV71JE3zSGKOdU0isOCvSJUIjufX-apDjKnVgm93r5fH0DWwIWxMFp8aPc3iU_jD- Z9QMW_JdRTG3IqGu5Oe7iVNInBRAmKFKYpZiXdcCVrNkDesMpCgcj0MTA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

24.02.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the wintering bats in occasion of the Independence Day of Estonia (in Estonian):

https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid02wYDVN6HLYx5iZKnnra91fu7jcbNGar78QgvAyKtd7pf2GRHmUPFz1hHuh2UdfNrXl

15.03.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the geese monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor geese, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations

Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid02c4awegSLLJq5izUE9ibzA8TmcPPTWHFPk- SudxRwyq4YxJbFLyzSeufxnQyD7Vc95l?__cft__[0]=AZVcyqXVo1jC5_mQws4w0iTh18mFZO6SzSaw4YCNNRVxixzDUK9mP13uJEN- wpJdIG9e5jv3hZQO4RfUEt-

JVQpI7peiAZUTxuGVcvL52uWBvSz6Rb6PboGs99U2voe5i7F1edjIGifTHEnGBEeRgQUpiJ1NKTVRnEfOiZ9YtYgal8qA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

22.03.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the moose during the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://fb.watch/zpwbQauCmA/

29.03.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the amphibians monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor

amphibians, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagen- tuur/posts/pfbid02Fe1Xv1hriqzPBxZKN6ntSqdvsKwZrnUPs4x2tPNarsTXiFt5NygzoNmQHBBtbfcKl

2.04.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the reptiles monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor rep- tiles, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observa- tions Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid0EetpBEstctBhB12nsp4pb4BWLrGBkTfTEdUy-

kve1RPmJiDeK62XzGcJY538HUVKVl

10.04.25 the post of the presentation of the results of voluntary observations campaign for monitoring wintering bats during the year 2025 (in Estonian). https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=981596144153450&set=a.231025209210551&__cft__[0]=AZWXpdfk7uFaUx129peMCF-

fleS5GPB05VV9YYwV_JqvlLZNulZpAlqgiSg1FcSuWWO1nPNCRTGa1TA2lCnlfFr99tyN4OwtlGghhTI0kKZPEtiEQQR9MrrmsDA1F9BKrFj- BXCWmRu6yS2dkg597Bzrw&__tn__=EH-R

21.04.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the amphibians during the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://fb.watch/zpxvZlckFk/

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22.04.25 the link into the web seminar on the amphibian voluntary monitoring method presented within the voluntary observation campaign of the amphibi- ans (in Estonian): https://www.facebook.com/events/1081077063861024

28.04.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the globeflower monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor globeflower, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian (NB! More than 1300 reactions, 148 comments and 420 shares): https://www.facebook.com/Kesk-

konnaagentuur/posts/pfbid0pyuKDcAv3V6sxzS55zQg8UFJ9WyKVPsBsbxYoYyG5w5Danue6dkMq9dqUiK9DHKnl

30.04.25 the post on Liisa Rennel presentation of voluntary observation campaign for the globeflower monitoring in TV (morning show “Terevisioon” in Esto- nian national TV channel ETV): https://eeter.err.ee/1609680404/keskkonnaagentuur-kutsub-inimesi-markama-ja-pildistama-kullerkuppe

5.05.25 News post on Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme Biodiversity Programme Steering Committee meeting in Saaremaa (in Estonian): https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid0zC3qx6DiYL8UE5cVD1VYeBUzVQD93SdHW9jPPbNTwnxYSQ6R9WSbifPeVJLMoupXl

6.05.25 Introductory post and registration page into the public seminar for volunteers within the voluntary observation campaign for the amphibians monitor-

ing (in Estonian): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGclDiX3TGrJU3lC4m6L3QZhJPAoeKMQD0TxTAWvuJM4phxA/view- form?fbclid=IwY2xjawKGrd5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB5QThSM2gycHAwNE1nN1RyAR6T3OfVRh2m5R5FvRr9-IqANJtMMNXB6phYTf- L2MsFtI56kcS6S8u0glOYnQ_aem_Xj1aTmcCZsqy85t6q2A4iQ

9.05.25 pre-introductory post of voluntary observations campaign for the hedgehogs as the Animal of the year 2026 monitoring (in Estonian): https://www.fa- cebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=709554678689555

20.05.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the moose during the year 2025 (in Esto-

nian):https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=3629800283980206

21.05.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the globeflower during the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://www.face- book.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=631107109963072

13.06.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the moose during the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://www.facebook.com/Keskkon- naagentuur/posts/pfbid02N3NHqPud27RXuGLaTDSrU2cAE1gjUEmJ8oSK1MV6zsAwBHAubTcX9zGydZav45wfl

14.08.25 the post on voluntary observations campaign for the reptiles monitoring in occasion of international lizards day (in Estonian): https://www.face-

book.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid02ekptRiL5zjCWB5baiRXEJSy4UFNMYSrSQzFJRRdFbeYYukeJiWihPes1R2Q9PPfql

18.09.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the swans migration monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor migrating swans, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in

Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid036qc1bqH7vrQCeP- Nsar7SQCcF1bRGm1zHfEbJ62uBr2pDZzCYA1Hbw4RsxnBHkEzZl

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Programme component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and conservation outcomes of protected areas”

EVENTS (most important events are listed)

22 January 2025, kick-off seminar “Changing the Categories of Protected Species” in the building of Tartu University organised for species experts’. There were 119 participants (50 men and 69 women) in Tartu and more than 140 (the participants were not required to register under their name, they joined the seminar using the MS Teams link on the website) people listened to the seminar online. Presentations were from the Environmental Board, Climate Ministy and Tartu

University, a Latvian expert was invited to talk about how Latvia updates their lists of protected species. The programme, presentations, videos and photos are on the website of the Environmental Board.

30 January 2025, online (MS Teams) seminar introducing the new guidelines of lake habitat inventories organised by the Environmental Board (Marko Vainu)

and the experts from the Estonian University of Life Sciences. 185 online participants.

13 March 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meetings with experts in Tartu (mammals – 11 participants, fish – 14 participants).

27 March 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meetings with experts in Tartu (amphibians and reptiles – 13 participants; molluscs

– 11 participants).

10 April 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meeting with experts in Tartu (insects – 14 participants).

14-16 April 2025, Riina Kotter, Gert Enno, Polina Degtjarenko, Kadri Paomees and Gunnar Raun participated in the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme

monitoring event in Saaremaa.

8 May 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meeting with experts in Tallinn (mosses – 15 participants).

14 May 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meeting with experts in Tartu (lichens – 11 participants).

11 June 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meeting with experts in Tartu (fungi – 13 participants).

12 June 2025, seminar “Water Crossroads in Nature” in Tartu University. It was a joint seminar organised by the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences of Tartu University, Environmental Board and Estonian Nature Fund. 117 participants (41 men, 66 men). The presentations are recorded and uploaded HERE.

16 September 2025, online seminar on the conservation management assessment for the department of conservation management planning organised by Veljo Runnel.

17 September 2025, meeting with the local municipality and state Forest Management Centre to discuss the compiling of Anne Special Area of Conservation

Management Plan.

22 September-26 September 2025, study trip to Switzerland (Zurich Canton, Swiss National Park, Jurapark Aargau). 10 participants (2 men, 8 women).

October 2025, Gert Enno, Kaire Kalk, Kirsi Loide participated in the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme monitoring event in East Viru County.

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14-15 October 2025, Riina Kotter participated in the meeting/seminar for all the other project managers of the Environmental Board and introduced the project activities.

27 October, 28 October and 4 November 2025, public discussions in Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu on the Implementation Plan for Administrative Protection Measures for Forest Habitat Types and Species of the Natura 2000 Network. The discussions were organised by Gert Enno.

30-31 October 2025, Riina Kotter, Gert Enno, Kaire Kalk and Veljo Runnel organised a workshop on management planning in the nature conservation confer-

ence organised by Forest Management Centre in Saaremaa. 13 participants (7 men, 6 women).

26 November 2025, public discussion in Vinni about Vinni-Pajusti Special Area of Conservation management plan.

28 November 2025, online meeting/seminar, the participants of the study tour to Switzerland talked about their experiences of the study tour to Switzerland o

the whole Environmental Board.

10 meetings with the Eagle Club of Estonia to discuss the compilation of action plans for eagles.

Project Web Page: Šveitsi-Eesti koostööprogrammi elurikkuse programm | Keskkonnaamet

Press Releases

- Press releases on updating the categories of protected species:

Keskkonnaamet kaasajastab Eesti kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju | Keskkonnaamet (Environmental Board’s web page)

Keskkonnaamet uuendab Eesti kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju - Lõunaeestlane

Keskkonnaamet kaasajastab Eesti kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju – Loomaveeb.ee

Keskkonnaamet kaasajastab Eesti kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju

Kaasajastatakse kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju | Looduskalender.ee

- In February the magazine Eesti Loodus (Estonian Nature, pp 8-9) printed an article about Polina Degtjarenko and the changing of categories of pro- tected species

Keskkonnaamet ajakohastab kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju

- articles introducing the seminar on rivers:

Kutsume osalema seminaril “Vee ristteed looduses”

Seminar “Vee ristteed looduses”

Social Media Posts

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2 January 2025, Facebook post: the Environmental Board will start the discussions on the changing of species protection categories and announced the date of the seminar: 22 January 2025, “Updating the List of Estonian Protected Species”.

27 January 2025 Facebook post about the seminar “Updating the List of Estonian Protected Species” in Tartu.

21 April 2025 Facebook post and Instagram post about the Swiss-Estonian cooperation monitoring event in Saaremaa.

20 December 2025, Facebook post and Instagram post introducing the results of assessment of conservation management carried out by the project team of

the Environmental Board.

4.3 Beneficiaries

No new information at this point.

4.4 Swiss Support Measure Partners

The Environmental Board organised a study trip to Switzerland on 22-26 September 2025. The group of ten people visited Swiss National Park, Jurapark Aargau, the canton of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, WSL. The project activities were introduced. Swiss National Park, Jurapark Aargau and the canton of Zurich introduced how conservation areas and protected species are managed in Switzerland, how visitor

management and nature education is organised and what conservation activities are done. The institute organised lectures to introduce newest research projects carried out by the institute.

4.5 Products and services supplied by Swiss contractors

Procurement for acquisition of four mobile 3D bird radars (in procurement plan as “Purchasing mobile 3D bird radar”). Terms of reference (technical specifica- tions) and other needed documents for the international procurement of the radars were prepared and coordination of them in KAUR and with the State Shared Service Centre (RTK) was done during the first quarter of the 2025. Documents were also coordinated with the Swiss Contribution Office and steering committee

of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme in its second meeting on 15th of April 2025. International procurement was performed during period 19th of May to 26th of June 2025. Only one offer was received and passed evaluation by 18th of July 2025. It was offer by Swiss Birdradar Solution AG with amount 675 400,00 EUR. Contracting date was 15th of September 2025 (delay was appearing due to holidays and need for contracting on paper, but it does

not affect the implementation of the project). Delivery deadline of all four mobile 3D birdradars is 15th of June 2026.

Short description of products/services/works supplied Value of supplied products/ services/ works in the reporting period[CHF]

Name of the Swiss contractor involved

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Four mobile 3D bird radars 675 400,00 EUR Swiss Birdradar Solution AG

5. Support Measure management

5.1 Organisational level

The Ministry of Climate prepared directive for the components and this was signed on 28th of February 2025. This represents a very important step in the implementation process, as the directive defines the planned activities and the indicators to be achieved for each component and component operator.

The Steering Committee (SC) meets regularly. For information on SC meetings, see section 5.2.

