Tallinn Environment Department Yearbook 2018 by Tallinna Keskkonnaamet

Tallinn Environment Department Yearbook 2018

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

Table of Contents

The Website of the Tallinn Environment Department

Environmental protection

1.1

Nature conservation

1.2

Water protection

1.3

Ambient air quality and noise

Green areas

2.1

Communal urban gardening

2.2

Parklands and green areas in Tallinn

3. Maintenance

3.1

Pets in the city

3.2

Public playgrounds in Tallinn

3.3

Cemeteries in Tallinn

4. Waste

4.1

Waste management

4.2

Tallinn Waste Centre

Environmental awareness

5.1

Campaign of the Maintenance Month

5.2

Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month

5.3

Raising environmental awareness

5.4

Environmental projects of the European Union

Tallinn Botanic Garden

Tallinn Energy Agency

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

The Website of the Tallinn Environment Department In 2018, the Tallinn Environment Department completed its new website devoted to environmental issues of the City of Tallinn tallinn.ee/keskkond The launching of the new website arose from the need to make environmental information easier to find and to compile environmental topics in one place based on uniform principles. In addition to reorganising data, a clear visual identity for the city of Tallinn was adopted, helping inhabitants, stakeholders and cooperation partners perceive the city’s activities as a whole. Updates to the website make the information concerning topical environmental issues in Tallinn, incl. nature conservation, landscaping, waste and environmental campaigns, easier to find and more current. Prints and information materials compiled and issued by divisions of the Tallinn Environment Department have now been grouped under a separate field. Another important change is that users will now be able to find the contact information of a specialist they need much easier. The website will also contain news of this particular field, topic pages and databases. Actually this website is only in Estonian, but we will do our best to translate also at least a part of this information into English.

Environmental protection

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

1. Environmental protection

The quality of inland water bodies in Tallinn has improved over the last decade. Photo: MustjĂľe stream

Environmental protection

1.1

Nature conservation

The most memorable event of nature conservation in 2018 is perhaps the bringing of Scottish Highland cattle to the Paljassaare Special Conservation Area.Other significant activities include the extensive relocation of protected plants in the Õismäe Bog during the construction of health trails in the bog, or reintroducing the protection of the Harku Forest to the agenda.

Scottish Highland cattle in Paljassaare The large herbivores were brought to the city mainly to aid in the restoration of the coastal meadows that are endangered by reed beds. The plan to bring the animals into the city had been prepared for several years. An area of more than 30 ha of the coastal meadow, which had previously been covered by reeds for decades, had been planned and inventoried for this purpose. At the end of last year, reed-cutting commenced at Paljassaare for the first time. About half of the meadow area to be restored is waterlogged because beach ridges prevent water from draining from the areas that the sea used to flood regularly. The other half of the meadow area is covered with a harder surface where, in addition to reeds, rugosa rose grows as well. When rugosa rose grows in large numbers, it does not leave a lot of space for meadow plants. As the meadow area to be restored has different water regimes, it was first necessary to bring in machines to deal with the unwanted plants: one machine for mowing on dry land and one smaller floating mower. Even though an electric fence would have been sufficient for the animals, a more powerful physical obstacle is necessary for keeping people out. Therefore, a fence was built for the cattle and an electric fence system was attached to it as well. Upon arrival at Paljassaare in early June, at first the animals were a bit timid and preferred to stay partially hidden in the thicket, but by fall, the cattle could be seen moving about across the entire restorable area. Unfortunately, bringing the animals to Paljassaare took longer than planned, so the cattle arrived when the young reeds were already quite tall and the food source appealing to the animals was no longer available. In total, there were 30 Scottish bovine animals of different sizes, some of which have already been born there, at Paljassaare in the summer. The animals did an efficient job on the drier land with lower vegetation and the areas that previously had to be cut, were well maintained. It was surprising that the Highland cattle was also successful in limiting the growth of the rugosa rose. Additionally, at the edge of the reeds, right on the coastline, the situation had changed compared to previous years, and waders were bound to be grateful to the cattle for the opening up the landscape already during their first year there. In the winter, reeds are cut from this area. In the spring of 2019, the animals are intended to be brought to Paljassaare earlier in order to be more efficient in reducing the overgrowth of reeds.

Relocation of the Orchids in the Õismäe Bog The construction of health trails in the Õismäe Bog began in 2018. The majority of the work was completed by the end of the year. A layer of granite siftings will be added next year.

Tallinn Environment Department 2018 The most important aspect of this project for the Tallinn Environment Department was the relocation of protected plants. The abundance of the orchids at the side of the bog’s limestone shifting covered roads had been known for a long time, which had also caused a dispute over whether or not these trails should be reconstructed to such a large extent. During the planning and preparatory works, a solution was agreed upon, which allowed for updating the trails while maintaining the growth conditions necessary for the plants. This brought along the largest relocation of protected plants that has been undertaken in Estonia to this day; a total of 3,000 specimens were relocated. The species that were relocated were the following: Platanthera bifolia (lesser butterfly-orchid), Epipactis helleborine (broad-leaved helleborine), Epipactis atrorubens (dark-red helleborine), Listera ovata (Common Twayblade) and Dactylorhiza fuchsii (common spotted orchid). In 2019, we will see how the plants adapted to being relocated. The plants were relocated by MTÜ Käoraamat.

Conservation of the Harku Forest For over 10 years, proposals had been made to add the Harku Forest to protected areas, spurred on mainly by a fear that work might be started on building the Pääsküla bypass, planned in the framework of the Tallinn Comprehensive Plan. Harku Forest is not deemed, as defined in Estonia, as a rare community of species that desperately needs protection on the state level. The Environmental Board supports this notion. However, experts find that the preconditions for the protection of this forest sector at the local government level have been met. In principle, it would also be possible to protect the Harku forest through the planning process, especially now that the comprehensive plan of Nõmme District to be prepared has essentially abandoned the idea of establishing a highway that passes through the forest. The street corridor remains in the comprehensive plan; however, it is recommended to be used as a light traffic road. This solution is hoped to help find a compromise between interests of the different parties. The website devoted to the nature conservation tallinn.ee/est/keskkond/looduskaitse

1.2

Water protection

The water network in Tallinn is quite dense. According to the environmental register (as at 7 November 2018) there are 18 still bodies of water (natural lakes, artificial lakes and ponds) on the territory of Tallinn and there are 16 watercourses in the city (Table 1), plus smaller streams and ditches. Tallinn’s publicly used watercourses are the Pirita River (excl. areas of the yacht harbour and the Botanic Garden), Pääsküla River, and the Tiskre, Harku and Kurna Stream (excl. the sanitation area of Lake Ülemiste). Longer waterways with larger catchment areas (Pirita and Pääsküla River, Harku Stream) collect most of their water from neighbouring municipalities of Tallinn; whereas, the catchment areas of smaller bodies of water are contained within the city limits and therefore receive their water from springs on the edge of the klint and the rainwater in the city. It is also characteristic that several watercourses in Tallinn are directed into pipelines. The most pronounced examples here are the Mustjõgi and Iisaku Stream. Mustjõgi Stream used to be multi-branched and started at the foot of the Mustamäe slope, Männi Park and near the Kristiine meadow. Currently, the 1.2 km estuary is the longest part of Mustjõgi Stream that has been preserved as an open river bed. Based on the five-level classification (excellent, good, moderate, poor, very poor) of the state of watercourses, the state of the city’s most important watercourses is rather moderate. The main reason for the poor state of the Pirita River is the diffuse pollution originating from rural areas and the insufficient work of wastewater treatment plants of small settlements and farms in the catchment area of the river. The state of the Harku Stream is exacerbated by the Harku limestone quarry and an increase in pollution load due to the real estate development of the Harku municipality. The water quality of the Mustjõgi River has been studied in the framework of monitoring Tallinn’s storm water outlets, as the majority of water balance of the Mustjõe River is made up of storm water. The ecological state of the Mustjõe River is poor. This is primarily caused by pollutants carried to the storm water sewerage from hard surface areas (parking lots, roads). The project “Heawater – Achieving healthier water quality in urban small rivers of the Baltic Sea catchment by restoration of water bodies and preventing of nutrients and hazardous substances inflow from watershed”, which was launched in March 2018 and funded from the Central Baltic Programme of the European Regional Development Fund, helps protect the open river bed of the Mustjõgi River from bank erosion with natural bank protection materials. It is evaluated that this will increase the quality of water of the Mustjõgi River by 15%. The largest still bodies of water are Lake Ülemiste (940.9 ha), Lake Raku (196.9 ha), Lake Harku (163.3 ha), Lake Männiku (105.3 ha) and Lake Männiku Väikejärv (18.8 ha). The area of the remaining still bodies of water is less than 10 ha. These include the Lasnamäe (Pae) Quarry, Lake Pumbajärv, the Schnelli Pond, the Tooma River and the Väike-Õismäe Pond. Bodies of water that are subject to public use are Lake Männiku and Lake Harku. The state of Lake Ülemiste is poor due to a high content of phytoplankton biomass. About 85% of drinking water used in Tallinn comes from the Ülemiste Lake. However, residents of the city need not worry as the water from the Tallinn water treatment plant is compliant with the drinking water parameters set out in Regulation No. 82 of the Minister of Social Affairs of 31 July 2001 and with requirements of the Drinking Water Directive of the European Union. Drinking water samples taken from consumers in 2018 complied with applicable

quality requirements to the extent of 99.9% of samples. A small amount of water samples did not comply with the quality requirements due to an iron content exceeding the maximum limit or due to turbidity, which were caused by corroded and depreciated water pipelines. Duplicate samples taken after maintenance works of the pipelines were in compliance with quality requirements. The main objective in the Tallinn environmental protection development plan for 2013–2018 is to improve the ecological and physico-chemical status of the larger water bodies in Tallinn, i.e. to achieve good ecological status and to preserve and improve the natural diversity of surface water bodies. Table 1. Watercourses in Tallinn Water body

