From drainage to restoration: A new chapter for Estonia’s wetlands
May 28, 2024
In Estonia, drained peatlands are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and thus exacerbate climate change. Our case study highlights the success of a project aimed at restoring the water regime of a mire ecosystem, leading to a remarkable growth in vegetation and the recovery of multiple species.
Destroying while rebuilding: Flawed hydro project set for Polish just transition region needs a rethink
May 7, 2024
Eastern Wielkopolska, one of Poland’s just transition regions, urgently needs to repair the damage caused by decades of lignite mining. One controversial hydrological project slated for the region aims to flood open pits and stabilise water levels. But while these measures appear to be positive steps towards making amends, the environmental impacts of the project have not been assessed, which is likely to result in a number of unintended and damaging consequences.
Bern Convention: Skavica dam in Albania contradicts the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme
April 24, 2024
The Bureau of the Convention recently accepted a new complaint and urged the Albanian authorities to not develop projects which may negatively affect habitats and species.
Clearcutting chaos: A bumpy ride for Estonia’s conservation areas
April 15, 2024
Rail Baltica, the ambitious railway project set to connect the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as part of Europe’s modern rail network, promises to boost regional development and integration. However, despite assurances of habitat protection and compensation measures during the construction of Rail Baltica, recent revelations on clearcutting in protected areas have exposed longstanding issues with Estonian forests. The case also highlights the broader challenges faced by nature when economic development takes precedence and the need for proper environmental safeguards against economic interests.
Manifesto: A call for the next European Parliament and Commission to deliver the transformative investments citizens deserve
March 26, 2024
The proposals outlined in this manifesto guide our vision for how EU public finances can become more transformative.
Led by nature: Projects to protect and restore biodiversity in Europe
March 22, 2024
These case studies from several European Member States demonstrate some of the many ways EU funds can and should be used to support nature restoration and conservation projects, which are instrumental to addressing the biodiversity crisis across sectors while also building a greener, fairer future.
Beyond profit: How to reshape the European Green Deal for people’s well-being
March 12, 2024
This searing report by the Citizens’ Observatory on Green Deal Financing analyses key EU funding mechanisms and exposes significant shortcomings in strategic priorities and implementation.
Beyond profit: Launch of report on EU’s green finance challenges
March 12, 2024
Ahead of the upcoming EU elections, uncertainty surrounds the financing of the EU’s climate agenda and the future of flagship initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the NextGenerationEU fund. Despite ambitious intentions, progress on environmental sustainability and economic recovery is failing to improve people’s well-being, according to a new report by the Citizens’ Observatory on Green Deal Financing.
The Wisłoka: Overcoming barriers on a Polish river
March 8, 2024
This case study highlights the Wisłoka Without Barriers project, a sustainable approach to river continuity that led to the removal of barriers, allowing aquatic organisms to swim freely once again.
Needs and priorities for biodiversity funding: a comparative analysis of Latvia and Estonia
February 22, 2024
This briefing provides an overview of the priorities for national biodiversity needs in Latvia and Estonia.
