Sustainable management of mineral resources, soil cover and geosites in Estonia
Aasta | 2004 |
---|---|
Ajakiri | Polish Geological Institute Special Papers |
Köide | 13 |
Leheküljed | 191-198 |
Tüüp | artikkel ajakirjas |
Eesti autor | |
Keel | inglise |
Id | 20442 |
Abstrakt
Nature conservation and protection of geological heritage have long traditions in Estonia. Already in 1910 the first nature reserve was established, and in 1935 the first nature protection law approved. In 1995, the Parliament of Estonia adopted the Act of Sustainable Development and in 1996, the Estonian Environmental Strategy was approved by the Government. Although small in area, Estonia is relatively rich in mineral resources (oil shale, phosphorites, peat, building materials, etc.), which together with large forested areas (about 50% of the territory) and high productivity agriculture have been and will be the basis for economy, and account for a substantial share in the Gross National Product. During the Soviet occupation, the soil cover of Estonia was subjected to severe degradation. About 1.9% of Estonian territory was used for military objects and these sites are still highly contaminated. Sharp increase in the exploitation of mineral resources has caused ever worsening impact on the environment. In the independent Republic of Estonia, nature conservation and mineral wealth protection gained importance of the first rate and the situation has improved