Length km

Catchment area km2

Pirita River

113.1

807.8

Harku Stream

15.7

30.5

Pääsküla River

12.7

41.2

Vaskjala-Ülemiste Canal

10.8

28.6

Kurna Stream

10.8

Tiskre Stream

4.7

Apametsa Main Ditch

3.4

4.1

Varsallika Stream

3.4

1.6

Lepiku Ditch

2.7

Mustjõgi (Mustoja) Stream

1.8

Mähe stream

1.6

Hundikuristiku Stream

1.4

Teesuu Stream

1.0

Väo Ditch

0.6

Iisaku (Soone) Stream

0.2

Järveotsa Stream

13.9

7.7

4.7 4.9

Website for the city’s water resources management tallinn.ee/est/veemajandus

Environmental protection

1.3

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

Ambient air quality and noise

An action plan for reducing ambient air noise in Tallinn was completed in 2018. The necessity and obligation to prepare such an action plan arose from the Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise (concerning agglomerations with more than 100,000 residents), which was adopted with the Ambient Air Protection Act. The action plan was compiled on the basis of the city’s noise map. The main objectives of the action plan are prevention and reduction of environmental noise, as well as maintaining situations with low noise levels. The action plan includes more than 50 measures, which will be implemented over the coming years: some of the measures have already been used in previous years, some will be introduced for the first time. In the future, more attention shall be paid to, for example, the problem of noise caused by aircraft traffic: a flight corridor map shall be implemented and developers, who wish to construct residential buildings in the areas of flights corridors, shall be notified of the potential disturbance. It is also planned, on the basis of the action plan, to impose regulations on the use of leaf blowers in order to decrease noise and air pollution caused by it. According to the noise map, road-traffic noise is the predominant source of noise in the City of Tallinn, and it is very difficult to combat such noise. The main mitigation measures are reduction of noise pollution, prevention of noise transmission and protection of noise-sensitive objects. The exact solution shall be selected on the basis of the specific noise situation, preferring methods that help prevent or reduce noise emissions, followed by methods that inhibit the transmission of noise. If necessary, noise-sensitive objects must be protected. Oftentimes the best option is a combined solution that utilises measures for decreasing the transmission of noise, preventing the spread of noise and protecting objects. The main measures for decreasing noise, which should be implemented in the below mentioned order, are the following: • planning • construction-related and technical measures used during the planning and construction of buildings • traffic management, road construction and maintenance • noise barriers The noise map and the noise reduction action plan are updated once every five years, at which point it is reviewed whether or not the activities have been effective, and it is decided what should be given more attention. When comparing the current situation to the previous period of the Noise Reduction Action Plan, it is evident that the area with intense road-traffic noise, rail-traffic noise, aircraft noise and industrial noise has decreased. The number of people living in areas with high noise levels has also decreased across all types of noise sources, excl. in the case of aircraft traffic. The number of people living in areas with low noise levels has increased. Drawing from the recent action plan, the city of Tallinn aims to continue this positive trend and turn to smart planning in order to keep the noise level as low as possible in the city. Websites of the field of ambient air tallinn.ee/est/keskkond/valisohk tallinn.ee/est/keskkond/mura

The task of the cattle is to maintain more than 20 ha of the coastal meadow of Paljassaare

Green areas

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

2. Green areas

Rhododendrons of Freedom Park

Green areas

2.1

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

Communal urban gardening

Growing plants for food in the city may seem like a novel idea and bring about numerous questions concerning the location of gardens and the contamination of the urban environment. Nevertheless, during recent years, successful community gardens have been popping up both in Tallinn and Tartu, thereby bringing residents together and creating new social and ecological values. Children at schools and kindergartens have also created vegetable and herb garden beds. The topic of urban gardening can be seen as a continuation of the idea contest of Tallinn’s innovative solutions roadmap organised in 2016, during which communal urban gardening was chosen among the top 11 strategic ideas (see teekaart. tallinn.ee). The city of Tallinn took the first steps in this field in 2017, when a survey was organised to determine the interest of city residents towards urban gardening, planting boxes were handed out and an urban community garden was created at the Skoone Bastion to test out the concept. As of September 2018, matters related to urban gardening are led by a project manager, whose main tasks are implementing an environmentally aware and green mindset, creating an educational study environment, encourage healthy and active lifestyle, diversify the public urban space, encourage joint activities, good neighbourliness and sense of community. Urban gardening activities can be divided into three: introducing urban gardening, developing open community gardens and cooperating with educational institutions in order to set up study garden beds.

Introducing urban gardening Taking into account the novelty of this topic, the general awareness of city residents on the matter needs to be improved in order to increase their understanding of the meaning of urban gardening and its benefits both to the city and its residents. An informal Estonian and Russian language Facebook group “Söödav linn TLN” (edible city Tallinn) has been created in order to expand the network of people interested in urban gardening. Anyone wishing to share tips, get inspiration and encourage other urban gardening fans can join the group (it currently has about 200 members). In November, the first public meeting of urban gardening fans was held (with about 30 participants), at which promotors with community gardening experience from Tallinn (MTÜ Lasnaidee) and Tartu (initiative “Elav Tartu”, Living Tartu) shared their ideas. Tallinn University, Tallinn City Planning Department, the former Põhjala factory and NGOs (MTÜ Kalamaja Linnaaianduse Selts, MTÜ Rabarber) introduced new ideas. Feedback from participants was positive and the proposal to continue such meetings and seminars in 2019 was approved.

Developing open community gardens The aim of this direction is to support the current communities’ success, by covering their activity in the media and presenting them as great examples. On the other hand, it is important to find new people interested in this topic and to support their

enthusiasm. It is also vital to cooperate with existing settlement associations. To our knowledge, there are currently at least three functional community gardens in Tallinn. Residents of Pääsküla have been delighted by a community garden created by the Möldre Tee Association as of 2011. Additionally, the Laagna community garden was created in Lasnamäe this year, as were the first community garden beds in the Raadiku municipal buildings’ region. The following community gardens are planned to be created in the near future: • Priisle community garden at Lasnamäe, which is to be created as a part of a new park (led by MTÜ Lasnaidee); • City Centre African community garden (led by the Juhkentali Association); • a community garden on the territory of the former Põhjala factory, created in cooperation with developers and urban gardeners of MTÜ Rabarber; • a community garden in Northern Tallinn, on the area between Puhangu and Ehte street, where a high voltage line is relocated underground. The initiative is part of a joint applied research project of Tallinn University and the Tallinn City Planning Department “Co-creation and Augmented Reality in Urban Planning” (Augmented Urbans).

Creating study garden beds at educational institutions Urban gardening is already part of the curriculum in many kindergartens. For example, children at the Seli kindergarten in Tallinn have been growing plants on their windowsills, garden beds and in greenhouses for six years now. Urban gardening helps develop the skills needed in the 21st century, such as entrepreneurship, collaboration and creativity, directs students to work on research and creative work projects, and expands outdoor learning opportunities. A survey conducted in May 2018 (involving 11 schools and 47 kindergartens) showed increasing interest of schools and kindergartens in urban gardening. Urban gardening can be integrated with various initiatives, such as the eco-school programme or the network of health-promoting schools and kindergartens. The idea of urban gardening was first introduced to educational institutions at the environmental education conference held in the fall, titled “Healthy study environment, healthy future”. Following the conference in October and November, information seminars were organised for schools (13 participants) and kindergartens (46 participants). In the new season, at least five more kindergartens and two schools are planning to take up urban gardening. In 2019, individual consultations continue in order to find a suitable approach and spatial solution to every educational institution with regard to urban gardening activities.

2.2

Parklands and green areas in Tallinn

Flower solutions Inspired by the Jubilee year of the Republic of Estonia, in 2018, summer flower beds and vases were designed in a national style, using the blue-black-white colour combination and national costume patterns (mostly striped patterns of various parishes). Some flower beds were set up based on a flower motif from the skirt of a national costume or a pattern from a woven belt The designs had been created to be as close to the original as possible, so that passers-by could recognise the delightful patterns. Vases were filled with a selection of blue, black and white plants from spring to fall; whereas, flowed beds were mostly covered with a striped pattern. Grape Hyacinths and the tulip sort “Estonia”, which had been given as a gift by the Embassy of the Netherlands, bloomed at Viru Square in the spring; during the summer, as a joint project of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, these flower beds were filled with flowers in the tricolour of the Baltic states. Planting areas at the Danish King’s Garden had the traditional design, i.e. motifs from the Danish folklore. The eight flower beds of the Police Garden Park started off pretty in stripes in the spring but were, however, replaced by fragrant herbs, flowers, several colours of cabbages and lettuce during the summertime. There were about 33,000 spring flowers on the flower beds and about 26,000 summer flowers.

Sample solution of a kindergarten One of the more extensive projects in 2018 was the planning and construction of the sample solution of the Tallinna Nõmekannikese Lasteaed (kindergarten). The aim of the project is to direct attention to the outdoor environment of kindergartens, the opportunities provided thereby and to show how to better utilise the outdoor areas of kindergartens. The Nõmmekannikese Ilmarise kindergarten building and its outdoor area were set up in 1961. Most of kindergartens in Tallinn were established during the same time. Since then, reconstruction works have mainly included buildings. In terms of outdoor areas, new attractions have been added to free spaces and a small number of trees and bushes have been planted. Thereby, no comprehensive approach has been taken towards outdoor spaces, i.e. the areas have not been zoned, no pedestrian routes or the areas’ location in relation to one another has been taken into account, and the outdoor spaces are not used as efficiently as possible. The outdoor area solution for the Nõmmekannikese kindergarten was in the works from the end of summer and completed in September. The design is based on a playing course that passes through the entire kindergarten yard, thereby connecting different play areas. Play areas were created on the basis of the previous distribution of the kindergarten’s outdoor area as well as relocated elements. When selecting new plant species, their size and suitability for a kindergarten setting were taken into account. An area of edible plants was set up, where children can learn how to identify blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries and chokeberries. One part of the play course is the asphalt games area where children can learn about letters, numbers, time and cardinal directions while

playing. Decorative games encourage children to use their imagination and allow them to spend more time outside in the fresh air. Connecting the play areas, using the options provided by nature and choosing plants that fit the location create better opportunities for using the children’s play and study environment. Those principles can be followed in all kindergartens.

Creating a wild flower meadow The urban space keeps getting more built up and stone-filled, thereby bringing on the necessity to increase the biodiversity of parklands. The more biodiverse the green areas, the more animal species can find food, nesting and shelter opportunities, thereby improving the living environment of people as well. In addition to increasing biodiversity in terms of species, replacing costly grass areas with wild flower meadows also helps save on the maintenance costs of parklands. The first wild flower meadow in Tallinn was created at the sandy parkland at the end of the Laagna road, separating the directions of the road. This area was not suitable for planting, but was ideal for sowing seeds of meadow plants. The planning of the wild flower meadow area commenced at the end of 2017 when, in cooperation with the Tallinn Botanic Garden, a project solution was developed and a composition of species was agreed upon for setting up a wild flower meadow covering approximately 2,000 m2. In the summer of 2018, seeds of dry boreal grassland and dry boreal heath grassland plants were collected from nature. However, as the summer was very dry, seeds of some of the plants could not be collected, which is why it was necessary to change the project solution in the fall. Granite rocks were taken to the parkland to give it an even more characteristic look. Although, the rocks are not there merely for looks, they also keep cars away from the sandy area. It is fascinating to observe the ongoing of the wild flower meadow and draw conclusions from the entire process: what could be done better in the future and whether or not wild flower meadows should be created in other parts of Tallinn as well.

