Needs and priorities for biodiversity funding: a comparative analysis of Latvia and Estonia

Briefing    |    22 February 2024

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Biodiversity loss is occurring at an unprecedented rate in human history. In the EU, only 15 per cent of habitats and 27 per cent of species have a good conservation status, while an alarming 81 per cent of habitats are in poor or bad condition. 

This is where EU biodiversity financing plays a crucial role, by funding key activities to protect what we still have and to restore what has been lost. There are now a number of new opportunities to improve the provision and use of EU biodiversity financing, namely the soon-to-be-adopted Nature Restoration Law, as well as the proposal for the next EU budget for the 2027–2034 period. 

This briefing provides an overview of the priorities for national biodiversity needs in Latvia and Estonia. It focuses on three main aspects – the current state of biodiversity in the country, the financing available, and the key areas that need this financing. A comparative analysis is then formed based on these assessments in order to identify best practices. Recommendations at both national and EU levels are provided to make the best use of available financing and ensure it is channelled into the key areas for tackling biodiversity loss.