In addition to the formal meetings of the SC, regular informal meetings are to exchange information and discuss issues related to the cooperation programme. The NCU also organizes regular meetings on communication-related topics.

Programme Operator

The Ministry of Climate has 0,3 FTE and this is divided between 2 employees – Kairi Toiger (foreign funds coordinator) and Margit Tennokene (advisor from biodiversity department).

Programme component 1

Project Manager (1 FTE): Lauri Klein (from 1.06.2024 to 31.12.2027)

Chief specialist (monitoring specialist, 1 FTE): Liisa Rennel (from 1.06.2024 to 31.12.2027)

Specialist (monitoring assistant on Random Encounter Model, 1 FTE): Remek Meel, worked from 1.05.2024 until 31.08.2024; Christel Rose Bachmann (0,5 FTE) and Karl Jakob Toplaan (0,5 FTE) from 16.09.2024 to 31.12.2027

Chief Specialist (IT system specialist, 0,5 FTE): Kaire Sirel (from 1.05.2024 to 31.12.2027)

Specialist (data manager, 1 FTE): Merith Unt (from 1.05.2024 to 1.08.2025); Merilin Meripõld-Ender (from 1.09.2025 to 31.12.2027)

IT project manager in the IT Centre of the Ministry of the Environment (responsible for the development of IT systems, 0,5 FTE): Raul Tammesoo (to be confirmed).

Programme component 2

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Riina Kotter, project manager (0.5 FTE, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Marju Keis, project coordinator of conservation management effectiveness assessment (1 FTE, July 1 – October 28, 2024; took the position of the depart-

ment manager in the Environment Agency)

Veljo Runnel, project coordinator of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, December 1 – December 31, 2024; 1 FTE, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Kirsi Loide, project senior specialist of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Andres Miller, project senior specialist of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Kerttu Elm, project senior specialist of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Liggi Namm, project senior specialist of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Gert Enno, project coordinator of conservation management planning (1 FTE, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Liggi Namm, project coordinator of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026)

Kadri Paomees, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (1 FTE, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Gunnar Raun, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024, April 30, 2028)

Kirsi Loide, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024)

Triin Amos, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Kristi Pai, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Kaidi Erik, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, February 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Marko Vainu, project expert (lakes and springs; 0.4 FTEs, since September 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026)

Jürgen Karvak, project expert (rivers; 0.2 FTEs October 15 – December 31, 2024; 0.4 FTEs January 1, 2025 – August 29, 2025)

Kaisa Viira, project expert (rivers; 1 FTE, February 2, 2026 – December 31, 2027)

Kaire Kalk, project coordinator of species protection (1 FTE, June 17, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Reet Rannik, project senior specialist of species protection (1 FTE, June 17, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Polina Degtjarenko, project expert of species protection categories (1 FTE, July 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Geili Pütsepp, data analyst (1 FTE, December 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

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Virkeli Viiberg, data specialist (1 FTE, December 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

5.2 Steering Committees

Steering Committee´s second meeting was held on 15th of April 2025 in Saaremaa and third meeting was held on 7th of October 2025 in Ida-Virumaa.

Members of the Steering Committee who participated:

Tanel Ross, Programme Operator, the Ministry of Climate (second meeting)

Timo Kark, Programme Operator, the Ministry of Climate

Christoph Liechti, Swiss Contribution Office

Ieva Junevičienė, Swiss Contribution Office

Helena Musthallik, National Coordination Unit (NCU)

Lauri Klein, Programme Component 1, Environmental Agency

Riina Kotter, Programme Component 2, Environmental Board.(second meeting), Gert Enno filled in Riina Kotter in third meeting.

The Programme Operator and Programme Components provided overview of the programme, the budget, procurement and challenges.

The next meeting will be held in Estonia on 27th April 2026.

5.3 Audits

In 2025, the Audit Authority conducted an audit to assess the functioning of the management and control systems of the NCU, the Paying Authority and the Programme Operators. As a result of the audit, auditors concluded that the system description prepared by the NCU meets the requirements, but some im- provements are necessary (Category II).

The audit resulted in two significant findings addressed to the NCU, and the relevant information was submitted to the SCO in due time.

With regard to the PO, one non-significant finding was identified. This concerned activities that had already been completed, such as the selection and desig- nation of the Swiss partner and the preparation and submission of the Support Measure application. The auditors concluded that retroactive amendments to the

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system description were not necessary. However, they recommended that, when planning and implementing similar programmes in the future, the management and control systems should immediately cover all relevant requirements.

5.4 Evaluation

There are no evaluations at this point. Evaluation will take place in 2028.

5.5 Monitoring

According to the Swiss Regulations and national legislation, the NCU is responsible for monitoring. Various tools are used for monitoring, and it is carried out in

cooperation with the Programme Operator, Component Operators, and the SCO. At the Support Measure level, the activities of the components are monitored through the Steering Committee meetings, and Reimbursement Requests, while the achievement of indicators is tracked through Steering Committee meetings and Annual Support Measure Reports. The NCU also conducts risk-based on-the-spot controls.

In 2025, no on-the-spot controls were carried out, as the project risk analysis did not indicate a need for such controls. Furthermore, the project coordinators responsible for verifying expenditures did not identify any deficiencies that would have required an on-the-spot control.

Information on the implementation of activities is also exchanged on an ongoing basis through informal meetings and continuous communication between the

relevant parties.

If possible, monitoring visits are combined with the meetings of the SC in order to become more familiar with the activities of the Environmental Agency.

First monitoring visit took place 15-16th of April 2025 in Saaremaa and we visited Viidumäe Nature Reserve where was a presentation of game monitoring

method basing on trail camera network (Random Encounter Model - REM) and introduction to the topic of management plans. Then visited Vilsandi National Park and there was a discussion on management planning of protected areas and species protection activities.

The following day included a fieldwork demo in the Mullutu–Loode Nature Reserve, presenting voluntary monitoring methods for amphibians and diving beetles.

The programme also included a visit to the Loode oak forest and wooded meadow, along with discussions on management planning.

Second monitoring visit took place on 6-7th of October 2025 in Ida-Virumaa. We visited Purtse River for eDNA samples on river and demo of alternative monitoring method. Also visited Selisoo bog restoration area. The next day demo and discussion of new methods of flying squirrel monitoring basing on eDNA and conser-

vation planning.

6. Risk management

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Risk Impact [1 – 5]

Likeli- hood [1 – 5]

Risk level Mitigation measure(s) (including information on status of implementation and responsibilities)

Institutional reforms 1 3 Low Internal institutional reform is ongoing in the Environmental Board, but it has

low impact on support measure, because the project activities can be ad-

justed to the new structure of the institution.

Changes in legislation 3 3 Low-Medium Necessary adjustments in the programme will be made following the legisla-

tive changes

Price of the services and equip- ment will increase

3 3 Low-Medium To mitigate the risk, we have taken this into account in the preparation of the

budget and we have added necessary buffer. In case buffer will be not

needed we will make a proposal to transfer it to another budget line.

IT developments take longer than planned

3 4 Medium-High We are already developing procurement documents to save time and start as

soon as agreement is signed.

The number of potential service

providers (including experts) is limited that impacts public pro- curements and public procure-

ments may fail

3 3 Low-Medium To mitigate the risks, we have involved stakeholder in the preparation of this

programme and we will actively spread the information of the public pro-

curements and as the number of potential service providers is limited in Es-

tonia, we will use international public procurements if necessary and man-

datory according to the law.

The quality of services is low

3 3 Low-Medium When ordering services it is necessary to plan well ahead and provide the

quality criteria that need to be followed. The services have to be described in

detail in contracts, if work does not confirm to the contract, a chance to im-

prove the work is given. It is necessary to check the quality services offered

regularly.

Being unable to hire the personnel for the programme

4 1 Low It is necessary to provide the salaries that motivate, also, services can be

chosen instead.

Overall Risk Level SM Medium-low

Overall Risk Description In general we think the risk is low, but there are some risks mentioned above that evaluated as low-medium.

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Annexes

# Annex

1 Updated list of all Programme Components and characteristics in case of Programmes

2 Updated overview of implementation locations

3 Updated procurement plan

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Annex 1: Updated list of all Programme Components and characteristics

Programme Characteristics To be filled in by Programme Operator

No Programme Component Name Swiss Contribution CHF

Specific Objective

Thematic Area

(in- country) Geograp hic Focus

Name Programme Component Operator

Type of entity

Planned duration

PSP/ PA

maximum 40 characters in CHF according to Art. 2.2 Regulations

according to Art. 2.4 Regulations

Start End

1 Management Costs 202 953,63 Environment and climate Biodiversity

national coverage

Ministry of Cli- mate

National ad- ministration 01.05.24 31.08.28

2

Programme Component 1 "Development of innovative moni- toring technolo-gies/solutions and improvement of Environ- mental data-bases and systems" (operator Environmental Agency) 2 883 589,89

Environment and climate Biodiversity

national coverage

Estonian Envi- ronment Agency

National ad- ministration 01.05.24 30.04.28

3

Programme Component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and conservation outcomes of pro- tected areas” (operator Environmental Board) 3 843 456,11

Environment and climate Biodiversity

national coverage

Environmental Board

National ad- ministration 01.05.24 30.04.28

Annex 2: Overview of Implementation locations

General (Programme Management)

Location name Address

Ministry of Climate Suur-Ameerika 1, Tallinn,

Programme Component 1 (“Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solutions and improvement of Environmental databases and sys- tems”)

Location name Address

Estonian Environment Agency Mustamäe tee 33, Tallinn

Programme Component 2 (“Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and conservation outcomes of protected areas”)

Location name Address

Environmental Board Roheline 64, Pärnu

VALIDITY CONFIRMATION SHEET SIGNED FILES

FILE NAME FILE SIZE

Šveitsi-Eesti koostööprogrammi aastaaruande esitamine.pdf 118 KB

Annual Support Measure Report_Biodiversity Programme_2026.pdf 747 KB

Annex 3 Updated procurement plan_2026.xlsx 28 KB

SIGNERS

NO. NAME PERSONAL CODE TIME

TANEL ROSS1 36509060269 24.03.2026 00:26:35 +02:00

VALIDITY OF SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE IS VALID

ROLE / RESOLUTION

PLACE OF CONFIRMATION (CITY, STATE, ZIP, COUNTRY)

SERIAL NUMBER OF SIGNER CERTIFICATE

4e:8a:ad:b5:fd:30:2d:db:67:0c:08:c4:3d:06:f9:9e

ISSUER OF CERTIFICATE AUTHORITY KEY IDENTIFIER

EID-SK 2016 9C 09 A8 07 87 0C 3D AC 2E 87 FC A0 AE D2 FB 65 49 88 28 FB

HASH VALUE OF SIGNATURE 30 4F 30 0B 06 09 60 86 48 01 65 03 04 02 03 04 40 25 0B 7E 08 BE F0 80 85 CE 89 CD 5C 41 9D F6 D3 CC 3C 55 26 60 65 5F 10 B3 CB AB 0F D3 91 27 19 8E F7 78 01 08 5E D0 2A 06 06 01 9D 60 26 E4 F0 67 93 24 B4 0A 67 00 A2 35 8C 67 4C F5 34 5D 12

The print out of files listed in the section "Signed Files" are inseparable part of this Validity Confirmation Sheet.

NOTES

Presented print summary is informative to confirm existence of signed file with given hash value. The print summary itself does not have independent verification value. Declaration of signers’ signature can be verified only through digitally signed file.