Forest maintenance plans In the spring, ten maintenance plans for park forests under protection, prepared by research fellows at the Tallinn University, were completed. Local residents have expressed their worries that it is not safe to spend time at Nõmme park forests. The brushwoods at the Nõmme park forests reduce visibility and safety. As the city aims to maintain the natural character and biodiversity of forest areas, establishment of maintenance plans helps find a balance between using and maintaining the nature value of forests. The maintenance plans include the maintenance works necessary for achieving the protection objectives of park forests set for 2018–2027.

Green areas

Trees in the city In 2017, work began on extensive tree inventory in the city. During the first stage, over 4,700 trees growing on the urban lands were mapped and evaluated. The work was completed in May 2018. When evaluating the trees, a novel method was used, under which trees were assessed separately based on the condition of their roots, trunk and crown; and recommendations were provided for future maintenance works of the trees. The collected data was entered into the green area information system his.tallinnlv.ee. In the fall of 2018, a public procurement was organised for finding a new inventory service provider . The data of 4,800 trees should be entered into the information system by spring 2019. 446 additional trees and 4,991 bushes have been planted in the city. The main focus was on four boulevards: Saaremaa Boulevard was created at the Lasnamäe District; the boulevards at the Vana-Kuuli and Kivimurru street were supplemented and work continued on planting trees to the boulevard at the Paljassaare street in Northern Tallinn. According to wishes of the districts, trees were planted onto green areas in front of buildings, in order to separate trunk road traffic from calm traffic areas and make the surroundings of apartment buildings more pleasant. In the spring, children planted a hundred trees on the territory of Tallinn Zoo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of primary education. In addition to children, kindergarten employees in Tallinn, representatives of local boards of trustees and parents were involved in the project as well. As at the end of October 2018, the Tallinn Environment Department has issued 1,646 cutting permits for cutting down 15,946 trees. Among those were 11,831 broad-leaved trees and 4,115 coniferous trees. The number of cutting permits issued has increased in comparison with previous years; however, the number of trees to be cut has somewhat decreased. The largest share of trees to be cut were trees subject to sanitation cutting (5,784). Followed by trees in the way of construction works (3,825), other categories of cutting (3,287) and maintenance cutting in the last place (3,050). During this time, 623 maintenance cutting permits were issued. This number has remained stable over the past few years. As usual, the largest number of cutting permits were issued in the Nõmme District (610). The number of trees to be cut (5,158) in the Haabersti District has increased due to several new urbanisation regions in the district. As of the start of the year, 121 notices have been registered concerning broken and dangerous trees.

Tallinn Environment Department 2018 rock garden and planting areas were maintained, where it is planned to, in cooperation with residents of Nõmme, to plant plants characteristic to the gardens of Nõmme and suitable to rock garden settings in 2019. Website of the landscaping field tallinn.ee/keskkond/haljastus

Maintenance of the Nõmme Freedom Park Vabaduse park (Freedom Park) is a park forest characteristic to the Nõmme region. Pine forests like this were planned for the Nõmme District as early as at the end of the 1920s. The rock garden in the park was created at the end of the 1950s. In September 2016, the Tallinn Environment Department organised a reflection exercise at the Freedom Park, during which topics of park development and reorganisation were discussed. In cooperation with the residents of Nõmme, it was decided to reorganise the former rock garden next to the open-air stage and to add plants to the park in the form of species that suit the Nõmme District (exciting types of rhododendrons and hydrangea). The first stage of the project included reorganisation of the rock garden and surrounding shrubs. The objective of the maintenance works is to maintain the current natural look of the area. Deciduous rhododendrons were added to the

Green area of Viru Square, flags of the Baltic countries

Green areas

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

3. Maintenance

Lillepi family playground for up to 4-year-olds

Maintenance

3.1

Tallinn Environment Department 2018 programme was developed by Aleksei and Mattias Turovski and the lessons are conducted by Mattias Turovski. A total of 35 lessons were carried out in 2018.

Pets in the city

Dog parks Dog walking areas, i.e. dog parks, help improve the pet-keeping culture in Tallinn and provide exercise opportunities for dogs without additional costs to pet owners. Selecting a suitable location for a dog walking area and making it attractive to dog owners also helps decrease the negative effects of dog walking, such as excrement and trampled ground, on the biota of green areas in Tallinn. The Tallinn Environment Department maintains 20 dog walking areas. All dog walking areas have special bins for dogs’ waste and biodegradable bags so that it is easy to clean up after your pets. The city organises regular cleaning of dog walking areas and ensures adequate stock of biodegradable bags. In the interest of safety and maintenance, off-leash dog walking is not allowed in other public spaces; however, in dog walking areas, dogs are able to run, climb, communicate with other dogs and their owners, as well as practice skills, strength and agility on the training elements along with their owners. The training elements of the dog walking areas have been prepared and installed on the basis of guidelines of the World Canine Organization (FCI). Older dog parks were reconstructed in 2018 – old benches, gates, waste bins were replaced with new ones (Table 2); new elements were added, as was sand to waterlogged areas. Table 2. Volume of maintenance works in dog walking areas in 2018 Description

Unit

Amount

Adding sand

tonnes

270

Reconstruction of gates

pcs

Installation of waste bins

pcs

Installation of benches

pcs

New elements

pcs

Awareness raising activities on petrelated topics In the fall of 2018, a total of 150 lessons on pet-keeping were organised at general education schools in Tallinn. Educators from the Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals talked to students about keeping pets and how to take care of them. The lessons also included topics of microchipping, sterilisation and castration of pets; children were also explained who are stray animals, why some animals do not have homes and what are animal shelters. Students were given informative materials and they were encouraged to visit the Tallinn Animal Shelter. Children have shown a lot of interest in this visitation opportunity. In 2018, an insect programme was continued in kindergartens of Tallinn; the aim of this programme is to introduce insects and other invertebrates to children, to provide information on their role in nature, introduce their habitats and conditions necessary for keeping certain insects at home, thereby also providing instructions for their care. The insect

Tallinn Animal Shelter at Paljassaare In 2016, the city of Tallinn built a new animal shelter at Paljassaare tee 85. The shelter service is provided by Varjupaikade MTÜ. The aim is not just to catch stray animals, but to help their owners retrieve them or to find new owners to them. In addition, the shelter is visited by children from schools and kindergartens, so that they can learn early on how to best take care of their pets. A total of 754 cats, 248 dogs and 36 small pets were caught in Tallinn in 2018. 101 cats and 152 dogs were taken back to their previous home, 248 cats, 71 dogs and 35 small pets found new owners. In addition to cats and dogs, the Tallinn Animal Shelter has provided temporary shelter to 5 rats, 6 turtles, 9 rabbits, 3 guinea pigs, 1 parrots, 1 degus, 1 ferrets, 6 chinchillas, 2 wedding pigeons and 1 rooster. Some of the outdoor enclosures have been used as shelter for injured seagulls and crows, who have flown away on their own once they are well enough. On 3 August, the Tallinn Animal Shelter celebrated its second birthday by organising a family day. Fun activities were organised for children as well as grown-ups. A consultation tent was opened for dog owners and a play area for kids. Performers included the science theatre “Kolm Põrsakest” (Three Little Pigs), dog schools “Kratt” and “Sõprus” (Friendship), and Sirje Vets’ school for dogs. Visitors could also participate in orienteering, try their luck at a prize draw and have a custom T-shirt made with an image of a pet. Singers Liis Lemsalu and Johanna Randmann gave musical performances. Prizes were also given out to the Dog Walker of the Year and winners of the photo contest for animals who found new homes through the shelter. At the end of the celebrations, everyone was treated to a lovely cake.

3.2

Public playgrounds in Tallinn

The Tallinn Environment Department has managed public playgrounds since 2007, when the Tallinn City Government decided to direct tasks of this field to one authority. Since then public playgrounds have been maintained and developed further on a regular basis. In 2018, a number of playgrounds across Tallinn were built or reconstructed. New playgrounds were built in the Haabersti District (Rocca al Mare rannapromenaad 2) and the Mustamäe District (Sõpruse pst 234a). Both playgrounds are meant for children up to the age of 12 years. Lighting was installed to both playgrounds so that they could also be used during dark hours; a fence was placed around the playgrounds as well to prevent children from accidentally running to the road while playing. Table tennis tables were set up at the playground at Sõpruse pst 234a. On 8 June, a family playground, which is the 12th family playground in Tallinn, was opened at the new Lillepi park (Pirita tee 110). This family playground includes four playground areas for different age groups, incl. an area with outdoor training equipment for adults, so as to add new exercise opportunities to the Lillepi park. Nine playgrounds were reconstructed in the districts of Northern Tallinn, Lasnamäe and Mustamäe: Asunduse tn 7h, Sikupilli tn 14a, Punane tn 43c, Raadiku tn 19a, Liikuri tn 68a // Loitsu tn 2a, Kihnu tn 2a // Läänemere tee 1a, Ehitajate tee 74a, Laevastiku tn 1c and Randla tn 16a. During the reconstruction, amortised playground equipment was fully or in part replaced with modern equipment and new activity options were created. For example, the playground at Asunduse tn 7h was expanded to include children up to the age of six, whereas separate play areas were created for older children. The play areas are situated at a short distance from one another to ensure that younger kids would not be tempted to play with devices that exceed their capabilities.

