important plant areas in central and eastern europe - Plantlife

Section 5
Methodology summary
Criteria lists: the Criterion A threatened species qualify mainly under Aii, European
threat. National biotope classifications were used to determine botanical richness
under Criterion B. Criteria B and C were also used to assess IPAs important for fungi
and algae.
Data and fieldwork: existing databases provided the information to select potential IPAs
and two fieldwork seasons were carried out in 2003 and 2004 to verify selection and
collect additional information.
Site Selection: the national site selection strategy focussed on selecting sites of different
sizes, both inside and outside of the existing protected area system.
Key Issues: special emphasis was placed on integrating data from vascular plants,
bryophytes, lichen, fungi and algae in the selection of IPAs.
Protection and management of IPAs in Estonia
Total IPAs with National National protection European International
IPAs no legal protection of IPAs (lower level) recognition recognition
protection of IPAs of IPAs of IPAs
(high level)
108 5 National Landscape reserve (41) SAC* (98) Ramsar (18)
Park (5) Nature reserve (26) SPA* (51)
SAC* & SPA*= sites officially proposed by the Estonian Government to the EC
Management and protection of IPAs is partly secured through existing conservation
management on statutory conservation sites and Natura 2000 areas.The next step
should be for management plans for IPAs to be developed either to ensure that existing
conservation management plans take account of IPA features or, to develop specific
management plans for IPAs outside of protected areas.
Habitats and land use
No. of
IPAs
44
Major habitats at IPAs in Estonia
Forests are the most frequent habitat at IPAs in Estonia (77 IPAs – deciduous broadleaf
forests 28, coniferous forest 49, mixed forest 46). Grassland occurs as a frequent and
significant habitat cover at IPAs (65 IPAs – dry 45, mesic 24, wet 23, wooded grassland
13). Mire, bog and fen habitats are frequent (51 IPAs – valley mires/fens 21, bogs 17).
Inland water habitats are also well represented (31 IPAs – standing water 23, running
water 21, littoral zone 5).There are many coastal habitats (43 IPAs – dunes 13, shingle 32,
cliffs 28) and four IPAs with marine habitats including two IPAs which are 100% marine.