On September 19th, 2018 a training for planners took place in Nasva Klubi, Saaremaa, followed by visiting alvars on Vätta peninsula restored in the frame of the Life to Alvars project. The training was carried out by Kalev Sepp from Estonian University of Life Sciences and it included the following topics:

• Planning of green network in the frame of developing the municipality comprehensive plan
• Considering ecosystem services while planning the green network
• LIFE Viva Grass methodology for assessment of ecosystem services of grasslands
• Scenarios for improving Saaremaa green network proposed by LIFE Viva Grass based on ecosystem services of grasslands
• Viva Grass Integrated Planning Tool and possibilities for its use
• Practical work that included discussions on functioning of Saaremaa green network, conflicts with developments and the need for for specifying the green network based on ecosystem services.

After the training, a study visit to alvars on Vätta peninsula restored in the frame of Life to Alvars project took place, led by Annely and Bert Holm from the Environmental Board.  In total 12 participants from Saaremaa and Muhu municipalities, Environmental Board, University of Life Sciences and BEF Estonia were participating in the training and visitor day.

Pictures from the event

Presentation of the training (in Estonian):

Specifying the green network in frame of developing comprehensive plans. Developments in LIFE Viva Grass project: the Integrated Planning Tool. Kalev Sepp, Estonian University of Life Sciences