The updating process of the Männipargi family playground was started and an idea contest was organised to develop a new solution for the park. The Männipargi playground, which was created in 2006, was the first family playground in Tallinn. Design and preparatory works of the playground to be built at Tanuma tn 74 in 2019 commenced as well. In order to better organise landscaping and public maintenance works, the development of the maintenance, landscaping and public maintenance works information system was started. City residents, city district officials and the company providing technical maintenance currently exchange topical information through the information system created in 2012 for monitoring and maintaining city playgrounds and dog parks. This information system records all data and actions related to playgrounds; thereby forming a large, comprehensive database that is retained even when officials step down. The information system also allows for the technical maintenance provider to be supervised, as all work segments and scheduled maintenance have to be entered into the information system. In the second half of 2019, the existing information system for monitoring and maintaining city playgrounds and dog parks will be transferred to the new information system as well. This will not bring about a lot of changes in the organisation of playgrounds’ maintenance as the new information system has been developed on the basis of the structure and logic of the information system for playgrounds. Website of public playgrounds tallinn.ee/est/keskkond/manguvaljakud

Sterilisation and castration of animals Tallinn supports the prevention of the birth of unwanted kittens and puppies by using humane and effective means. The best method of prevention is to sterilise or castrate dogs and cats, that are not kept for breeding purposes, prior to handing them over to new owners. As paying for those procedures may be too costly for a new pet owner, the Tallinn Environment Department covers the cost of the operation of a pet given to a new owner from the shelter. In 2018, the Tallinn Environment Department financed the sterilisation and castration of stray cats and dogs caught from the streets of Tallinn with 11 100 euros. In 2018, a total of 29 dogs and 261 cats without owners were sterilised or castrated at the veterinary clinic of the Tallinn Animal Shelter with financing from the city. Website concerning pet-related matters tallinn.ee/lemmikloom

Introduction of stick insect Laura as part of the programme of insect lectures in Tallinn kindergartens

Maintenance

3.3

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

Cemeteries in Tallinn

Matters concerning the cemeteries of Tallinn have varied greatly through time. For centuries, frequent cultural communication with big and influential cities (Tartu, Riga, St Petersburg, etc.) has influenced the cemetery culture and traditions of our city and during recent times, steps have been taken to restore and protect this heritage and place more value on it again. All of Tallinn’s cemeteries are under heritage protection. The work at all seven cemeteries (Metsakalmistu, Pärnamäe, Pirita, Siselinna, Rahumäe, Hiiu-Rahu and Liiva Cemetery; total area 295.3 ha) is currently coordinated by the municipal institution Tallinna Kalmistud (Tallinn Cemeteries), which is managed by the Tallinn Environment Department. Tallinna Kalmistud manages and maintains the cemeteries, provides funeral services for a fee and signs agreements on the use of burial sites. Considering the rapid growth of Tallinn, it is planned to develop cemeteries in a way that helps turn historical cemeteries into an integrated and high-quality urban environment, which offer a sense of discovery to various target groups. In December 2018, the maintenance of the burial site of President Konstantin Päts was completed at Metsakalmistu. In the fall, Konstantin Pätsi Muuseum MTÜ requested support from the Tallinn Environment Board, wishing to organize a worthy celebration of the 145th birthday of Konstantin Päts on 23 February 2019. During the works, the historical limestone wall of the burial site and the damaged limestone tiles of its pavement (a total of 17 m) were replaced with new granite tiles. Also the warped tombstones that had sunk were levelled, and more granite chippings were added to the burial site. New granite tiles are more durable than limestone tiles in Estonian weather conditions, and they fit nicely with the granite stairs, which were set up in 2017, leading to the cenotaph of statesmen. The maintenance works were conducted in cooperation with the Päts family, Tallinn Environment Department, and the Heritage Protection Department of Tallinn Urban Planning Department. The total cost of the works was 9,268 euros, and it was financed by Tallinn Environment Board and carried out by Maatriks-RP OÜ. In 2018, maintenance works were also carried out at the Pirita Cemetery and the Rahumäe Cemetery. In the spring, brushwood was removed from the Pirita Cemetery and the stone wall surrounding it was restored. In the near future, it is planned to also install new gates, which have been restored based on old photographs. On 2 November, provost of Tallinn Jaan Tammsalu and pastor Arho Tuhkru blessed the cemetery. The gate constructions were renovated at the Rahumäe Cemetery: the gate constructions were washed with sodium carbonate, new roofs were installed and joints were filled in. The columbarium project of the Siselinna cemetery was completed. It resolved the matter regarding the deserted cemetery area at the Filtri Road. A currently unused flower shop building is being renovated at the Metsakalmistu Cemetery, so that a flower shop and cafe for holding wakes can be opened there in 2019. The information system of cemeteries, Haudi, has undergone continuous development. In 2017, the information system was interfaced with the SAP accounting software; whereas, in 2018, a new solution was developed to interface the information system with the cash register system CompuCash. Therefore, as of last year, the information system Haudi is no longer just a cemetery register; instead, it also has a accounting software functionality, and soon enough, a cash register function-

ality as well. The SAP interface made the daily work of cemeteries a lot simpler and more convenient. Submitting orders online has also been made significantly easier for clients; a lot of positive feedback has been given in this regard. In 2018, a new solution was developed for the public user environment of Haudi so that all e-services could be easily accessible once logged in on the site. The need for this development became evident from user feedback and suggestions from as many users as possible were taken into account upon implementing the development. The tradition (dating back to 2000) of holding an ecumenical memorial service on All Souls Day for people who do not have family members and whose last resting place is at the Pärnamäe Cemetery columbarium continued in 2018. The memorial service was held on 2 November and it was led by Provost of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Jaan Tammsalu, High Priest of the Orthodox Church of Estonia Aleksander Sarapik, Superintendent of the United Methodist Church in Estonia Robert Tšerenkov, and member of the Union of Free Evangelical and Baptist Churches of Estonia Pastor Erki Tamm.

Satisfaction survey concerning cemeteries in Tallinn The first step on this road was to determine the opinions and expectations of city residents. To this end, the first survey on the topic of cemeteries in Tallinn was conducted in the summer of 2018. The aim of the survey was to gather more information concerning visits to the cemeteries and get an initial overview of city residents’ opinions and expectations in relation to cemeteries and cemetery parks in Tallinn. The survey was carried out over the phone both in Estonian and Russian. The survey included 819 participants (residents of Tallinn), the largest group represented among the participants was people aged 30–44 years. In the framework of the survey, people expressed their opinions of the general management and maintenance of cemeteries. The knowledge level of matters concerning management of cemeteries is average among residents of the capital: 30% have read the rules of using cemeteries, 45% have signed a contract for using a burial site, 57% are aware that it is necessary to get approval from the cemetery prior to conducting construction or landscaping works at a burial site. There is room for improvement concerning sorting greenery and mixed waste generated at cemeteries, as only a little over a third (i.e. 43%) of respondents regularly sorted the waste generated at cemeteries. The survey also showed that city residents wish cemeteries to be valued more in the historic and cultural sense. 79% of respondents considered it important that both active cemeteries and cemetery parks have information boards and signs indicating the history of the cemetery, the significant people buried there, as well as cultural heritage and nature objects at the cemetery. 75% of respondents found it important to take tourist visits into account in the development of historic cemeteries in Tallinn, e.g. the Siselinna Cemetery and the Metsakalmistu Cemetery, of those respondents, 52% were interested in history and local history tours, 29% were interested in nature-themed tours at cemeteries. The latter was in line with the fact that nearly all respondents included the atmosphere of cemeteries – the quiet and calm nature environment – when speaking of positive aspects of cemeteries. Based on the information obtained from the survey, the Tallinn Environment Department will prepare a new development plan for the cemeteries of Tallinn for the period of 2019–2030. This development plan shall take into account the multicultural cemetery heritage of Tallinn in the light of various nationalities

and religious groups, it is planned to include information on this heritage at the cemeteries. You can learn more about this survey on the website uuringud.tallinn.ee/uuring/vaata/2018/Tallinna-kalmistud-2018

Changes in the funeral procedure of persons without family members In 2018, a work field, which had previously been among the tasks of social centres of city districts, was added to the Tallinn Environment Department. Namely, the Tallinn Environment Department now handles matters concerning burial services of city residents without relatives. Unfortunately it is not very rare for people to not have close ones or family (44 people without relatives were buried in 2017) and it is likely that this number is going to increase in the future. In cases like this, it is the duty of the Tallinn Environment Department to organise dignified burials for the departed. If a deceased person does not have any family members or close ones who could bury them, the departed shall be cremated within a year and then buried at the common burial site at the Pärnamäe Cemetery. These departed are of various religions, which is why every year on 2 November, on All Souls Day, an ecumenical memorial service is held for them at the Pärnamäe Cemetery.

Cooperation with international associations of cemeteries In addition to planning the development of Tallinn’s cemeteries and coordination of burial matters, the Tallinn Environment Department also participated actively in the work of international cemetery organisations in 2018. As a member of ASCE (Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe), representatives of Estonia attended two international conferences in 2018. At a conference held in Riga in April 2018, Kalmar Ulm gave a presentation titled “The historical Siselinna Cemetery of Tallinn in the light of developments at the new Metsakalmistu Cemetery in the capital”. Kalmar Ulm from the Tallinn Environment Department, who gave a presentation on the topic “Valuing multicultural cemetery heritage based on the example of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia”, Head of Tallinna Kalmistud Jaak Taevas and Service Manager Lauri Berg participated at a conference held in Innsbruck, Austria, in September. Both conferences had a lot of participants (over 100 delegates attended each conference), experiences, ideas and contacts were exchanged and an overview was given on what has already been accomplished in Europe in the field of developing historical cemeteries and what is planned for the future. The published book (cemeteriesroute.eu/about-cemeteries-route/marketing-materials/new-brochure.aspx), which introduces historic cemeteries of Europe, also includes materials concerning the Tallinn Siselinna Cemetery and the Metsakalmistu Cemetery. The organisation is planning to publish a collection of presentations given at the conference in the near future; information concerning this and an extensive photo gallery can be found on the organisation’s website at significantcemeteries.org Participation in international networks provides valuable knowledge and experience to develop the cemeteries of Tallinn, based on the expectations of both residents and guests of the city, while ensuring modernity and functionality. The website of cemeteries in Tallinn kalmistud.ee/Tallinna-Kalmistud-2

Ecumenical memorial service of All Souls’ Day at Pärnamäe cemetery. Photo: Ele Grauberg