VALIDITY CONFIRMATION SHEET SIGNED FILES

FILE NAME FILE SIZE

Submission of the Annual Support Measure Report for the Support Measure Biodiversity Programme.pdf 364 KB

SIGNERS

NO. NAME PERSONAL CODE TIME

URMO MERILA1 38005150268 27.03.2026 10:53:30 +02:00

VALIDITY OF SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE IS VALID

ROLE / RESOLUTION

PLACE OF CONFIRMATION (CITY, STATE, ZIP, COUNTRY)

SERIAL NUMBER OF SIGNER CERTIFICATE

52:ef:36:99:5b:27:7a:36:62:17:76:4e:6a:82:9e:8e

ISSUER OF CERTIFICATE AUTHORITY KEY IDENTIFIER

ESTEID-SK 2015 B3 AB 88 BC 99 D5 62 A4 85 2A 08 CD B4 1D 72 3B 83 72 47 51

HASH VALUE OF SIGNATURE 30 4F 30 0B 06 09 60 86 48 01 65 03 04 02 03 04 40 E8 E8 0A 52 73 24 CB 0E C5 F6 2C 02 53 24 CC 6F E0 7D 3C 13 BD 3C 2B FB 7C 7A 1A 74 77 75 B4 48 2D A1 17 C4 FE 20 D1 8A 70 04 AA 01 88 74 AE 1D 42 3B 71 C1 28 72 48 9D 96 35 50 ED 8C 38 62 20

The print out of files listed in the section "Signed Files" are inseparable part of this Validity Confirmation Sheet.

NOTES

Presented print summary is informative to confirm existence of signed file with given hash value. The print summary itself does not have independent verification value. Declaration of signers’ signature can be verified only through digitally signed file.

Lõkke 4 / 10122 Tallinn / 663 8200 / [email protected] / www.rtk.ee / Registrikood 70007340

Christoph Liechti

Embassy of Switzerland to Latvia, Lithuania

and Estonia

[email protected] Ours 27.03.2026 no 11.1-5/26/731-1

Smilšu iela 8 Riga

LV-1050 LATVIA

Submission of the Annual Support Measure

Report for the Support Measure

"Biodiversity Programme"

The National Coordination Unit of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme hereby submits

the second Annual Report for the Support Measure „Biodiversity Programme“, covering the period

from 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2025.

Yours sincerely,

(signed digitally)

Urmo Merila

Deputy Director General

Annexes:

Annual Support Measure Report for the Support Measure "Biodiversity Programme“

Updated Procurement Plan

Helena Musthallik +372 56466003

[email protected]

Second Swiss Contribution

Estonia

Annual Support Measure Report

Support Measure Name Biodiversity Programme

Reporting Period 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2025

Report Number II

Report Submission Date 31.03.2026

Partner State Support Measure Code (if any)

Swiss Support Measure Code 7F-10768.01

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Table of contents

1. Basic Support Measure information ............................................................................ 4

2. Report submission and approval ................................................................................. 4

3. Overview of results achieved and steering implications .......................................... 4

4. Support Measure progress ........................................................................................... 6

4.1 Achievement of Support Measure objectives....................................................................... 6

4.2 Status of implementation .................................................................................................... 20

4.2.1 Update of implementation schedule ................................................................................ 20

4.2.2 Procurements................................................................................................................... 20

4.2.3 Communication activities ................................................................................................. 21

4.3 Beneficiaries........................................................................................................................ 27

4.4 Swiss Support Measure Partners ....................................................................................... 27

4.5 Products and services supplied by Swiss contractors ....................................................... 27

5. Support Measure management................................................................................... 28

5.1 Organisational level ............................................................................................................ 28

5.2 Steering Committees .......................................................................................................... 30

5.3 Audits .................................................................................................................................. 30

5.4 Evaluation ........................................................................................................................... 31

5.5 Monitoring ........................................................................................................................... 31

6. Risk management......................................................................................................... 31

Annexes ................................................................................................................................... 33

Annex 1: Updated list of all Programme Components and characteristics .................... 34

Annex 2: Overview of Implementation locations ................................................................ 35

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List of abbreviations CH Switzerland

CHF Swiss Franc

KAUR Keskkonnaagentuur

NCU National Coordination Unit

SC Steering Committee

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SCO Swiss Contribution Office

SM Support Measure

1. Basic Support Measure information

Executing Agency type Programme Operator

Executing Agency name

and address

The Ministry of Climate

Name of contact person Kairi Toiger

E-Mail of contact person [email protected]

Phone of contact person +3726262931

SM type Programme

Objective Protecting the environment and the climate

Thematic area Nature conservation and biodiversity

Duration according to

SM Agreement

Start date: 01.05.2024 Completion date: 30.04.2028

Swiss Contribution to

the SM CHF

6 930 000

2. Report submission and approval

Executing Agency

The Ministry of Climate Signature

digitally signed

Name

Position Secretary General

E-Mail info@kliimaminis-

teerium.ee

Phone +372 626 2931 Date digitally signed

3. Overview of results achieved and steering implications

The Ministry of Climate prepared directive for the components and this was signed 28th of February 2025.

The Annual Support Measure Report was submitted to the NCU on 30 March 2025, including a revised implementation schedule and procurement plan.

Second Steering Committee meeting and monitorting visit was held in April 2025 in Saaremaa where Pro-

gramme Operator and Programme Component Operators provided the overview of the developments of the

'Biodiversity Programme'.

Program Operator submitted the first Reimbursement Request in September 2025.

Program Operator went on study trip with Programme Component 2 in Switzerland in September 2025. We

visited Swiss National Park and Jurapark Aargau.

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Third Steering Committee meeting and monitoring visit was held in October 2025 in Ida-Virumaa where Pro-

gramme Operator and Programme Component Operators provided the overview of the developments of the

'Biodiversity Programme'.

4. Support Measure progress

4.1 Achievement of Support Measure objectives

Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively achieved

as per- centage of target

Outcomes

Outcome 1

The efficiency and reliability of biodiversity

monitoring has improved

Baseline: no auto-

mated process, most

of the data reaches

databases within

more than one year

Data collected as part of the

biodiversity monitoring pro-

gramme reaches the data-

bases within one year

through automated process

6% 6% 6%

Outcome 2

The effectiveness of management planning of protected areas as well as protected spe-

cies and habitats has improved

Baseline: The previ-

ous guidelines are

outdated (2012, up-

dated 2018)

New guidelines for drawing

up management plans of

protected areas have been

implemented

20% 90% 90%

Outputs

Output 1.1

Existing IT systems (databases and portals)

and their connectivity is improved

Baseline: 0 for addi-

tional connections

and tools (overall, IT

systems has already

many other existing

At least 4 additional connec-

tions or tools for the ex-

change of data between the

IT systems have been estab-

lished

6% 6% 6%

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Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively

achieved as per- centage

of target

connections and

tools)

Output 1.2

New technologies and novel solutions for bi- odiversity monitoring are mapped, devel- oped, tested and implemented

Baseline: 0 At least 5 new developed

and piloted solutions (Ran-

dom Encounter Method, Arti-

ficial Intelligence, 3D bird ra-

dar, eDNA and, other new

technical solutions that will

be worked out in first stage of

the project

2,5 2,5 50%

Output 2.1

Site-based and national conservation objec- tives and measures for protected species and habitats are revised

Output 2.2

The conservation management plans of pro- tected areas, action plans for species and habitats are revised and updated

Baseline: 0 (using

new methodology)

Baselines: 2 action

plans for habitats; 0

conservation man-

agement plans for

protected areas (us-

ing the new format)

The effectiveness of

the management of

at least 300

protected objects (different

types of protected areas) is

assessed

5 action plans for

habitats; 64

Conservation

management plans

for protected areas

using a new format,

5 action plans for

97

97

3, 5, 10

32%

36%

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Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively

achieved as per- centage

of target

Baseline: 0

habitats and 24% of

all the protected

species in Estonia

have action plans.

The

protection

categories of all the pro-

tected species’ groups (not

separate species) are evalu-

ated

Draft document to

change the

regulations of

3, 51102

9 (238)

9 (238)

42%3

33%4

2 The numbers indicate (in the same order): action plans for habitats, conservation management plans, action plans for species. The number of species’ action plans is considered; the objective

was to compile action plans for 60 species. The percentage will be calculated later.

3 The percentage has been calculated considering the number of species in species groups, the total number of protected species in Estonia is 570. In 2026 and 2027, two largest groups

(plants, birds) will be under discussion.

4 The proposal will consist of three parts.

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Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively

achieved as per- centage

of target

Baseline: 0

Baseline: 0

protection

categories

is prepared.

The toolset for

Conservation

Management

Effectiveness

assessment is set

up and in use in the

Environmental

Board.

0.33

-

0.33

-

Output 3

Competence of the specialists as well as public awareness and engagement is im-

proved

Baseline: 0 • At least 21 trainings/sem-

inars

• At least 8 study trips

• A network of volunteers

is created

• At least 20 campaigns to

involve volunteers in

wildlife monitoring

78% (20 train-

ings/seminars; 1

study trip, 10 cam-

paigns; 0 bigger

events for volun-

teers; 0 events

stakeholders, 4 arti-

cles about new solu-

tions in wildlife moni-

toring; 2

80% (20 train-

ings/semi-

nars, 4 study

trips, 14 cam-

paigns, 0 big-

ger events, 1

bigger stake-

holder events,

4 articles, 2

80%

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Strategy of intervention Key Indicators

Baseline

Key Indicators

Target

Achieved this period

Cumulatively achieved

Cumula- tively

achieved as per- centage

of target

• 2 bigger events for volun-

teers

• 2 bigger events for stake-

holders

• At least 8 articles of the

new solutions in wildlife

monitoring

• At least 8 appearances in

radio shows

• At least 2 appearances in

TV shows

• 1 presentation in Switzer-

land to introduce the re-

sults of the project

• CC_CI_1 Number of

people benefiting from

training to improve insti-

tutional and professional

capacity

• At least 350 people will

benefiting from training to

improve institutional and

professional capacity

appearances in radio

and 2 in TV, 2

presentations in

Switzerland about

the results of the

project)*;

236 people has ben-

ef itted f rom training

(89 men and 147

women)

846 volunteers has

benef itted f rom train-

ing (352 men and

494 women).

appearances

in radio, 2 ap-

pearances in

TV; *

236 people has

benef itted f rom

training (89 men

and 147 women)

846 volunteers has

benef itted f rom

training (352 men

and 494 women).

•

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*Environmental Agency:

15 training events, totally ca 224 participants (names of the participants were not registered, therefore gender-based numbers cannot be separated):

1. In 3rd of February 2025 Public web seminar for volunteers as training seminar on method of the voluntary observation of wintering bats was held in web of the Estonian Environment Agency (in Estonian): Algaja nahkhiirevaatleja tarkuseminutid | Facebook

2. In 6th of February 2025 in Tallinn Zoo an opening event of the campaign “Animal of the year 2025 – Moose" in cooperation with Estonian Theriological Society, NGO “Aasta Loom” (“Animal of the Year”) and Tallinn Zoo. Presenters: Ragne Erimäe ja Rauno Veeroja. More than 50 participants.

3. In 7th of May 2025 Public web seminar for volunteers as training seminar on method of the voluntary observation of amphibians was held in web of the

Estonian Environment Agency (in Estonian): Kahepaiksete vabatahtlik seire 2025 | loodusveeb 4. In 10th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was

held in Tallinn, in Lasnamäe. 5 volunteers attended.

5. In 11th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was held in Soomaa National Park. 9 volunteers attended.

6. In 12th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was

held in Tartu, in Majoraadi Park. 5 volunteers attended. 7. In 29th of May 2025 there was held a seminar for the officers working in Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency. Project manager Lauri

Klein presented there an overview about activities done and planned within the frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity

programme” component 1. Discussion followed. About 30 participants. 8. In 6th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer roosts was

held in Tallinn, in Kadriorg Garden. 16 volunteers attended.

