The most important prerequisite for national sustainability is maintaining ecological balance in Estonian nature. At the same time, this is also our contribution to global development, respecting the principle of balance both in life cycles and in the energy flow taking place in living nature at all types and levels. The overall goal is to include the self-regenerating capacity of nature in the “use” of nature. The basic function of nature conservation is not to protect resources and the “natural” environment (nature), but to achieve its harmonious and balanced management in the interests of both Estonian society as a whole and local communities. We must reach a situation where people do not perceive nature as a collection of objects that require protection, but see it as a unified whole, of which they (humans) are also a part. The goal of this idea is to combine the perception and conservation of nature as a value – the most important resource for the overall development of the state.
When planning nature conservation and land use, Estonia does not need to implement ideas and plans (or be guided by them) that have been carried out in so-called “developed countries,” which are often focused on the environment and environmental pollution, and where many processes are determined by consumer principles. Estonia must definitely observe local traditions!
For example, the rural landscapes typical of Estonia (cultural heritage) should be perceived as an added value that partially compensates for higher standards of living in other countries, thereby reducing the “brain drain” from the country. The Estonian landscape must be the most important component of the ecosystem, which also includes resources known and accessible to all – climatic (weather) conditions, air, and water. On a local scale, landscape means a place of residence with its biological diversity and recreational opportunities, but undoubtedly also with other aesthetic parameters, the preservation and development of which are important for achieving the set goals.
Zemeunvalsts.lv commentary
Our neighbours see development in nature, and unlike the insistent voices behind loud opinions in Latvia, in Estonia, humans are a significant and integral part of nature. Nature and humans cooperate, coexist, and complement each other for common development. The most striking quote, which would be a useful motto for many offices and meeting rooms: “it is not necessary to implement plans and ideas that have been carried out elsewhere.” In Latvia, even more dangerous than the African Swine Fever raging in the forests is the excuse regarding the mandatory, unconditional fulfilment of regulations from Brussels, Europe, X, etc. As more than one example shows, subservience and obsequiousness do not yield good results, unless, of course, there is a quiet, genuine desire to cause harm without thinking.
https://www.riigikantselei.ee/sites/default/files/content-editors/Failid/estonia_sds_2005.pdf