Maintenance

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

4. Waste

Public packaging containers in Tallinn

Waste

4.1

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

Waste management

Waste management is one of the most important functions of a local government and it affects very many people. The city’s most important activities in the organisation of waste management: • improving the sorting at the spot and type-specific handover of waste • development and creation of new civic amenities sites • expanding the network of packaging collection points • increasing the population’s awareness of waste related topics • reducing the generation and hazardousness of waste

packaging waste shall be directed to reuse as packaging or as materials; if that is not possible, the packaging waste shall be burned for energy purposes. During the past year, 20 new packaging collection points were set up in Tallinn, the number of complete packaging collection points increased by 24 collection points. The packaging collection points have been redistributed among reuse organisations, so that more and more new and pleasant looking packaging containers of Tootjavastutusorganisatsioon OÜ are visible in the city. The Tallinn Environment Department is conducting continuous cooperation with city district governments and reuse organisations in order to find suitable locations for packaging collection points and to ensure that all types of packaging can be taken to existing packaging collection points. Another goal for the coming year is to improve the maintenance conditions of packaging collection points: to carry out awareness raising activities and to reorganise the cleanup of packaging collection points so that these public spaces could be cleaned quicker than previously.

sorting of waste. The last great initiative was organised with the help of the Prügihunt mascot (Waste Wolf) in the spring of 2017 and 2018 has been a year of analysis and setting future goals. Topical public communication in the future will focus primarily on families, so that children can be involved in addition to adults. Only time can tell what the next big campaign will be; until then, the Waste Wolf can be seen at various public events. The mascot attended and shared his knowledge at the beach clean-up event “Clean Beach” organised in the framework of the Maintenance Month 2018, Uus Maailm street festival and the Car-Free Day organised during the Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month. Improving the type-specific sorting of municipal waste, and construction and demolition waste will also be continued by setting relevant requirements to detailed plans and construction projects. Website of the field of waste management tallinn.ee/keskkond/jaatmed

4.2 Waste collection stations

Organised waste transport

In 2018, there were four civic amenities sites (CAS) open in Tallinn; Keskkonnateenused MTÜ and one by RAGN-SELLS AS operated three of those (until 30 November 2018). The biggest change in the work of the three CAS (at Pääsküla, Rahumäe and Pärnamäe) was the adoption of an identification module. This module enables to determine whether the client is a resident of the city of Tallinn or of some other local government unit, and to decide whether the waste shall be accepted on preferential conditions or on the basis of the regular price list. In 2018, on the basis of cooperation agreements concluded between the city of Tallinn and rural municipalities, it was possible to hand over waste on preferential conditions, not just for residents of Tallinn, but residents of the rural municipalities of Kiili, Saue, Viimsi, Saku and Rae as well. The adoption of the module has provided a better overview of the types of waste brought to CAS, the volume of waste and number of visitors. In 2019, the further development of work at CAS is to be continued and one of the goals for the new year is to reopen the Paljassaare civic amenities site. The construction works of this CAS began in the second half of 2018. Another big goal is to begin the construction works of a CAS in Mustjõe street located in the Kristiine District (this has been postponed due to court action) and to purchase a mobile collection point for hazardous waste, in order to improve the opportunities of handing over hazardous waste. Additionally, work will continue on reaching the objectives set in the Tallinn Waste Plan for 2017–2021.

At the end of 2018, organised waste transport had been applied in eight waste transport regions – Haabersti, Mustamäe (Kadaka and Siili-Sääse-Szolnoki region), Kristiine, Northern Tallinn (Merimetsa-Kelmiküla-Pelgulinna-Pelguranna-Kopli and Kalamaja-Paljassaare region), Lasnamäe (Laagna-Tondiraba and Priisle-Mustakivi region). The free market of waste transport was operational at the districts of Pirita and Kesklinn, and as of 5 November 2018, at the districts of Nõmme, Lasnamäe and Pae-Ülemiste as well. The free market situation will end on 1 January 2019 at the Pirita District, which is the last city district in Tallinn to adopt the so-called Nordic countries’ model for waste transport. Henceforth, waste management shall be organised on the basis of the currently valid Waste Act: a waste manager and transporter shall be determined by way of a public procurement, however, the Tallinn Waste Centre as the representative of the city of Tallinn and a division of the Tallinn Environment Department is no longer the mediator between the provider of waste transport service and the client.

Network of packaging collection points In 2018, cooperation continued with all three reuse organisations that operate in Estonia and that organise the collection of packaging waste that is not subject to a deposit (Eesti Taaskasutusorganisatsioon MTÜ, OÜ Tootjavastutusorganisatsioon and OÜ Eesti Pakendiringlus). As a result of this cooperation, a public network of packaging collection points has been set up in Tallinn for the residents to use. There are about 320 packaging collection points in Tallinn. A complete packaging collection point includes a paper and cardboard packaging container, glass packaging container and a mixed materials packaging container. The collected

Public communication and increasing waste-related awareness In order to improve waste-related awareness, a theme night “dangerous substances in consumer products” was organised, in cooperation with the Tallinn Central Library, in the framework of the pan-European week of decreasing the generation of waste. At the lecture and workshop organised on 20 November, participants were informed about hazardous substances in consumer products and were given instructions on how to make safer cleaning products from household items. The event was conducted by Kai Klein, an expert of the Baltic Environmental Forum, and it was attended by 27 people. The small waste bins installed at the Tammsaare Park in 2018 as the first waste bins meant for specific types of waste serve the purpose of directing people’s attention to sorting waste. This was the first public space location where such containers were installed; in coming years, similar waste bins are planned to be installed elsewhere as well. Also planned for the new year is an information campaign, the goal of which is to improve people’s awareness and the

Tallinn Waste Centre

2018 was an extremely busy year for the Tallinn Waste Centre. As a division of the Tallinn Environment Department, the Tallinn Waste Centre continued the implementation of the local government centered waste transport model, i.e. the Nordic model. This means that the Waste Centre organised and monitored the work of the waste transporter selected by way of a public procurement conducted by the Tallinn Environment Department, and forwarded information between the company providing the waste transport service and the waste holder. In 2018, provision of waste transport service on the basis of the Nordic model began in the Mustamäe District (from February), Kristiine District (from May) and Haabersti District (from October). Waste trucks that are compliant to the new EURO VI emission standards were also brought in for use in the aforementioned districts. However, setbacks also occurred in 2018. According to a Supreme Court Ruling of 5 November 2018, the waste transport contracts of Nõmme District and Lasnamäe District transport region No. 10, which had been enforced for quite some time, turned out to be void. Therefore, city residents were informed that they have to temporarily find another waste transport service provider pursuant to the free market principle, i.e. pick a company that provides waste transport service on their own. Keeping in mind that both Nõmme and Lasnamäe District used the local government centered waste transport model, which is no longer supported by the Waste Act, public procurements will be carried out under new conditions and, in the future, the Tallinn Waste Centre will no longer act as the mediator between the provider of waste transport service and the client. In development conversations with the state, the city of Tallinn continuously emphasises that the right of implementing the previously allowed, functional waste transport model should be restored. Experience of other EU Member States has shown that implementation of waste hierarchy principles and creating a waste management system on the basis thereof depends directly on the local government’s ability to organise waste maintenance on the local level.

A local government centered waste transport model is necessary as it: • allows to provide a uniform waste transport service across the city – city residents have one client service centre to turn to, the same prices and quality of customer service apply in all regions; • allows the price of the waste transport service to be influenced by type of waste, so the payment for the collection of waste sorted into various types is smaller than that for emptying out a mixed municipal waste container; • allows the local government to conduct improved monitoring – the city has relevant, up-to-date information on the operation of waste transport and its clients; • allows the provision of additional services, i.e. improvement of waste management service; • also allows small and medium-sized companies, that have the capacity and authorisation to transport waste, but do not have a functional client service and invoicing system yet, to enter the market; • allows for improved achievement of waste-related strategic goals. As of January 2019, the local government centered model will be implemented in Pirita District; preparations for this were made already in 2018. Website of the Tallinn Waste Centre prugi.ee

Environmental awareness

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

5. Environmental awareness

The international Baltic Sea camp on the island of BengstĂĽr. Photo: Auli Relve

Environmental awareness

5.1

Campaign of the Maintenance Month

The 27th Maintenance Month took place from 16 April to 13 May 2018, the main focus was directed primarily at increasing the environmental awareness of the residents of the city. The annual slogan of the Maintenance Month is “Let’s make the city shine!”, various clean-up events and activities, which have gained popularity over the years, are organised, as well as collection of hazardous waste. A total of 1,331.64 tonnes of waste were collected and handed over during the Maintenance Month of 2018. Information lessons on various relevant topics and educational activities were organised for children and adolescents. The opening event of the springtime Maintenance Month was organised by the Tallinn Environment Department, in cooperation with the Kristiine City District Government, at the Tondimõisa Park; nearly 100 employees of city authorities attended, incl. members of the City Government and volunteers. A total of 2.8 tonnes of garden and landscaping waste was collected during the event. The beach clean-up event “Clean Beach” and information event of the “BLASTIC – plastic waste pathways into the Baltic Sea” took place in Northern Tallinn at the Stroomi beach on 5 May. The event was organised in cooperation with the cities of Helsinki, Turku and St Petersburg, which also organised their own clean-up events in support of the Baltic Sea initiative. The beach clean-up event was held in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia and participants even formed a symbol of “100” on the beach to mark the occasion. A great number of active city residents took part in the event, incl. students, pensioners, employees of the Tallinn Environment Department and the City Government. More than 500 volunteers collected a total of about 30 tonnes of garden and landscaping waste and mixed municipal waste. Participants were given small thank you gifts. Musical performances were given by the band Apelsin and the event was hosted by Reigo Ahven and Natasha Bychkova. During the Maintenance Month, various works were carried out in city districts, incl. cleaning up roads and parklands, planting trees and flowers. A total of 155 different clean-up events were organised and 6,000 volunteers took part in those events. City residents, non-profit organisations, apartment associations, students, youth organisations, pensioners, companies and many more were involved in the clean-up events.In terms of waste management, the most important events were held during 29–30 April and 6–7 May, when the Tallinn Environment Department commissioned Ragn-Sells AS to carry out hazardous waste collection events. Additionally, maintenance themed (on the topics of waste, landscaping, playgrounds) information lessons were organised in various city districts, during which specialists of the Tallinn Environment Department shared their knowledge and gave out information materials. Over 200 people took part in those information lessons. In cooperation with city district governments and the Tallinn Municipal Police Department, courses for representatives of apartment associations were organised in four city districts on the topic of pet-keeping requirements. Those interested were handed out information materials “Pet owner’s ABC”, which introduce national legislation regarding pet-keeping and the additional requirements enforced in Tallinn. Representatives of apartment associations were informed of the discount campaigns of pet microchipping and registration taking place during the Maintenance Month. During the Earth Day on 20 April, kindergarten children in