9. In 11st to 12nd of June 2025 in Rae fieldwork base in South-Estonia, there was held a seminar of a nature protection team of Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency whose responsibility is to keep nature databases and on that seminar many aspects of the IT-activities of the Swiss- Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 were discussed. 8 participants.

10. In 12th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer roosts was held in Rakvere town. 5 volunteers attended.

11. In 13th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer roosts

was held in Sindi (near Pärnu town). 6 volunteers attended. 12. In 14th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer roosts

was held in Viljandi town. 11 volunteers attended.

13. In 18th to 19th of September 2025 in Rae fieldwork base in South-Estonia, there was held a seminar of a wildlife monitoring team of Wildlife Depart- ment of Estonian Environment Agency whose responsibility is to perform wildlife monitoring projects and on that seminar especially voluntary monitor- ing method of diving beetles under elaboration within frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity programme” component 1

was discussed. 8 participants. 14. In 19th to 21st of September 2025 there was held a Autumn School of the Estonian Theriological Society that was held within the frame of the Swiss-

Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1. The overall topic of the seminar was “Voluntary monitoring of mammals”.

There were many presentations by the project team members. 41 participants (38 on site and 3 on web).

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15. In 27th to 28th of November 2025 there was held a seminar for the officers working in Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency. Project team members Liisa Rennel and Lauri Klein presented there new innovative devices purchased for wildlife monitoring within the frame of the Swiss-

Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 during 2025 year. About 30 participants.

0 study trips

10 campaigns to involve volunteers in wildlife monitoring (totally 846 volunteers who did all get web-based instructions for monitoring, gender ratio is 352

male and 494 female. Total number of volunteers is smaller than summed numbers per campaigns, because there were volunteers who participated in many campaigns):

1. Moose as the animal of the year 2025 – period: 1.01.25 to 31.12.25; nr of volunteers: 181

2. Otter – period: 1.01.25 to 31.12.25; nr of volunteers: 15 3. Reptiles – period: 1.01.25 to 31.12.25; nr of volunteers: 345 4. Wintering bats – period: 1.02.25 to 5.03.25; nr of volunteers: 80

5. Geese – period 1.03.25 to 31.05.25; nr of volunteers: nr of volunteers: 325 6. Amphibians – period: 15.04.25 to 30.06.25; nr of volunteers: 279 7. Globeflower – period: 1.05.25 to 31.10.25; nr of volunteers: 221

8. Diving beetles – period: 1.05.25 to 30.09.25; nr of volunteers: 23 9. Bats in summer feeding areas - period: 17.05.25 to 7.07.25; nr of volunteers: 13 10. Swans – period: 15.09.25 to 15.10.25; nr of volunteers: 199

Campaign for Northern birch mouse was cancelled, due to too difficult methodology for volunteers and campaign of pollinators was postponed to year 2026 due to need for more time for elaboration of methods.

Articles and media appearances:

1. 4.01.25 Uudo Timm and Ragne Erimäe made introduction of the animal of the year, Moose in Radio Kuku broadcast “Ilmaparandaja”: https://kuku.pleier.ee/podcast/ilmaparandaja/185062

2. 16.01.25 Article about animal of the year, Moose in Estonian Environment Agency blog page: https://keskkonnaagentuur.ee/node/2086

3. 21.01.25 Article about Moose as model species for green network and wildlife passages planning in Estonian Environment Agency blog page: https://keskkonnaagentuur.ee/node/2099

4. 9.02.25 Lauri Klein participated in radio Vikerraadio broadcast “Vikerhommik”, speaking about Moose and its campaign: https://arhiiv.err.ee/au-

dio/vaata/vikerhommik-intervjuu-lauri-klein-viimsis-ja-pirital-elutseb-alaliselt-ka-pea-poolsada-potra 5. 10.04.25 Article about results of the voluntary observation campaign of the wintering bats in Estonian Environment Agency blog page: https://keskkon-

naagentuur.ee/node/2222

6. 30.04.25 Liisa Rennel performed in morning broadcast of Estonian national TV channel ETV talking about voluntary observation campaign of globe- flower (in Estonian): broadcast “Terevisioon”: Terevisioon : 81 | Videoarhiiv | ERR

7. 5.05.25 Article in Estonian Environment Agency blog page about Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme Biodiversity Programme steering committe

visit to Saaremaa: https://www.keskkonnaagentuur.ee/node/2260 8. Methodological guidelines for voluntary observation campaigns: https://loodusveeb.ee/et/themes/harrastusteaduse-projektid?page=0

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9. 25.09.25 Liisa Rennel performed in scientific broadcast of Estonian national TV channel ETV talking about voluntary observation campaign of globe- flower (in Estonian): broadcast “TeadusEST: 4 | Harrastusteadus”: TeadusEST: 4 | Harrastusteadus | Videoarhiiv | ERR

10. Two especial videoclips were taken in cooperation of Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme coordinator State Support Services Center information department: topics were eDNA sampling from rivers within elaboration of the new monitoring method and voluntary observation method of monitoring diving beetles. Liisa Rennel was present on both clips. Also, a voluntary observation method of bats in summer feeding areas was filmed.

Environmental Board:

Trainings/seminars

1. 22 January 2025, kick-off seminar “Changing the Categories of Protected Species” in the building of Tartu University organised for species experts’. There were 120 participants (50 men and 70 women – signed list) in Tartu and more than 140 (the participants were not required to register under their name, they joined the seminar using the MS Teams link on the website) people listened to the seminar online. Presentations were from the Environ-

mental Board, Climate Ministy and Tartu University, a Latvian expert was invited to talk about how Latvia updates their lists of protected species. The programme, presentations, videos and photos are on the website of the Environmental Board.

2. 30 January 2025, online (MS Teams) seminar introducing the new guidelines of lake habitat inventories organised by the Environmental Board (Marko

Vainu) and the experts from the Estonian University of Life Sciences. 185 online participants. 3. 12 June 2025, seminar “Water Crossroads in Nature” in Tartu University. It was a joint seminar organised by the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sci-

ences of Tartu University, Environmental Board and Estonian Nature Fund. 132 participants (42 men, 90 women – signed list). The presentations are

recorded and uploaded HERE. 4. 16 September 2025, online seminar on the conservation management assessment for the department of conservation management planning organ-

ised by Veljo Runnel.

5. 30-31 October 2025, Riina Kotter, Gert Enno, Kaire Kalk and Veljo Runnel organised a workshop on management planning in the nature conservation conference organised by Forest Management Centre in Saaremaa. 13 participants (7 men, 6 women - photos). Study trips:

22 September-26 September 2025, study trip to Switzerland (Zurich Canton, Swiss National Park, Jurapark Aargau). 10 participants (2 men, 8 women). Carried out two presentations (Canton of Zurich, Swiss National Park) on the results of the project.

Programme component 1 “Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solutions and improvement of Environmental databases and sys- tems” Acquisition of four mobile 3D bird radars. Terms of reference (technical specifications) and other needed documents for the international procurement of the radars were prepared and coordination of them in KAUR and with the State Shared Service Centre (RTK) was done during the first quarter of 2025. Documents were also coordinated with the Swiss Contribution Office and Steering Committee of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme in its second meeting on 15th

of April 2025. International procurement was performed during period 19th of May to 26th of June 2025. Only one offer was received and passed evaluation by 18th of July 2025. It was offer by Swiss Birdradar Solution AG with amount 675 400,00 EUR. Contracting date was 15th of September 2025 (delay was appearing

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due to holidays and need for contracting on paper, but it does not affect the implementation of the project). Delivery deadline of all four mobile 3D birdradars is 15th of June 2026.

Random Encounter Method (REM) has been under practical testing and software development in order to involve AI has been also under testing phase during 2025. Testing of REM during the spring period (May-June) of 2025 was done in 41 monitoring areas. Into every area 25-26 trail cameras were installed for at least 35 days. From all photo series all positive image cases (start and end time of series), species on images and number of animals on series were registered. From 2024 spring photos 9289 cases were detected with different animals: 7533 mammals, 1464 birds, 110 insects and 9 reptiles (lizards). From 2025 spring photos 11 218 cases were detected with different animals: 9967 mammals, 1200 birds, 62 insects. Most frequently detected species are roe deer, wild boar and badger. In addition to that fieldwork with 19 trail cameras has also been done in spring on Muhu Island. Software development for using AI in species detection from trail camera photos is still in testing phase. For acquisition and testing of new technologies for wildlife biodiversity monitoring first procurement was prepared by the end of the 2024 and following devices were received during 2025: rugged tablets (5) for testing with fieldwork software QField in voluntary monitoring networks (received in January 2025); bat- detectors attachable to mobile phones (11) for testing in voluntary bat monitoring network campaign (received in January 2025); bird sound recorders with GPS attached (5) for testing in national bird and other animals monitoring methods (received in January 2025); GPS-devices compatible with existing bird sound recorders for testing and use in national bird monitoring methods (received in January 2025); drone with thermal camera to be tested in night bird monitoring as well as in seal monitoring methods (received in January 2025); binoculars with distance meter and altimeter (3) to be tested in national bird monitoring methods, incl. on-site surveys in wind parks (received in July and October 2025); binoculars with thermal camera (1) to be tested in night bird, bat and other animals monitoring methods (received in July 2025); fully automated insect monitoring device (2) to be tested in national insect monitoring methods (received in May 2025). Tablets, bat-detectors, bird sound recorders, drone and binoculars were successfully tested in fieldwork of different biodiversity monitoring projects and resulted to plan of purchasing them more, to cover needs of these monitoring projects which methods they will be integrated. Therefore, new purchase was prepared and launched in the end of the 2025, including following devices and amounts: rugged tablets for fieldwork, 20 pc – for all national wildlife monitoring projects, incl voluntary monitoring network; bat-detectors attachable to mobile phones, 20 pc – for voluntary monitoring network; bird sound recorders, 20 pc – for national bird (and some mammal, amphibian) monitoring projects; drone with thermal camera, 1 pc – for national bird and mammal monitoring projects; professional drones for bird monitoring, 3 pc; professional mini-drones for bird monitoring, 10 pc; binoculars with distance meter and altimeter, 2 pc – for national bird monitoring projects; binoculars with thermal camera, 3 pc – for national bird and mammal monitoring projects; spotting scopes for testing in bird monitoring, 4 pc. Only two fully automated insect monitoring devices, we decided not to purchase more, but test them further, as the data management and adaptation for usage in Estonia need more time and effort. Testing of eDNA usage in biodiversity monitoring methods has been divided into two parts: first testing set has been started during the second half of 2024 and it includes testing eDNA usability and method cost-effectiveness in aquatic environment (rivers) with focus on species identification (crayfish, mussels, dragon- flies, diving beetles) and distribution detection (Habitat directive Fish species). For that, a separate procurement was successfully done, and the University of Life Sciences was contracted. 193 eDNA samples were taken from 14 rivers and 1 lake (96 sampling sites) during June and repeated in August. EDNA analysis was very successful as preliminary results show, but as final report is still now under correction phase, we will report results in the next annual report. Second testing set, testing eDNA usability and method cost-effectiveness in terrestrial environment with focus on bar-coding, e.g. animal dispersal within same species (Flying squirrel) to compare current catch and release method with eDNA usage as not affecting animals themselves is planned to be performed during 2026. In promoting citizen science and creating network of volunteers, 2025 was first year for full set of campaigns. Ten voluntary monitoring campaigns were per- formed: for monitoring Moose (animal of the year 2025, in cooperation with Estonian Theriological Society and other third sector associations) as social media campaign for whole year (more than 500 observations all together); bats, two campaigns: wintering campaign in social media group (1.02-5.03.2025 and totally 104 observations of 175 bats) and simple mobile based sound recorders usage in summer count (17.06.2025 - 10.07.2025 and 31 transects were done in

