keskkonnaseadustiku

Keskkonnaseadustik is the central piece of Estonian environmental law, providing the framework for the protection, use, and management of the country’s environment. It covers protection of air, water, soil, biodiversity, and natural resources, and it sets out the rules for preventing pollution, handling hazardous substances, and managing waste. The act functions as a general, cross-cutting regulation that guides sectoral environmental legislation and administrative practice.

Key aims and principles include protecting human health and well-being, preserving ecological systems, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring the polluter pays principle and precautionary action where appropriate. It also enshrines public participation and access to environmental information, allowing citizens and organizations to engage in environmental decision-making and oversight.

The keskkonnaseadustik establishes mechanisms for environmental governance, such as environmental impact assessment for projects likely to have significant effects on the environment, environmental permits and licensing, monitoring and reporting requirements, and enforcement provisions. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of national authorities and regional bodies in supervising compliance, issuing permits, conducting inspections, and imposing penalties for violations.

In practice, keskkonnaseadustik interacts with EU environmental acquis, translating directives on water, air, waste, nature protection, and chemicals into national law and ensuring alignment with broader environmental objectives. It also interfaces with sectoral acts on nature conservation, water management, waste handling, air quality, and protection of habitats and species, forming the legal backbone for Estonia’s environmental policy and administration.