Tallinn Environment Department 2018 Tallinn planted a hundred trees on the territory of the Tallinn Zoo to symbolize the 100th anniversary of primary education. The following five kindergartens were involved in the waste-themed educational project “We Know, See and Do!”: kindergartens of Helen, Kullerkupp, Luha, Pelguranna and Kikka. Lessons on the topic of waste were organised at kindergartens with the help of the Waste Wolf; the main focus of these lessons was on marine waste. Clean-up events were also held around education establishments. The Tallinn Environment Department updated the Estonian, Russian and English versions of the information booklet “Maintenance ABC”, which contains information on the maintenance of the city. The booklet provides instructions on how to clean up the surroundings of your home, and includes information on the use and maintenance of the city’s green areas, playgrounds, dog parks, cemeteries and other facilities of the city. Additionally, the booklet includes information on where to turn to with questions on the maintenance of the city. The final event of the Maintenance Month was held at the Police Garden Park on 12 May. The most active clean-up participants were recognised and an archery tournament was held. Website of the Maintenance Month tallinn.ee/heakorrakuu

5.2

Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month

For the seventh year in a row, the Tallinn Environment Department, in cooperation with other city authorities, carried out the campaign “Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month”. The aim of the campaign is to improve the city residents’ environmental and traffic knowledge and to encourage the use of environmentally friendly modes of transport (getting around on foot, by bike and by public transport). During September 2018, over 60 events tied to the campaign were organised in Tallinn, a lot of those events also linked the environment and traffic topic to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. The Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month began on 1 September along with the Uus Maailm street festival, during which driving motor vehicles was limited on the streets of Uus Maailm and people were given an overview of the aims and activities of the Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month. The activities of the street festival also included presentations by the Waste Wolf who taught both children and adults how to properly sort waste. The mascot Snupsi visited ten kindergartens in the city centre of Tallinn during 13–22 September and taught kids about environmentally friendly modes of transport and mobility. A total of 750 children in the kindergartens of the city centre of Tallinn met Snupsi. The highest number of participants attended the Tallinn Marathon and Autumn Race, which were held during 7–9 September 2018 and brought together a record number of 23,940 runners. No other sports event in Estonian history has attracted so many participants. European Mobility Week took place during 16–22 September and its theme for this year was “Mix and Move”. The aim of the Mobility Week was to encourage people to try out modes of transport that they do not normally use. In the framework of the European Mobility Week, the Tallinn Environment

Department organised an educational hike to Astangu on 21 September; 34 people took part in the hike. The most important event of the Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month was the Car-Free Day organised on 22 September. A lot of events were organised in the city centre during the Car-Free Day. The largest of those was the “Estonian Health Fair – Move!”, which was held for the first time and took place on the Freedom Square and on Kaarli Boulevard. Limitations were set on the use of motor vehicles on that day; changes were made in the public transport organisation in Tallinn and Harju County as well. The “Estonian Health Fair – Move!” also included an education programme on the stage and introduction of various modes of transport and mobility. Additionally, information was provided on healthy eating, those interested could check their health indicators (there was a mammography bus present); healthy food was served on the spot and sold to go as well. Several authorities of the city of Tallinn had also set up a tent. Activities of the Health Fair took place at thematic areas and stages. On the stage of the CarFree Day organized by Tallinn Environment Department as well as the stage “Healthy Life Years”, which was set up by Tallinn Social Welfare and Health Care Department for the purpose of general public education, visitors could take in interesting lectures and training courses. A separate area for hobby sports and fitness “Mens sana in corpore sano” (A healthy mind in a healthy body) was set up on Kaarli Boulevard in collaboration with the Tallinn Sports and Youth Department, introducing dozens of sports as well as training and fitness opportunities, providing opportunities to ask specialists for advice as well as meet famous athletes. The traditional public transport orienteering competition, organised by the Tallinn Transport Department, started in front of the Car-Free Day stage. During the race, the participants had to cover as many checkpoints as they could within two hours, using public transport to do so at any opportunity. Over 500 orienteering fans took part in the competition. In the framework of the Estonian Health Fair and the CarFree Day, the 8th and last competition of the FitGames series took place on the Freedom Square. Those interested in hiking, could take part in interesting tours: a bike trip “City centre neighbourhoods” and a regular walking tour “Architectural pearls of the Tõnismäe neighbourhood” were organised. Both tours were carried out in Estonian and Russian and were free of charge. The first “Health Achievement of the Year” awards were given out during the 2018 Car-Free Day. These awards were given to 13 activities that were, according to professional associations and organisations in the field of health, worthy of public recognition and praise. As one of the goals of the Car-Free Day is to increase environmental awareness and to encourage environmentally friendly lifestyles (riding a bike, getting around on foot and using public transport), the Tallinn City Government made public transport free for everyone on the Care-Free Day. Collecting waste by type at the Health Fair also served the goal of increasing environmental awareness. During the entire campaign, the activities and topics of the Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month were covered by various media channels in Estonian as well as Russian and on the website of the Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month. Additionally, information booklets of the Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month were compiled and printed to notify the residents of the city, as were flyers of the mascot Snupsiand of the Car-Free Day.

5.3

Website of the Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month tallinn.ee/liikumiskuu

Raising environmental awareness In terms of environmental education activities, 2018 was diverse, offering new activities to target groups of different ages and interests. During the first half year, representatives of the Tallinn Environment Department participated in the working group “Environmental awareness in society” in the framework of the national environmental education and awareness action plan for 2019–2022, whereas in the fall, they took part in a forum organised for updating environmental campaigns “Candle hunt” and “Battery hunt”. Representatives of the Tallinn Environment Department gave presentations at the Baltic Sea Days in St. Petersburg. During the past year, six meetings of the environmental education working group were held, incl. study visits to environmental education centres in St. Petersburg and Pärnu. In order to diversify environmental education opportunities, Pirita-Kose environmental education classroom, which is an expansion of the Lehola Environmental Education Centre created at the Lehola kindergarten, was opened in 2018. The study room offers exciting programmes for kindergarten and primary school children.

Conference of environmental education On 25 September, for the eighth time, the environmental education conference “Healthy study environment, heathy future” intended for the heads of Tallinn kindergartens and schools was organised in cooperation with Tallinn Environment Department and Tallinn Education Department. Participants were given an overview of studies about children’s and adolescents’ health behaviour, as well as recommendations on how to reach an environment that supports health and well-being, and how to integrate the topics of health and environment into the learning process. Also provided were recommendations on how to make movement a natural part of the school day by incorporating active lessons, breaks and journey to school; information was provided on how to reduce children’s contact with electromagnetic fields. Great methods for improving the learning environment and raising health awareness were shared by specialists from the National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu, Ministry of the Environment, WHO Network of Healthy Cities, the Copenhagen Eco House, Tallinn Education Department and Tallinn Environment Department. The conference was followed by a tour of TalTech Innovation an Entrepreneurship Centre – Mektory laboratories. The conference participants included 104 heads of educational institutions and environmental education centre employees from Tallinn. The conference was led by Hannes Hermaküla.

Training events for teachers Two teacher training courses were organised in 2018 as a continuation of the nature and environment courses launched in 2017 and meant for school teachers in Tallinn. On 24 April, 26 teachers attended a bird study day at the Silma workshop and Nõva landscape conservation area. During the training event, participants were provided information on the birds’ migration and biology; new methodological options were introduced

Environmental awareness for teaching kids about birds, incl. e-solutions; bird counting principles were introduced as well and teachers learned how to identify common bird species linked to the sea and coastal meadows. The activities were guided by Marko Valker. On the Day of Restoration of Independence, 20 August, 21 teachers of natural science took part in a seal-themed course on Malusi islands. During the tour, participants learned more about the seals’ biology, way of life, seasonal rhythms, need and modes of protection, and their role in the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. The study day was led by Mart Jüssi. Both training events were organised in cooperation of the Tallinn Environment Department and the Tallinn Teachers’ House.

Study programmes and camps supporting formal education During the season, from 1 May to 30 September, 1,340 students and teachers took part in the study programmes of Aegna Nature House or camps organised therein. The most popular of the study programmes were “The forest and the sea” (ordered 14 times) and “Orienteering in the landscape of Aegna island” (ordered 10 times). The Aegna Nature House complex was completed ten years ago. Study activities at the house began in 2009 and have been organised on the basis of similar principles ever since. At the end of the year, compilation of the development strategy for Aegna Nature House for 2019–2022 was initiated in regard to establishing new goals. The strategy is expected to be completed by June 2019. In November, the Tallinn Environment Department commissioned ten workshops on the topics of biology and protection of fish of the Baltic Sea, which were organised in November and led by teachers from the MTÜ Nõmme Loodusmaja (Nõmme Nature House). The workshops were attended by 220 7-graders from general education schools in Tallinn. There workshops are intended to support the national curriculum of general education schools in Tallinn, by providing students, in addition to theoretical knowledge, also with an opportunity to actively participate in identifying, measuring, weighing and dissecting fish. During 16–21 July, the international Baltic Sea camp took place on the island of Bengstår already for the fourth time. The camp welcomed over 30 participants from Finland, Estonia and Russia; camp activities were focused on introducing the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. With support from the Tallinn Environment Department. five students and one teacher from Tallinn attended the camp. The camp programme included both theoretical workshops and more hands-on activities. Camp instructors, who were all biologists, introduced plant and animal species of the Baltic Sea, taught fishing with a hand net, as well as how to identify caught species and introduced their systematics. Also discussed were factors that decrease biodiversity in the Baltic Sea, such as invasive species, environmental pollution and over-consumption of populations. There was an excursion day organised as well, during which participants visited the Tvärminne base owned by the University of Helsinki. Participants were most delighted by exciting experiences such as a canoe trip and snorkelling.