553-12.5-00001 \ COO.2101.104.2.2929319 15/35

Tallinn and 12 transects outside all over Estonia); geese in migration roosts (01.03.2025 - 31.05.2025); amphibians (campaign in 28.03.2025 - 30.06.2025, with 594 observations done by 332 volunteers); reptiles (campaign in 01.01.2025 - 31.12.2025); globeflower (campaign in 01.05.2025 - 31.10.2025 and more than 500 observations); diving beetles (simple catch-photo-release method), campaign in 15.04.2025 - 30.09.2025 and observations from more than 120 waterbodies, including two habitat directive species detected from 12 waterbodies. Results of all these campaigns will be presented publicly in gathering of the volunteers in March 2026. Planning of the voluntary monitoring networks to be tested and launched with campaigns in 2026 are as follows: Hedgehog as animal of the year 2026 in cooperation with Estonian Theriological Society and other third sector associations; bats, two campaigns: wintering campaign in social media group and simple mobile based sound recorders usage in summer count; geese in migration roosts; crows and magpies; slow worm; amphibians; diving beetles; pollinators; moths; swifts and swallows; cranes. Results of these campaigns will be presented publicly in gathering of the volunteers in December 2026. For a development of IT systems (establishment of interfaces between KESE and EELIS; establishment of interface between EELIS and eBiodiversity (PlutoF); development of management plans assessment tool and development of fieldwork tool) 2025 was a phase during we made background decisions and signed cooperation contracts: framework contract was signed in September 2024 between IT Centre of the Ministry of the Environment and IT developer (Inversion Software OÜ) that won the framework procurement for IT developments in IT-plan of Ministry of Climate for next four years (2025-2028); Cooperation contract between Estonian Environment Agency and IT Centre of the Ministry of the Environment in order to set up framework for all four developments listed above was signed in June 2025. EELIS2 (new version of IT-system) has been under testing by Chief Specialist (IT system specialist) in the Environmental Agency (respon- sible for the input of the IT developments and testing). That specialist also participated in weekly EELIS2 development meetings and EELIS1 (old IT-system) development meetings as well as workshops for different feedback to developer (massive data import, data handling, protected areas and objects, data forms, object migration etc). Specialist (data manager) in the Environmental Agency has been manually transporting data from KESE to EELIS, testing same time details for interface development, also testing Tableau analytics and open data. All four developments/interfaces will be performed during next periods of the programme. Programme component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and conservation outcomes of protected areas” Activity 1. Conservation Management Effectiveness Assessment 2024 was the preparatory phase for the management effectiveness assessment. The assessment started in 2025. The assessors (Liggi Namm, Kirsi Loide, Kerttu Elm, Andres Miller) were hired from January 1, 2025. In 2025, a total of 97 protected areas were assessed using an adapted methodology. A detailed

manual for assessors was compiled to support consistent interpretation and application of the assessment framework. The assessment questionnaire was further developed to enable responsive data entry and the automated generation of reports with normalised scores. All assessment reports were uploaded to the public document management system. In addition, supporting data tools and analytical workflows were developed to identify indicator species, interpret

results through a traffic-light system, and carry out data analysis. These developments improved the consistency, comparability, and practical usability of as- sessment results across protected area types.

One online seminar was organised for the whole department of conservation management planning.

Activity 2. Conservation Management Planning

The guidelines for protected area management plans are finalised and ready for use. They include all compulsory (legally required) chapters, and several sections have been refined based on the testing process. During the testing phase, specialists prepared protected area management plans and provided feedback for improving or amending the guidelines, as a result of which the guidelines were further refined. In addition, the guidelines were supplemented with

technical solutions such as visitor management online maps, the Environmental Portal webpage, and the full translation of the lists of pressures, threats, and

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conservation measures. Under the new guidelines, three (Anne loodusala, Kaasiku loodusala, Andresaare loodusala) management plans have been approved, and twelve draft plans have been prepared for approval. Visitor management infrastructure is planned using a web tool (virtual office) that has been put together

in cooperation with the Land and Spacial Development Board. In 2025 management plans were connected to the following web pages:

- The data sheet about protected areas was completed. The data sheet is based on the data analytics tool Tableau, and the information is displayed on the Environmental Portal (Keskkonnaportaal). The data used originate from the Estonian Nature Information System (EELIS). The web page has been publicly available since November 2025. Thanks to the web page, there is no longer a need to provide detailed descriptions or create maps for presenting

the area and its values in management plans. The page consolidates all essential information related to protected areas in one place. - In cooperation with the Land and Spacial Development Board a web map for inventories was put together. It was made available to the public. You can

see all the inventories that are carried out in Estonia on the map, land owners can see what inventories are carried out on their land. Other institutions

(Environmental Agency, Forest Management Centre etc) have also access to the web page and they can also upload the inventories on the site. Action plans for habitats

- An action plan for lakes and springs has been put together by Marko Vainu. The draft version of it has been under revision in the Environmental Board and in the University of Life Sciences. It will be introduced to stakeholders at the beginning of 2026. The new guidelines for inventories of lakes (additional materials: guidelines of mapping plants, methodology of estimating representativeness) has been completed. Inventories of 64 small lakes and 62 coastal

lagoons were carried out; the inventories are completed. - An action plan describing and planning administrative measures of protecting forest habitats has been put together by Gert Enno. The plan is under

revision and will be introduced to the stakeholders.

- An action plan for bogs, mires and fens has been updated by Triin Amos. The action plan is under revision and will be introduced to the stakeholders. - An action plan for rivers and streams is under preparation; the new expert (Kaisa Viira) will be hired from the beginning of February. Inventories of rivers

and streams are being carried out using the new guidelines.

The following inventories and expert opinions were ordered in 2024 (all completed):

1. Updating the guidelines for lake inventories (completed in 2025)

2. Inventory and expert opinion of the habitats of the crested newt in Lasila, Sadramõtsa, Martsina, Kõõru and Kiksova species’ protection sites (1st part completed in 2024, 2nd part completed in 2025)

3. Expert opinion on the restoriation of natural water regime in Tillniidu Nature Protection Area (completed in 2025)

4. Inventories of semi-cultural habitats in West Estonia (completed in 2025) 5. Inventories of protected butterflies in Elva, Prange, Endla and Alam-Pedja SAC (completed in 2025) 6. Inventories of protected butterflies in Poanse, Kuke-Kiili, Kurese, Väinamere and Marimetsa-Õmma SAC (completed in 2025)

7. Inventories of protected plants in Mustajõe, Puhatu and Änniksaare SAC (completed in 2024) 8. Inventory and protection measures of protected plants in Aseri Lanscape Protection Area (completed in 2024) 9. Inventory of protected vascular plants in Sarve Landscape Protection Area (completed in 2025)

10. Expert opinion of protected plant species of wetland habitats in Kuke-Kiili SAC (completed in 2025) 11. Expert opinion on the restoration of natural water regime in Kaisma SAC (completed in 2025) 12. Expert opinion on the protection measures of the white-tailed eagle and inventory of forest habitats in Karujärve and Ranna SAC (completed in 2024)

13. Expert opinion on the restoration of natural water regime and natural habitats in Kalli Landscape Protection Area (completed in 2024)

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14. Inventory and expert opinion of habitats in Põduste-Upa Limited-Conservation Area (completed in 2024)

The following inventories and expert opinions were ordered in 2025: 1. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Väike Strait Limited-Conservation Area (completed) 2. Inventories of forest habitats in Pirita, Ülgase and Püümetsa SAC (completed)

3. Inventories of forest habitats in Suurupi and Türisalu SAC 4. Inventories of forest habitats in Nõva-Osmussaare SAC 5. Inventory of forest habitats in Läänemaa Suursoo conservation zone

6. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Kahtla-Kübassaare SAC 7. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Kasti Bay SAC (completed) 8. Inventory of wetland habitats in Kingli SAC

9. Inventory of wetland habitats in Koigi SAC 10. Inventory of wetland habitats in Mullutu-Loode SAC 11. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Sutu Bay SAC (completed)

12. Inventories of forest habitats in Padinasaare, Mustallika and Saarjärve SAC (completed) 13. Inventories of forest habitats in Aidu and Aidu Bog SAC 14. Inventory of wetland habitats in Lindi SAC

15. Inventory of forest habitats in Mahu-Rannametsa SAC 16. Inventory of forest habitats in Jõuga SAC (completed) 17. Inventory of forest habitats in Mustajõe and Udria SAC (completed)

18. Inventory of forest habitats in Haavasoo SAC (completed) 19. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Rannaniidu SAC 20. Inventory of forest habitats in Kesknõmme SAC

21. Inventory of forest habitats in Koimla SAC (completed) 22. Inventory of forest habitats in Teesu SAC 23. Inventory of semi-cultural habitats in Kääpa SAC

24. Inventory of forest habitats in Kääpa SAC 25. Inventory of forest habitats in Rutu SAC (completed) 26. Inventory of forest habitats in Ontika SAC (completed

27. Inventory of forest habitats Selisoo SAC 28. Inventories of protected butterflies in Pakri SAC (completed) 29. Inventories of the thick shelled river mussel (Unio Crassus) in Pirita, Türisalu and Selja River SAC (completed)

30. Inventories of the thick shelled river mussel (Unio Crassus) in Vasalemma and Jägala SAC 31. Inventories of the thick shelled river mussel (Unio Crassus) in Sirtsi and Pada SAC 32. Expert opinion on wetland plant species of Lavassaare Nature Protection Area

33. Expert opinion on wetland plant species of Nätsi-Võlla Nature Protection Area 34. Inventories of protected plant species of Pikasilla Bog areas 35. Inventory and expert opinion on the fen orchid (Liparis loeselii) in Muraka SAC

36. Inventory of Dicranium viride, Dichelyma falcatum, Dichelyma capillaceum in East and West-Viru County protected areas

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37. Inventories of protected dragon-fly species in Lasila, Porkuni and Neeruti SAC (completed) 38. Inventories of protected plant species in protected areas of Vormsi Island (completed)

39. Expert opinion on protected plant species of Oese Bog Limited-Conservation Area 40. Expert opinion on protected wetland plant species of Tuhu Nature Protection Area 41. Expert opinion on protected wetland plant species of Paadrema Nature Protection Area

42. Inventory of Elatine hydropiper in Lahemaa National Park (completed) 43. Inventory of Carex mackenziei in Lahemaa National Park (completed) 44. Inventory of Phragmatobia luctifera in Pakri SAC

45. Inventories of lake habitats (completed) 46. Inventory of Ophiogomphus cecilia in Türisalu SAC 47. Inventory of bat species in Nõva-Osmussaare SAC

48. Inventory of Myotis dasycneme in Lahemaa SAC 49. Inventory of forest habitats in Lindmetsa SAC 50. Inventory of forest habitats in Siplase SAC

51. Inventory of forest habitats in Viieristi SAC 52. Inventories of protected bat species in Puhtu-Laelatu and Nehatu Nature Protection Area 53. Inventory of protected bat species in Pootsi Manor Park

54. Inventory of forest habitats in Viivikonna SCI (completed) 55. Inventories of rivers and streams in Otepää Nature Park and Elva Landscape Protection Area 56. Inventories of rivers and streams in Selja River Landscape Protection Area, Kunda Limited-Protection Area, Pada River Limited-Protection Area, Pa-

daoru Landscape Protection Area ja Mahu-Rannametsa Landscape Protection Area 57. Inventories of Cobitis taenia and Cottus gobio in Türisalu and Pirita SAC 58. Inventories of Lampetra fluviatilis in Türisalu and Pirita SAC

59. Inventory of forest habitats in Õisu SAC 60. Inventory of forest habitats in Alam-Pedja (Valmassaare, Utsali) SAC 61. Inventory of protected plant species in Väinamere Limited-Protection Area

62. Inventory of protected plant species in Pakri SAC 63. Inventory of forest habitats in Laiküla SAC (completed) 64. Inventory of forest habitats in Ohepalu SAC

Two seminars were organised: online seminar introducing the new guidelines of lake habitat inventories, a joint seminar “Water Crossroads in Nature” about river habitats. Activity 3. Species Protection

Updating the guidelines of species’ action plans. The guidelines are updated, there is also a new guideline for the short version of the species’ action plan. The same principles as there were in the guidelines of management plans have been used: there is a new system of pressures, threats and protection measures used. The new topics are included, e.g. when to archive/delete the species’ habitats. All the data from previous action plans and draft copies were gathered.

