Lääne county has the largest areas covered with the nature protection areas in Estonia. Together with Natura 2000 sites 32% of the territory of the county is protected, including the most famous Matsalu NP and semi-natural habitats (including extensive coastal and floodplain meadows). Therefore a lot of EU-funded projects have been carried out there (starting with WWF Väinamere project in 1997-2004).

For getting the maximum benefit from this high share of nature values it is important to analyse the existing resource potential and how to get the best use of the ecosystem services for the local community.

Project activities

• The integrated planning tool was tested at the regional level. The BioEnergy module of the Tool was developed based on Lääne County. The project team initiated stakeholder testing and discussions for further improvements of the Tool.

• The potential for biomass and energy production from semi-natural grasslands in Lääne County was assessed and relevant input to the Lääne County’s Entrepreneurship Development Plan was provided.
• Recommendations on incorporating grassland ecosystem services into environmental management and spatial planning in Lääne County were developed.
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