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

Activities of Eco-Schools By the end of 2018, 59 schools and kindergartens in Tallinn have joined the international Eco-schools programme, which was launched in the fall of 2016 in support of sustainable development. Another 11 educational institutions joined the programme in 2018. As of September, the programme became nationwide in Estonia and it currently has 111 participating educational institutions. The aim of the Eco-Schools programme is to guide all participating educational institutions to promote sustainable development through environmental education in their daily work. In the fall of 2018, HundrED named the international Eco-Schools programme as one of the 100 most influential innovations in education. The programme was also chosen among the worlds’ ten best educational innovators that support sustainable development. There were a total of eight seminars held in 2018, where coordinators of educational institutions in Tallinn learned how to identify leafless trees and shrubs, were taught about biodiversity and identifying bird species, mobility, transport, climate change and resource-saving way of thinking. An outdoor study seminar was held at Keila-Joa on 8 May, during which participants got to know more about flowering herbaceous plants. At the seminars, participants also shared their experiences and introduced nuances concerning environment monitoring and submission of applications. Schools that displayed improvement of environmental awareness are given the eco label “Green Flag”. Eco labels were awarded to educational institutions in Tallinn at a formal ceremony held at the Teachers’ House on 5 June. Also acknowledged were the 19 educational institutions that received the Green Flag last year and had now submitted an interim report. The programme is led by the Danish organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). In Estonia, the programme is led by the Estonian Society for Nature Conservation, who has signed a contract with MTÜ Koolitus- ja Nõustamiskeskus HARED (Centre for Training and Development) for organising programme events. Participation in the programme is supported by the Foundation Environmental Investments Centre, the Tallinn Environment Department, the Tallinn Education Department and the Pärnu City Government. Website of the Green School programme tallinn.ee/est/Roheline-kool-3

Educational hikes, theme days This year the European Day of Parks, held on 24 May, focused on cultural heritage. In cooperation of the Tallinn Environment Department, Tallinn University and the Estonian Landscape Architects’ Union, a seminar titled “Natural heritage in cultural heritage” was held on 24 May in the framework of the European Day of Parks. The seminar was meant for specialists of local governments, as well as landscape architects, architects, planners, gardeners and other specialists in the field of environment. The aim of the seminar was to expand the participants’ world view so that they could better understand the importance of natural heritage in addition to our cultural heritage. Participants gained new knowledge on how to notice natural and cultural heritage in the environment around us and how to conserve and highlight those values. Inspired by the diverse nature and abundance of parks in Tallinn, nature lovers were able to take part in two free hikes, which were also organised to celebrate the Day of Parks. The central idea of the Day of Parks, which was first celebrated

last year, is to introduce, in the form of hikes, the values of urban nature and to encourage people to learn more about the nature in their neighbourhood independently. The hikes were organised at the Merimetsa Nature Conserve and the Tallinn Botanic Garden. At Merimetsa, Timo Kark gave an overview of the creation of the conserve, the values and everyman’s right thereof. 25 people participated in the hike. 26 people took part in the “Botanic Garden as a landscape park” hike organised at the Tallinn Botanic Garden. Dendrologist Olev Abner introduced the dendropark as a subtype of park, as well as the principles and plant systematics thereof. In the framework of the international programme of the FEE “Blue Flag”, those interested got a chance to take part in an evening hike organised in Tallinn at the Paljassaare Special Conservation Area on 13 June. The focus was on observing bird species nesting on the coastal area. The hike was led by Meelis Uustalu from the Tallinn Bird Club. Thematic excursions to the Aegna island were organised for the fifth year now in the framework of the Tallinn Maritime Days. A total of 78 people (45 people participated in trips organised in Estonian and 33 people chose trips in Russian) took part in trips organised to the Aegna island on 14 and 15 July in order to introduce the nature and cultural heritage on the island. A free Christmas hike was organised at the Pääsküla Bog on 15 December, which was led by well-known hike instructors Levo Tohva (in Russian) and Merike Dadelov (in Estonian). 33 nature lovers took part in the 3 km hike, 14 of them attended the hike held in Estonian. The Christmas hike was part of “Compass of urban nature” – a series of hikes introducing urban nature. The series will continue with interesting hikes in 2019 as well. Website of the field of environmental education tallinn.ee/keskkond/keskkonnaharidus1

Grants for non-profit environmental activities

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MTÜ Koolitus- ja Nõustamiskeskus HARED (Centre for Training and Development), outdoor study days of environmental education for kindergarten and primary school teachers. Three study days were organised during which teachers were taken to parks in the Old Town, the Pirita landscape conservation area, as well as the special conservation areas of Hundikuristiku, Suhkrumäe and Paljassaare. All study trips included observations, learning about species, games and other similar activities were also organised. Over 20 people took part in each study day. MTÜ Tallinna Mesinike Selts (Tallinn Beekeepers Society), beekeeping education for kindergartens in Tallinn. The goal was to bring nature and bees closer to children by using suitable learning materials. 13 educational institutions were visited and children were taught about the necessity of bees. Five new beehives were added to the city space in Kadriorg Park, three on the roof of the University of Tallinn and two on the roof of the Valdeku Gym. MTÜ Tallinna Linnuklubi (Tallinn Bird Club), Nature Conservation Month and study trip. On 21 May, a study day was held at the Estonian Open Air Museum, during which students participated in a competition that tested their knowledge of nature. The range of tasks was wide – from birds to renewable energy. The project had 45 nature-loving participants who were all awarded a study trip to the Lahemaa National Park. MTÜ Tallinna Looduskaitse Selts (Tallinn Nature Conservation Society), nature and environmental education events for students of schools in Tallinn. Environmental education and nature conservation related events were organised for students of schools in Tallinn as well as for other city residents. The project ends in 2019.

Website for the support of non-profit activities in Tallinn tallinn.ee/est/mittetulundus

The aim of providing grants is to support the initiatives, joint activities and continuous development of city residents and organisations, in accordance with the sectoral priorities of city authorities. The provision of support is regulated by Regulation No. 25 of the Tallinn City Council of 3 November 2016 “Procedure for granting support to non-profit activities” (riigiteataja. ee/akt/428042017044). In 2018, the Tallinn Environment Department granted support to the following applications: • MTÜ Loodusring, bird song mornings for students of schools in Tallinn. In the framework of the support, 610 students from 26 grades and 42 children from three kindergarten groups took part in the bird song mornings. • MTÜ Lasnaidee, community garden at Lasnamäe. Six workshop-cleanup events were organised with a total of about 400 participants. Laagna community garden was created, where a network of around 50 urban gardeners is currently operating. • MTÜ Ökotark, reporting on environmental topics at the environment portal Bioneer.ee. The aim of the project was to increase the awareness of Estonian-speaking internet users of the environmental situation, problems, protection and solutions in Tallinn. The project ends in 2019.

Environmental awareness

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

A study trip to Astangu was organised as part of the European Mobility Week and the Environmentally Friendly Mobility Month

Environmental awareness

5.4

Environmental projects of the European Union

“Roadmaps for Energy” project The project “Roadmaps for Energy” (R4E), funded by the European Commission’s “Horizon 2020” programme, was completed in February 2018. The objective of the project was to create an innovative energy strategy for Tallinn, focusing on two important fields in the city – smart mobility and smart buildings. By now, energy roadmaps have been prepared for both fields and Estonian versions of the roadmaps were printed in January 2018. Each of the roadmaps includes a vision for 2050, an action plan and related schedule as well as methods on how to achieve the desired future scenario. Future visions for Tallinn have been worded as follows: • smart mobility will enable an enjoyable living environment in Tallinn 2050; • smart buildings and smart people in energy-neutral Tallinn 2050. The lead partner of the project was the local government of Eindhoven (the Netherlands). Other partners were Tallinn, the local government of Forli (Italy), city government of Istanbul (Turkey), Newcastle city government (Great Britain), Murcia city government (Spain), Palermo local government (Italy), Sant Cugat Del Vallés city government (Spain), Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands), Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Spain). The project took place from 1 March 2015 to 28 February 2018. The project’s website tallinn.ee/Energia-teekaardid-R4E

The project “NATTOURS – Sustainable urban nature routes using new IT solutions” A 3-year project titled NATTOURS, the objective of which was to promote nature tourism in Tallinn and Helsinki, and to increase the awareness of local residents and tourists about Tallinn’s natural heritage, was completed in October 2018. To achieve this, infrastructure that promotes nature observations was built and a central web portal “Compass of urban nature” shared by both cities was created at citynature.eu. At the end of 2016, a 50m-long boardwalk with benches was established in Tammesalu, a stand of trees in Kadriorg Park. A year later, a boardwalk was installed at the Paljassaare bird sanctuary, which helps keep visitors on the designated paths and reduce trampling of sensitive areas. Information boards were installed along both boardwalks, displaying explanations and descriptions regarding the natural values in the vicinity. At the start of 2018, a bird observation tower was set up by the Rocca al Mare pedestrian and cycle path, along with information boards introducing the biota of the region. A number of studies were carried out during the project,

Tallinn Environment Department 2018 which were coordinated by SEI Tallinn (Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn Centre): Studies concerning natural values of green areas that are important to Tallinn and evaluation study of ecosystem services. A visitation study of nature trails was also completed, which showed that in comparison with the start of the project, people’s interest in visiting nature areas for the purposes of birdwatching has increased. Satisfaction with maintenance of nature areas has also improved, which is clearly linked to the development of visitation infrastructure in the framework of the project. The number of visitors to nature areas has increased during the project. To more effectively market the natural heritage of Tallinn and of the project partner Helsinki, a joint multilingual website citynature.eu was set up, with information about the nature areas in the cities. Print materials introducing the website and nature areas were also completed and distributed at Tallinn tourist information centres, at Port of Tallinn, Viking Line ships and elsewhere. The project has received a lot of coverage by mainstream media, e.g. on the “Ringvaade”show on ETV channel, on “Vikerraadio” and “Kuku” radio, and in the travel magazine “Go”. NATTOURS was the first international project in Tallinn City Government in which a city department – the Tallinn Environment Department in this case – was the lead partner. Other project partners were the city of Helsinki and SEI. The project lasted from 1 March 2016 to 31 October 2018. The project’s websites tallinn.ee/NATTOURS citynature.eu

The project “BLASTIC – plastic waste pathways into the Baltic Sea” The biggest polluters of the Baltic Sea are the nearby large cities, which is why it is vital to decrease the generation of litter on land, as that will also result in less litter being released into the sea. Local governments have a big role to play here. The three-year international project BLASTIC, the goal of which was to prevent and reduce the inflow of marine litter (above all, plastic waste) and thereby reduce the harmful effects on the living and nature environment, was completed in 2018. As a result of the BLASTIC project, the amount of litter that enters into the sea from land will decrease, along with the amount of marine litter in the Central Baltic Sea region and throughout the Baltic Sea. The action plan for preventing and reducing the generation of marine litter is the result of cooperation between specialists from SEI Tallinn and the Tallinn Environment Department. Project partners developed guidelines and convenient tools so that every local government linked with the Baltic Sea in any way could compile their own action plan for preventing and reducing the inflow of litter into the sea. On 6 September 2018, a seminar “Clear the sea of plastic!” was held at the Pirita Spa Hotel, focusing on solutions for reducing marine litter in the Baltic Sea and presenting overviews of activities and results of the international project “BLASTIC – plastic waste pathways into the Baltic Sea”. The project was funded by the Central Baltic Programme of the European Commission and due to the importance of the marine litter topic, this project was also one of the key projects of the European Union. Tallinn was a partner of the BLASTIC project. The main partner of the project was Keep Sweden Tidy (Stockholm). In addition to Tallinn, the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL), the Stockholm Environment Institute’s Tallinn centre