Discussions about what species need action plans and how to make the process of putting together action plans easier were carried out with the Ministry of

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Climate. Species were grouped and it was decided that some spec ies’ groups can have a joint action plan, other species can have short action plans. Action plans are being compiled.

The project staff have updated two species’ action plans (Hammarbya paludosa and Cerastium alpinum), which have also been approved by the Environmental Board. The approved action plans have been published and are made publicly available on the website of the Environmental Board. Th additional action plans

have been updated and subjected to public consultation; constructive feedback received during the consultation process will be added, after which the action plans will be submitted for approval. The project team is currently updating a further 7 action plans. In total, 10 action plans are being updated by project staff.

Procurement procedures have been completed and contracts have been concluded for the preparation of 10 action plans. All purchased action plans are group plans or plans prepared for at least two species. Several plans have been commissioned together with field inventories to ensure that up-to-date data are used in the planning of conservation measures and actions within species conservation action plans.

The following inventories and expert opinions were ordered in 2024 (all completed):

1. Inventory of the habitats of the moor-king lousewort and Saussurea alpina subsp. Esthonica (completed in 2024)

2. Inventory of the thick shelled river mussel in Kurtna-Vilivere and Vääna SCI (completed in 2025) 3. Expert opinion on updating the action plan of the white-tailed eagle (completed in 2025) 4. Expert opinion on updating the action plan of the lesser spotted eagle (completed in 2025)

The following inventories and expert opinions were ordered in 2025:

1. Inventory of the habitats of moor-king lousewort (Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum) (Part II) (completed)

2. Expert opinion on updating the action plan for European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and asp (Leuciscus aspius) 3. Inventory of the habitats of mountain parsley (Peucedanum oreoselinum), Prussian sermountain (Laserpitium prutenicum) (Part II) (completed) 4. Expert opinion on updating the action plan for mountain parsley (Peucedanum oreoselinum), Prussian sermountain (Laserpitium prutenicum) and bog

angelica (Angelica palustris) (completed) 5. Preparation of action plan for lichens of open habitats 6. Inventory and preparation of action plan for lichens of forest habitats

7. Inventory of the habitats of heath rush (Juncus squarrosus) 8. Inventory of the habitats of blue cowslip (Pulmonaria angustifolia) 9. Preparation of action plan for bryophytes, including an inventory of selected species’ habitats

10. Preparation of action plan for farmland birds 11. Preparation of action plan for sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), including an inventory of selected species’ habitats 12. Preparation of action plan for coastal meadow plant species, including an inventory of selected species’ habitats

13. Preparation of action plan for dry habitat plant species, including an inventory of habitats of mountain milk-vetch (Oxytropis campestris) and slender crosswort (Cruciata glabra)

14. Preparation of action plan for woodpeckers (Picidae)

Changing the categories of protected species. Data on all the protected species has been collected and analysed. Principles of assessing the categories of species have been put together and discussed with the Ministry of Climate. On January 22, 2025, the kick-off seminar was organised by the project team,

Estonian best species experts were invited to the seminar. 119 people participated in Tartu and more than 140 people listened to the seminar online. All the

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materials (recordings, presentations, summaries, photos) can be found HERE. The seminar also summarised what the project team have done in 2024 (data gathering, principles of assessing the categories, updating the guidelines of management plans, habitat and species’ action plans).

In 2025 (March, April, June), eight expert group meetings were organised. The categories of nine species’ groups (mammals, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, molluscs, insects, lichens, mosses, fungi) or 238 protected species were discussed. 39 experts took part in the discussions. There were three follow-up meetings

with the Ministry of Climate in August and September. The proposal to change the categories of the species’ groups has been compiled. A seminar about changing the categories of species was organised to the experts.

4.2 Status of implementation

4.2.1 Update of implementation schedule

Has the detailed implementation schedule (as originally submitted with the SM Proposal) for the re-

maining SM duration been adjusted in the reporting period? Yes☐ No☒

If yes, the new, updated implementation schedule is in An-

nex:

There was a delay in signing the implementation agreement and the minister’s directive for the components, as these documents took more time to prepare than anticipated. The detailed implementation schedule (as originally submitted with the SM Proposal) for the remaining duration of the SM has not been adjusted during the re- porting period.

4.2.2 Procurements

Annex to this report the procurement plan submitted with the last Reimbursement Request. If in the previous reporting period no Reimbursement Request was submitted, update the procurement plan according to latest information.

Please describe the tenders, for which the contract was awarded during the reporting period. In particular, the following information is requested:

- Justification if non-competitive procedures were used - Explanation if bids were rejected - Explanation if there was only one bid

- Explanation and measures to be taken in case of major differences between the estimated and actual contract value - Explanation in case of important delays - Information on any suspected irregularities during the tender process

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Please explain also if any tender had to be repeated or cancelled during the reporting period. Finally, inform about any contracts that were extended or whose contract value was increased during the reporting period.

Procurement for acquisition of four mobile 3D bird radars (in procurement plan as “Purchasing mobile 3D bird radar”). Terms of reference (technical specifica- tions) and other needed documents for the international procurement of the radars were prepared and coordination of them in KAUR and with the State Shared

Service Centre (RTK) was done during the first quarter of 2025. Documents were also coordinated with the Swiss Contribution Office and the Steering Committee of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme in its second meeting on 15th of April 2025. International procurement was performed during period 19th of May to 26th of June 2025. Only one offer was received and passed evaluation by 18th of July 2025. It was offer by Swiss Birdradar Solution AG with

amount 675 400,00 EUR. Contracting date was 15th of September 2025 (delay was appearing due to holidays and need for contracting on paper, but it does not affect the implementation of the project). Delivery deadline of all four mobile 3D birdradars is 15th of June 2026.

4.2.3 Communication activities

General information about the Support Measure “Biodiversity” is published on the website of the Ministry of Climate https://kliimaministeerium.ee/eesti-sveitsi- koostooprogramm Programme component 1 “Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solutions and improvement of Environmental databases and sys- tems” Events/presentations:

1. In 3rd of February 2025 Public web seminar for volunteers as training seminar on method of the voluntary observation of wintering bats was held in web of the Estonian Environment Agency (in Estonian): Algaja nahkhiirevaatleja tarkuseminutid | Facebook

2. In 6th of February 2025 in Tallinn Zoo an opening event of the campaign “Animal of the year 2025 – Moose" in cooperation with Estonian Theriological Society, NGO “Aasta Loom” (“Animal of the Year”) and Tallinn Zoo. Presenters: Ragne Erimäe ja Rauno Veeroja.

3. In 24th of April 2025 Monitoring specialist of the Programme component 1, Liisa Rennel, did a presentation about voluntary monitoring campaigns in

general meeting of the Estonian Naturalists´ Society. 4. In 7th of May 2025 Public web seminar for volunteers as training seminar on method of the voluntary observation of amphibians was held in web of the

Estonian Environment Agency (in Estonian): Kahepaiksete vabatahtlik seire 2025 | loodusveeb

5. In 8th of May 2025 Project manager of the Programme component 1, Lauri Klein did a presentation about the activities done and planned within Swiss Estonian Cooperation Programme component 1 in conference within Nature Festival “Garden of Paradise” in Lääne County, in Cultural Centre of Haap- salu town, organised by Haapsalu Vocational Education and Training Centre.

6. In 10th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was held in Tallinn, in Lasnamäe. 5 volunteers attended.

7. In 11th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was

held in Soomaa National Park. 9 volunteers attended. 8. In 12th of May 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of amphibian monitoring was

held in Tartu, in Majoraadi Park.

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9. In 21st of May 2025 Project manager Lauri Klein did a presentation about the activities done and planned within Swiss Estonian Cooperation Programme component 1 in monthly meeting of the Estonian Environment Agency.

10. In 22nd of May 2025 Project manager Lauri Klein did a presentation about the activities done and planned within Swiss Estonian Cooperation Programme component 1 in a seminar for officers working in the field of biodiversity monitoring in the administrative area of the Ministry of Climate.

11. In 29th of May 2025 there was held a seminar for the officers working in Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency. Project manager Lauri

Klein presented there an overview about activities done and planned within the frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1. Discussion followed.

12. In 6th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer feeding areas

was held in Tallinn, in Kadriorg Garden. 16 volunteers attended. 13. In 11st to 12nd of June 2025 in Rae fieldwork base in South-Estonia, there was held a seminar of a nature protection team of Wildlife Department of

Estonian Environment Agency whose responsibility is to keep nature databases and on that seminar many aspects of the IT-activities of the Swiss-

Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 were discussed. 14. In 12th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer feeding

areas was held in Rakvere town. 5 volunteers attended.

15. In 13th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer feeding areas was held in Sindi (near Pärnu town). 6 volunteers attended.

16. In 14th of June 2025 Public study tour as training seminar for volunteers to study the method of the voluntary observation of bats in summer feeding

areas was held in Viljandi town. 11 volunteers attended. 17. In 18th to 19th of September 2025 in Rae fieldwork base in South-Estonia, there was held a seminar of a wildlife monitoring team of Wildlife Department

of Estonian Environment Agency whose responsibility is to perform wildlife monitoring projects and on that seminar especially voluntary monitoring

method of diving beetles under elaboration within frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 was discussed.

18. In 19th to 21st of September 2025 there was held a Autumn School of the Estonian Theriological Society that was held within the frame of the Swiss-

Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1. The overall topic of the seminar was “Voluntary monitoring of mammals”. There were many presentations by the project team members.

19. In 6th to 7th of November 2025 there was held a seminar for officers working in the field of biodiversity in the administrative area of the Ministry of

Climate. Project team members Liisa Rennel and Lauri Klein presented there new innovative devices purchased for wildlife monitoring within the frame of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 during 2025 year.

20. In 27th to 28th of November 2025 there was held a seminar for the officers working in Wildlife Department of Estonian Environment Agency. Project

team members Liisa Rennel and Lauri Klein presented there new innovative devices purchased for wildlife monitoring within the frame of the Swiss- Estonian Cooperation Programme “Biodiversity Programme” component 1 during 2025 year.

