Estonian waters are divided into 3 river basin districts, which all have their own River Basin Management plan. Their target protection levels are agreed upon based on the EU Water Framework Directive and the Estonian Water Act. The broader goal of the River Basin Management plans is to protect and improve the ecological status of surface and groundwater, enhance sustainable water use, and support the mitigation of drought and flood risks.
About the project
With LIFE SIP WetEST, the aim is to redesign the management system of the West-Estonia river basin and implement innovative methods and solutions in the plan’s execution. The River Basin Management plan for the West-Estonia river basin district includes 854 different measures, 105 of which will be implemented under LIFE SIP WetEST. Additionally, the project plans to explore practices that have proven effective in water management in other EU countries but have not yet been tested in Estonia. This leap in management development creates the prerequisites for systemic change more broadly and is necessary to address the challenges related to river basin management across Estonia.
The workplan of LIFE SIP WetEST is set up from 10 work packages, with activities carried out by 17 partners.
Our key focus areas
River Basin Management Model
Turning the River Basin Management Plan into practice and implementing actions to improve water health.
Optimising Monitoring
Developing the monitoring framework and remote sensing methods to obtain an overview of the condition of water bodies and to plan actions for improving water status.
Reducing Diffuse Pollution from Agriculture
Engaging farmers to develop and apply best practices for protecting water.
Advancing Melioration Practices
Testing mitigation measures in melioration practices to support the good status of water bodies
Shallow Bays and Lakes
Research on how biomanipulation in Lake Harku and shellfish and algae cultivation in Haapsalu Bay can help restore water quality.
Upscaling pollutant control
Mapping pollutant loads and identifying ways to limit their spread.
Aligning complementary funds
Finding additional funding to raise €60 million for the health of Western-Estonian waters.
Increasing Water Awareness
Organising volunteer actions, hikes, articles, broadcasts, and citizen science initiatives to improve water health in Western Estonia.
Replication and exploitation
Implementing the outcomes both in Western Estonia and beyond.
Key numbers
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Information about the project
Project name: Enabling collaborative efforts for systemic change in Estonian River Basin Management
Financier: LIFE
Partners: Ministry of Climate, Environmental Investment Centre, The Environmental Board, The Environmental Agency, The Estonian Environmental Research Center, The Information Technology Centre of the Ministry of the Environment, The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge, The Estonian Land and Spatial Development Board, Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu, Tallinn University, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Baltic Environmental Forum, Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, NGO Wildlife Estonia, Estonian Environmental Law Center, Estonian Public Broadcasting.
Project materials
Contacts
- Mari Sepp
LIFE WetEST Project Manager
+372 626 2839 - [email protected]
- Marilin Palts
LIFE WetEST Co-Project Manager
+372 56 839 295 - [email protected]
- Katrin Pärgmäe
LIFE WetEST Communications Manager
+372 56 623 823 - [email protected]
Last updated: 05.02.2026