Web media / social media posts:

16.01.25 an introductory post about the moose as animal of the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://www.face- book.com/photo/?fbid=920007736978958&set=a.231025209210551&__cft__[0]=AZUVoEp3-5KgJSG05XQnW0g3n9FMUMmwCfhECBC- cAnpL9M5EVBp6E0GOfvvk3bmOmCdZVpb1Pl_8Jtc1zLoUbTNZom4cEB196RQyxD8hPp_HVTxfT-qDPtCrv8dHx4hwkSr-

dubyzxScGuu0XQo5IGVlge7EKC_odazU1XN3bCyvZqD0rng8V0sdGSZO8i_QAmrQ&__tn__=EH-R

https://keskkonnaagentuur.ee/node/2086

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21.01.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the moose during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor the moose and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal) (in Esto-

nian): https://loodusveeb.ee/et/themes/harrastusteaduse-projektid/podra-vaatluste-kogumine-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawH_QfxleH- RuA2FlbQIxMQABHReYnWL5FYEXc7HXl3hCqdMIXxOWWmNrxuro97TqBHjRyrKQ887l5TTmvg_aem_Ny_gcYJkPCpPkjOI0YbSLA

29.01.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the wintering bats during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor winter-

ing bats, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagen- tuur/posts/pfbid02GyXJAEgwSxrNihvHzZq3zp9Adp5RPof5WJhPuC9inBHPUSiZ6tYvsV88b4A4kdRLl?__cft__[0]=AZWnxmWFilC-

Vrlz1qrw4PWiGiGRPvXpAHEHrJ80Jt1LOr_idmCjGV71JE3zSGKOdU0isOCvSJUIjufX-apDjKnVgm93r5fH0DWwIWxMFp8aPc3iU_jD- Z9QMW_JdRTG3IqGu5Oe7iVNInBRAmKFKYpZiXdcCVrNkDesMpCgcj0MTA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

24.02.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the wintering bats in occasion of the Independence Day of Estonia (in Estonian):

https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid02wYDVN6HLYx5iZKnnra91fu7jcbNGar78QgvAyKtd7pf2GRHmUPFz1hHuh2UdfNrXl

15.03.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the geese monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor geese, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations

Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid02c4awegSLLJq5izUE9ibzA8TmcPPTWHFPk- SudxRwyq4YxJbFLyzSeufxnQyD7Vc95l?__cft__[0]=AZVcyqXVo1jC5_mQws4w0iTh18mFZO6SzSaw4YCNNRVxixzDUK9mP13uJEN- wpJdIG9e5jv3hZQO4RfUEt-

JVQpI7peiAZUTxuGVcvL52uWBvSz6Rb6PboGs99U2voe5i7F1edjIGifTHEnGBEeRgQUpiJ1NKTVRnEfOiZ9YtYgal8qA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

22.03.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the moose during the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://fb.watch/zpwbQauCmA/

29.03.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the amphibians monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor

amphibians, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagen- tuur/posts/pfbid02Fe1Xv1hriqzPBxZKN6ntSqdvsKwZrnUPs4x2tPNarsTXiFt5NygzoNmQHBBtbfcKl

2.04.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the reptiles monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor rep- tiles, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observa- tions Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid0EetpBEstctBhB12nsp4pb4BWLrGBkTfTEdUy-

kve1RPmJiDeK62XzGcJY538HUVKVl

10.04.25 the post of the presentation of the results of voluntary observations campaign for monitoring wintering bats during the year 2025 (in Estonian). https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=981596144153450&set=a.231025209210551&__cft__[0]=AZWXpdfk7uFaUx129peMCF-

fleS5GPB05VV9YYwV_JqvlLZNulZpAlqgiSg1FcSuWWO1nPNCRTGa1TA2lCnlfFr99tyN4OwtlGghhTI0kKZPEtiEQQR9MrrmsDA1F9BKrFj- BXCWmRu6yS2dkg597Bzrw&__tn__=EH-R

21.04.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the amphibians during the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://fb.watch/zpxvZlckFk/

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22.04.25 the link into the web seminar on the amphibian voluntary monitoring method presented within the voluntary observation campaign of the amphibi- ans (in Estonian): https://www.facebook.com/events/1081077063861024

28.04.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the globeflower monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor globeflower, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian (NB! More than 1300 reactions, 148 comments and 420 shares): https://www.facebook.com/Kesk-

konnaagentuur/posts/pfbid0pyuKDcAv3V6sxzS55zQg8UFJ9WyKVPsBsbxYoYyG5w5Danue6dkMq9dqUiK9DHKnl

30.04.25 the post on Liisa Rennel presentation of voluntary observation campaign for the globeflower monitoring in TV (morning show “Terevisioon” in Esto- nian national TV channel ETV): https://eeter.err.ee/1609680404/keskkonnaagentuur-kutsub-inimesi-markama-ja-pildistama-kullerkuppe

5.05.25 News post on Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme Biodiversity Programme Steering Committee meeting in Saaremaa (in Estonian): https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid0zC3qx6DiYL8UE5cVD1VYeBUzVQD93SdHW9jPPbNTwnxYSQ6R9WSbifPeVJLMoupXl

6.05.25 Introductory post and registration page into the public seminar for volunteers within the voluntary observation campaign for the amphibians monitor-

ing (in Estonian): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGclDiX3TGrJU3lC4m6L3QZhJPAoeKMQD0TxTAWvuJM4phxA/view- form?fbclid=IwY2xjawKGrd5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB5QThSM2gycHAwNE1nN1RyAR6T3OfVRh2m5R5FvRr9-IqANJtMMNXB6phYTf- L2MsFtI56kcS6S8u0glOYnQ_aem_Xj1aTmcCZsqy85t6q2A4iQ

9.05.25 pre-introductory post of voluntary observations campaign for the hedgehogs as the Animal of the year 2026 monitoring (in Estonian): https://www.fa- cebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=709554678689555

20.05.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the moose during the year 2025 (in Esto-

nian):https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=3629800283980206

21.05.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the globeflower during the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://www.face- book.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=631107109963072

13.06.25 the reminding post of voluntary observations campaign for the moose during the year 2025 (in Estonian): https://www.facebook.com/Keskkon- naagentuur/posts/pfbid02N3NHqPud27RXuGLaTDSrU2cAE1gjUEmJ8oSK1MV6zsAwBHAubTcX9zGydZav45wfl

14.08.25 the post on voluntary observations campaign for the reptiles monitoring in occasion of international lizards day (in Estonian): https://www.face-

book.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid02ekptRiL5zjCWB5baiRXEJSy4UFNMYSrSQzFJRRdFbeYYukeJiWihPes1R2Q9PPfql

18.09.25 the launching post of voluntary observations campaign for the swans migration monitoring during the year 2025 (including call for volunteers to monitor migrating swans, presenting monitoring methodology and enter the observations into one of the two open online databases for citizen science in

Estonia (Nature Observations Database or eBiodiverity portal), in Estonian: https://www.facebook.com/Keskkonnaagentuur/posts/pfbid036qc1bqH7vrQCeP- Nsar7SQCcF1bRGm1zHfEbJ62uBr2pDZzCYA1Hbw4RsxnBHkEzZl

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Programme component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and conservation outcomes of protected areas”

EVENTS (most important events are listed)

22 January 2025, kick-off seminar “Changing the Categories of Protected Species” in the building of Tartu University organised for species experts’. There were 119 participants (50 men and 69 women) in Tartu and more than 140 (the participants were not required to register under their name, they joined the seminar using the MS Teams link on the website) people listened to the seminar online. Presentations were from the Environmental Board, Climate Ministy and Tartu

University, a Latvian expert was invited to talk about how Latvia updates their lists of protected species. The programme, presentations, videos and photos are on the website of the Environmental Board.

30 January 2025, online (MS Teams) seminar introducing the new guidelines of lake habitat inventories organised by the Environmental Board (Marko Vainu)

and the experts from the Estonian University of Life Sciences. 185 online participants.

13 March 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meetings with experts in Tartu (mammals – 11 participants, fish – 14 participants).

27 March 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meetings with experts in Tartu (amphibians and reptiles – 13 participants; molluscs

– 11 participants).

10 April 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meeting with experts in Tartu (insects – 14 participants).

14-16 April 2025, Riina Kotter, Gert Enno, Polina Degtjarenko, Kadri Paomees and Gunnar Raun participated in the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme

monitoring event in Saaremaa.

8 May 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meeting with experts in Tallinn (mosses – 15 participants).

14 May 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meeting with experts in Tartu (lichens – 11 participants).

11 June 2025, changing the categories of protected species commission meeting with experts in Tartu (fungi – 13 participants).

12 June 2025, seminar “Water Crossroads in Nature” in Tartu University. It was a joint seminar organised by the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences of Tartu University, Environmental Board and Estonian Nature Fund. 117 participants (41 men, 66 men). The presentations are recorded and uploaded HERE.

16 September 2025, online seminar on the conservation management assessment for the department of conservation management planning organised by Veljo Runnel.

17 September 2025, meeting with the local municipality and state Forest Management Centre to discuss the compiling of Anne Special Area of Conservation

Management Plan.

22 September-26 September 2025, study trip to Switzerland (Zurich Canton, Swiss National Park, Jurapark Aargau). 10 participants (2 men, 8 women).

October 2025, Gert Enno, Kaire Kalk, Kirsi Loide participated in the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme monitoring event in East Viru County.

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14-15 October 2025, Riina Kotter participated in the meeting/seminar for all the other project managers of the Environmental Board and introduced the project activities.

27 October, 28 October and 4 November 2025, public discussions in Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu on the Implementation Plan for Administrative Protection Measures for Forest Habitat Types and Species of the Natura 2000 Network. The discussions were organised by Gert Enno.

30-31 October 2025, Riina Kotter, Gert Enno, Kaire Kalk and Veljo Runnel organised a workshop on management planning in the nature conservation confer-

ence organised by Forest Management Centre in Saaremaa. 13 participants (7 men, 6 women).

26 November 2025, public discussion in Vinni about Vinni-Pajusti Special Area of Conservation management plan.

28 November 2025, online meeting/seminar, the participants of the study tour to Switzerland talked about their experiences of the study tour to Switzerland o

the whole Environmental Board.

10 meetings with the Eagle Club of Estonia to discuss the compilation of action plans for eagles.

Project Web Page: Šveitsi-Eesti koostööprogrammi elurikkuse programm | Keskkonnaamet

Press Releases

- Press releases on updating the categories of protected species:

Keskkonnaamet kaasajastab Eesti kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju | Keskkonnaamet (Environmental Board’s web page)

Keskkonnaamet uuendab Eesti kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju - Lõunaeestlane

Keskkonnaamet kaasajastab Eesti kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju – Loomaveeb.ee

Keskkonnaamet kaasajastab Eesti kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju

Kaasajastatakse kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju | Looduskalender.ee

- In February the magazine Eesti Loodus (Estonian Nature, pp 8-9) printed an article about Polina Degtjarenko and the changing of categories of pro- tected species

Keskkonnaamet ajakohastab kaitsealuste liikide nimekirju

- articles introducing the seminar on rivers:

Kutsume osalema seminaril “Vee ristteed looduses”

Seminar “Vee ristteed looduses”

Social Media Posts

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2 January 2025, Facebook post: the Environmental Board will start the discussions on the changing of species protection categories and announced the date of the seminar: 22 January 2025, “Updating the List of Estonian Protected Species”.

27 January 2025 Facebook post about the seminar “Updating the List of Estonian Protected Species” in Tartu.

21 April 2025 Facebook post and Instagram post about the Swiss-Estonian cooperation monitoring event in Saaremaa.

20 December 2025, Facebook post and Instagram post introducing the results of assessment of conservation management carried out by the project team of

the Environmental Board.

4.3 Beneficiaries

No new information at this point.

4.4 Swiss Support Measure Partners

The Environmental Board organised a study trip to Switzerland on 22-26 September 2025. The group of ten people visited Swiss National Park, Jurapark Aargau, the canton of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, WSL. The project activities were introduced. Swiss National Park, Jurapark Aargau and the canton of Zurich introduced how conservation areas and protected species are managed in Switzerland, how visitor

management and nature education is organised and what conservation activities are done. The institute organised lectures to introduce newest research projects carried out by the institute.

4.5 Products and services supplied by Swiss contractors

Procurement for acquisition of four mobile 3D bird radars (in procurement plan as “Purchasing mobile 3D bird radar”). Terms of reference (technical specifica- tions) and other needed documents for the international procurement of the radars were prepared and coordination of them in KAUR and with the State Shared Service Centre (RTK) was done during the first quarter of the 2025. Documents were also coordinated with the Swiss Contribution Office and steering committee

of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme in its second meeting on 15th of April 2025. International procurement was performed during period 19th of May to 26th of June 2025. Only one offer was received and passed evaluation by 18th of July 2025. It was offer by Swiss Birdradar Solution AG with amount 675 400,00 EUR. Contracting date was 15th of September 2025 (delay was appearing due to holidays and need for contracting on paper, but it does

not affect the implementation of the project). Delivery deadline of all four mobile 3D birdradars is 15th of June 2026.

Short description of products/services/works supplied Value of supplied products/ services/ works in the reporting period[CHF]

Name of the Swiss contractor involved

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Four mobile 3D bird radars 675 400,00 EUR Swiss Birdradar Solution AG

5. Support Measure management

5.1 Organisational level

The Ministry of Climate prepared directive for the components and this was signed on 28th of February 2025. This represents a very important step in the implementation process, as the directive defines the planned activities and the indicators to be achieved for each component and component operator.

The Steering Committee (SC) meets regularly. For information on SC meetings, see section 5.2.

In addition to the formal meetings of the SC, regular informal meetings are to exchange information and discuss issues related to the cooperation programme. The NCU also organizes regular meetings on communication-related topics.

Programme Operator

The Ministry of Climate has 0,3 FTE and this is divided between 2 employees – Kairi Toiger (foreign funds coordinator) and Margit Tennokene (advisor from biodiversity department).

Programme component 1

Project Manager (1 FTE): Lauri Klein (from 1.06.2024 to 31.12.2027)

Chief specialist (monitoring specialist, 1 FTE): Liisa Rennel (from 1.06.2024 to 31.12.2027)

Specialist (monitoring assistant on Random Encounter Model, 1 FTE): Remek Meel, worked from 1.05.2024 until 31.08.2024; Christel Rose Bachmann (0,5 FTE) and Karl Jakob Toplaan (0,5 FTE) from 16.09.2024 to 31.12.2027

Chief Specialist (IT system specialist, 0,5 FTE): Kaire Sirel (from 1.05.2024 to 31.12.2027)

Specialist (data manager, 1 FTE): Merith Unt (from 1.05.2024 to 1.08.2025); Merilin Meripõld-Ender (from 1.09.2025 to 31.12.2027)

IT project manager in the IT Centre of the Ministry of the Environment (responsible for the development of IT systems, 0,5 FTE): Raul Tammesoo (to be confirmed).

Programme component 2

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Riina Kotter, project manager (0.5 FTE, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Marju Keis, project coordinator of conservation management effectiveness assessment (1 FTE, July 1 – October 28, 2024; took the position of the depart-

ment manager in the Environment Agency)

Veljo Runnel, project coordinator of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, December 1 – December 31, 2024; 1 FTE, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Kirsi Loide, project senior specialist of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Andres Miller, project senior specialist of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Kerttu Elm, project senior specialist of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Liggi Namm, project senior specialist of conservation management effectiveness assessment (0.5 FTEs, January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Gert Enno, project coordinator of conservation management planning (1 FTE, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Liggi Namm, project coordinator of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026)

Kadri Paomees, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (1 FTE, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Gunnar Raun, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024, April 30, 2028)

Kirsi Loide, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024)

Triin Amos, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Kristi Pai, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Kaidi Erik, project senior specialist of conservation management planning (0.5 FTEs, February 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028)

Marko Vainu, project expert (lakes and springs; 0.4 FTEs, since September 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026)

Jürgen Karvak, project expert (rivers; 0.2 FTEs October 15 – December 31, 2024; 0.4 FTEs January 1, 2025 – August 29, 2025)

Kaisa Viira, project expert (rivers; 1 FTE, February 2, 2026 – December 31, 2027)

Kaire Kalk, project coordinator of species protection (1 FTE, June 17, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Reet Rannik, project senior specialist of species protection (1 FTE, June 17, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Polina Degtjarenko, project expert of species protection categories (1 FTE, July 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

Geili Pütsepp, data analyst (1 FTE, December 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

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Virkeli Viiberg, data specialist (1 FTE, December 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028)

5.2 Steering Committees

Steering Committee´s second meeting was held on 15th of April 2025 in Saaremaa and third meeting was held on 7th of October 2025 in Ida-Virumaa.

Members of the Steering Committee who participated:

Tanel Ross, Programme Operator, the Ministry of Climate (second meeting)

Timo Kark, Programme Operator, the Ministry of Climate

Christoph Liechti, Swiss Contribution Office

Ieva Junevičienė, Swiss Contribution Office

Helena Musthallik, National Coordination Unit (NCU)

Lauri Klein, Programme Component 1, Environmental Agency

Riina Kotter, Programme Component 2, Environmental Board.(second meeting), Gert Enno filled in Riina Kotter in third meeting.

The Programme Operator and Programme Components provided overview of the programme, the budget, procurement and challenges.

The next meeting will be held in Estonia on 27th April 2026.

5.3 Audits

In 2025, the Audit Authority conducted an audit to assess the functioning of the management and control systems of the NCU, the Paying Authority and the Programme Operators. As a result of the audit, auditors concluded that the system description prepared by the NCU meets the requirements, but some im- provements are necessary (Category II).

The audit resulted in two significant findings addressed to the NCU, and the relevant information was submitted to the SCO in due time.

With regard to the PO, one non-significant finding was identified. This concerned activities that had already been completed, such as the selection and desig- nation of the Swiss partner and the preparation and submission of the Support Measure application. The auditors concluded that retroactive amendments to the

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system description were not necessary. However, they recommended that, when planning and implementing similar programmes in the future, the management and control systems should immediately cover all relevant requirements.

5.4 Evaluation

There are no evaluations at this point. Evaluation will take place in 2028.

5.5 Monitoring

According to the Swiss Regulations and national legislation, the NCU is responsible for monitoring. Various tools are used for monitoring, and it is carried out in

cooperation with the Programme Operator, Component Operators, and the SCO. At the Support Measure level, the activities of the components are monitored through the Steering Committee meetings, and Reimbursement Requests, while the achievement of indicators is tracked through Steering Committee meetings and Annual Support Measure Reports. The NCU also conducts risk-based on-the-spot controls.

In 2025, no on-the-spot controls were carried out, as the project risk analysis did not indicate a need for such controls. Furthermore, the project coordinators responsible for verifying expenditures did not identify any deficiencies that would have required an on-the-spot control.

Information on the implementation of activities is also exchanged on an ongoing basis through informal meetings and continuous communication between the

relevant parties.

If possible, monitoring visits are combined with the meetings of the SC in order to become more familiar with the activities of the Environmental Agency.

First monitoring visit took place 15-16th of April 2025 in Saaremaa and we visited Viidumäe Nature Reserve where was a presentation of game monitoring

method basing on trail camera network (Random Encounter Model - REM) and introduction to the topic of management plans. Then visited Vilsandi National Park and there was a discussion on management planning of protected areas and species protection activities.

The following day included a fieldwork demo in the Mullutu–Loode Nature Reserve, presenting voluntary monitoring methods for amphibians and diving beetles.

The programme also included a visit to the Loode oak forest and wooded meadow, along with discussions on management planning.

Second monitoring visit took place on 6-7th of October 2025 in Ida-Virumaa. We visited Purtse River for eDNA samples on river and demo of alternative monitoring method. Also visited Selisoo bog restoration area. The next day demo and discussion of new methods of flying squirrel monitoring basing on eDNA and conser-

vation planning.

6. Risk management

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Risk Impact [1 – 5]

Likeli- hood [1 – 5]

Risk level Mitigation measure(s) (including information on status of implementation and responsibilities)

Institutional reforms 1 3 Low Internal institutional reform is ongoing in the Environmental Board, but it has

low impact on support measure, because the project activities can be ad-

justed to the new structure of the institution.

Changes in legislation 3 3 Low-Medium Necessary adjustments in the programme will be made following the legisla-

tive changes

Price of the services and equip- ment will increase

3 3 Low-Medium To mitigate the risk, we have taken this into account in the preparation of the

budget and we have added necessary buffer. In case buffer will be not

needed we will make a proposal to transfer it to another budget line.

IT developments take longer than planned

3 4 Medium-High We are already developing procurement documents to save time and start as

soon as agreement is signed.

The number of potential service

providers (including experts) is limited that impacts public pro- curements and public procure-

ments may fail

3 3 Low-Medium To mitigate the risks, we have involved stakeholder in the preparation of this

programme and we will actively spread the information of the public pro-

curements and as the number of potential service providers is limited in Es-

tonia, we will use international public procurements if necessary and man-

datory according to the law.

The quality of services is low

3 3 Low-Medium When ordering services it is necessary to plan well ahead and provide the

quality criteria that need to be followed. The services have to be described in

detail in contracts, if work does not confirm to the contract, a chance to im-

prove the work is given. It is necessary to check the quality services offered

regularly.

Being unable to hire the personnel for the programme

4 1 Low It is necessary to provide the salaries that motivate, also, services can be

chosen instead.

Overall Risk Level SM Medium-low

Overall Risk Description In general we think the risk is low, but there are some risks mentioned above that evaluated as low-medium.

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Annexes

# Annex

1 Updated list of all Programme Components and characteristics in case of Programmes

2 Updated overview of implementation locations

3 Updated procurement plan

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Annex 1: Updated list of all Programme Components and characteristics

Programme Characteristics To be filled in by Programme Operator

No Programme Component Name Swiss Contribution CHF

Specific Objective

Thematic Area

(in- country) Geograp hic Focus

Name Programme Component Operator

Type of entity

Planned duration

PSP/ PA

maximum 40 characters in CHF according to Art. 2.2 Regulations

according to Art. 2.4 Regulations

Start End

1 Management Costs 202 953,63 Environment and climate Biodiversity

national coverage

Ministry of Cli- mate

National ad- ministration 01.05.24 31.08.28

2

Programme Component 1 "Development of innovative moni- toring technolo-gies/solutions and improvement of Environ- mental data-bases and systems" (operator Environmental Agency) 2 883 589,89

Environment and climate Biodiversity

national coverage

Estonian Envi- ronment Agency

National ad- ministration 01.05.24 30.04.28

3

Programme Component 2 “Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and conservation outcomes of pro- tected areas” (operator Environmental Board) 3 843 456,11

Environment and climate Biodiversity

national coverage

Environmental Board

National ad- ministration 01.05.24 30.04.28

Annex 2: Overview of Implementation locations

General (Programme Management)

Location name Address

Ministry of Climate Suur-Ameerika 1, Tallinn,

Programme Component 1 (“Development of innovative monitoring technologies/solutions and improvement of Environmental databases and sys- tems”)

Location name Address

Estonian Environment Agency Mustamäe tee 33, Tallinn

Programme Component 2 (“Implementation of a systematic assessment of the social and conservation outcomes of protected areas”)

Location name Address

Environmental Board Roheline 64, Pärnu

Suur-Ameerika 1 / Tallinn 10122 / 626 2802/ [email protected] / www.kliimaministeerium.ee/

Registrikood 70001231

Helena Musthallik

Riigi Tugiteenuste Keskus [email protected]

24.03.2026 nr 4-5/24/11

Šveitsi-Eesti koostööprogrammi aastaaruande

esitamine

Vastavalt Valitsuse 1. augusti 2024. a määruse nr 49 „Aastatel 2022–2029 Šveitsi-Eesti koostööprogrammi toetuse kasutamise tingimused ja kord“ § 3 lõike 3 alusel ning kooskõlas sama

määruse alusel sõlmitud toetusmeetme „Elurikkuse programm“ toetusmeetme ja toetusmeetme rakendamise lepingutega esitame „Elurikkuse programmi“ aastaaruande. Palume aruanne edastada Šveitsi osapoolele.

Lugupidamisega

(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)

Tanel Ross finantsosakonna juhataja

Lisad: 1. Aastaaruanne 2. Uuendatud hankeplaan

Kairi Toiger, 626 2931

[email protected]