(SEI), the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), the Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association, Foundation for Environment Education Latvia and the city of Turku were also participants of the project. The project took place from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018. The project’s website tallinn.ee/BLASTIC

Project “INTHERWASTE – interregional environmental integration of waste management in European heritage cities” As of April 2016, Tallinn has been participating, as a partner, in the “INTHERWASTE – interregional environmental integration of waste management in European heritage cities” project, which is funded by the INTERREG Europe programme. The objective of the project is to exchange experiences, among cultural heritage cities, on the topic of effective and sustainable waste management so that waste management could be made more efficient and modern in Tallinn’s Old Town through policy learning, increasing competencies and drafting an action plan. In the framework of the project, seminars were held in Córdoba Tallinn in 2018. During the meeting held in Córdoba, project partners shared their experiences in minimizing the generation of waste in cultural heritage regions; tours to local waste management facilities were also organised. At a seminar held in Tallinn in November, the preparation of action plans, which are to be completed by March 2019 at the latest, was discussed during workshops. That is when the first and more active stage of the project ends and the action plan that has been compiled will have to be put to work within two years. Visits were also organised to OÜ Humana Sorteerimiskeskus, Pääsküla landfill (closed) and the activities of the Tallinn Waste Centre were introduced to participants. In the framework of compiling an action plan, in 2018, the Tallinn Environment Department visited the Norwegian city of Bergen, where they were shown the local pneumatic waste transport system via pipelines, and the French city of Nice where they were given an overview of the local reuse centre. A pipeline transport system is one of the solutions considered for the Old Town in Tallinn. In regard to analysing the feasibility of this option, AS Maves conducted a feasibility and cost-benefit analysis of a waste pipeline transport system in the Old Town of Tallinn in 2018. Results of the report shall be disclosed at the beginning of 2019. The lead partner of the project is SADECO – Saneamientos de Córdoba (Spain). In addition to the Tallinn Environment Department, other partners of the project are Kraków (Poland), Eivissa (Ibiza island in Spain), Porto (Portugal) and ACR+ (Belgium). The project lasts from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2021.

The project “HEAWATER – Achieving healthier water quality in urban small rivers of the Baltic Sea catchment by restoration of water bodies and preventing of nutrients and hazardous substances inflow from watershed” The project “HEAWATER – Achieving healthier water quality in urban small rivers of the Baltic Sea catchment by restoration of water bodies and preventing of nutrients and hazardous substances inflow from watershed”, which was launched in March 2018 and funded from the Central Baltic Programme of the European Regional Development Fund, aims to improve the quality of the water in the urban rivers flowing into the Baltic Sea in order to also improve the state of the Baltic Sea. In addition, efforts are being made to raise awareness of urban rivers as landmarks that diversify the urban environment. It shall be studied, during the project, what kind of technological solutions are best suited for achieving healthier water quality in urban rivers, a solution shall be selected, which will be tested on an Estonian, Swedish and Finnish river, and the technological solution shall be implemented. Based on previous studies and monitoring, the main problems in pilot rivers have been identified. Water quality monitoring after implementing the measure for achieving healthier water quality, along with revenue and cost analysis, shows that the measure is effective. The intention is to conduct a survey to explore how city residents feel about achieving a better quality of water in urban rivers. The pilot river of the project in Tallinn is the Mustjõgi River, the water quality of which affects the Kopli Bay, incl. Stroomi Beach. Mustjõgi River is one of the 16 watercourses that start in Tallinn and flow through the city. Right now, only a small part of the river flows in a natural river bed. More than half of the river’s catchment area is covered with hard surface, which is why a lot of polluted rainwater reaches the Mustjõgi River from the rainwater sewerage system. Technical solutions that would decrease the erosions of the river banks and would reduce the concentration of phosphorus in the water are considered for the project. In 2018, a partnership agreement was signed, preparations were made for the investment, a survey among the urban residents was opened. HEAWATER is an external project, in which an institution of the city of Tallinn – the Tallinn Environment Department – is the lead partner; the other partners are the Finnish Environment Institute, the Turku University of Applied Sciences, the Municipality of Söderhamn and the Tallinn University of Technology. The project lasts from 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2021. The project’s website tallinn.ee/keskkond/HEAWATER

The project’s website tallinn.ee/INTHERWASTE

Tallinn Botanic Garden

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

6. Tallinn Botanic Garden

The front square of Tallinn Botanical Garden. Photo: Marit MĂ¤esaar

Tallinn Botanic Garden

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia Just like the rest of Estonia, the Tallinn Botanic Garden celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. To mark this occasion, the Botanic Garden opened a new outdoor exhibition and set up summer flower beds, inspired by garden landscaping from the 1920s and 1930s, on the front square; 68 species and varieties of plants that had been popular 100 years ago were planted in these flower beds. Furthermore, in spring, the tulip “Estonia”, which had been given as a gift by the Embassy of the Netherlands, was introduced in the circular flower bed of the front square. As the Botanic Garden is located on the farm lands of the first President of the Republic of Estonia, Konstantin Päts, an information board introducing the Kloostrimetsa farm was opened. Smaller boards were used to mark the trees that were planted at that time and still preserved – common beech and apple tree “Korobovka” – and historical photographs were also exhibited in other places related to the farm. During the entire outdoor season, the Botanic Garden took part in national activities concerning the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia: in the framework of the Nature Conservation Month, hikes were organised on the study trail of the Kloostrimetsa Bog on 12 May; Nature Festival events took place during 13–16 June; Estonian Nature Day was celebrated on 18 August; Nature Centres’ Day “Healthy Estonia” was held on 9 September; and a historical hike on the trails of the Estonian garden culture in the 1920s and 1930s took place on 21 September.

Open field activities The new iris, tulip and hyacinth exhibitions were set up on the open-field area. With support from the projects of the Environmental Investments Centre, work continued on adding the endangered plant species and their accompanying species to the artificial habitats created at the Botanical Garden. Work began on replanting plants in the alpine garden to another location as the reconstruction of the alpine garden is planned for the near future. The development of the concept and methodology of a completely new field – flower meadows – for the Botanic Garden was started and the first meadow testing area was set up. Additionally, preparatory works began in regard to the expansion of the Ericaceae section. A large number of perennials was relocated since the limestone wall (dating back to the era of President Päts), which is at the exhibition of tall perennials, was conserved during the long-awaited reconstruction works and a completely new rose garden was built as well. Works began on updating the historic rose beds and preparing the area of park roses for replanting.

Attracting insects to the Botanic Garden The life of plants and insects is closely linked. In May, the insect hotels made by teachers and pupils were placed in the Botanic Garden where insects can hibernate, hide, and breed. In spring, during the beetle-drawing workshops, the participants also got acquainted with live exotic insects. Once again, beekeeping was introduced in the botanic garden: the bees of the Buckfast breed were selected as worker bees. During the Honey Day held in September, those interested could explore the bees, honey, and pollen both with a magnifying glass as

Tallinn Environment Department 2018 well as a microscope, and in addition to the introduction of honey plants, the visitors could also taste the honey from the botanic garden.

History Museum visited one another, thereby diversifying opportunities of cooperation partners to share nature knowledge with students.

Integrated plant protection

Research

In 2018, integrated pest management in the greenhouses of the Botanic Garden was continued on a greater scale than in previous years. The main control methods used were mechanical and biological control methods. In the case of mechanical control methods, agrotechnical methods and extraction were used; biocontrol agents were used as biological control methods. The following species were used as biocontrol agents: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (trade name: CRYPTOBUG) in larva and imago stage against mealybugs; Encarsia formosa and Macrolophus pygmaeus (trade names respectively: EN-STRIP and MIRICAL) against greenhouse whiteflies; Neoseiulus californicus (trade name: SPICAL) to keep red spider mites under control; Amblyseius swirskii (trade name: SWIRSKI-MITE) to combat thrips; and Aphidius colemani (trade name: APHIPAR) to combat aphids.

In 2018, research was continued in the field of biodiversity and its protection. Seeds of protected plant species were collected for collections of plant species under protection in Estonia, established at the Botanic Garden outside of their natural habitats (ex situ), which was previously funded with support from the Environmental Investments Centre. Senior research fellow Ruth Aguraiuja took part, in the framework of international cooperation, in the restoration of populations of extremely endangered fern species on the island of Kauai (USA). 1,874 tussocks of fringed pink (Dianthus superbus), which belongs to protection category II of endangered plant species, were relocated from Loo development area in Harju County. Presentations given by research fellows at the international congress EUROGARD VIII focused on the topic of restoring populations of endangered plant species. Research fellow Mari Tilk defended her doctoral thesis and received a doctorate in philosophy. The herbarium of the Botanic Garden is one of the largest and most important scientific botanical collections in Estonia. It includes nearly 100,000 herbarium specimens: both herbaceous plants and woody plants, mosses, small fungi and lichenized fungi, fruit, cones and wood. In 2018, more than 1,000 additional specimens were added to the moss collection, thereby making it one of the largest and well-structured collections in the herbarium with its 22,000 specimens. 48 new moss species, received as an exchange from Hawaii, were also added to the collection. Commissioned by the Tallinn Municipal Engineering and Services Department, a working group of dendrologists, along with other specialists, began studying the state of urban trees and shrubs in Tallinn and factors affecting it.

Exhibitions and nature education In 2018, 12 exhibitions and thematic days were organised at the Botanic Garden. As usual, the most popular were the “Orchid Days”, organised during 2–11 March and visited by 6,035 people. This year, the exhibition was especially memorable for the extraordinary selection of Cymbidiums, which showcased, among the historic types and hybrids, new and exciting varieties as well. Also popular among the visitors were the Exhibition of Saintpaulias held in May (2,386 visitors) and Rose Days held in July (2,060 visitors). The Botanic Garden took part, in cooperation with the Estonian Healthcare Museum, in an exhibition titled “To live or not to live? Sugar is the question”. In the framework of this exhibition, plants that taste sweet were put on display in the flower bed at the garden of senses of the Botanic Garden. The Botanic Garden is a great venue for art exhibitions as well. At the start of 2018, visitors could see the Estonian Ceramists Association’s annual exhibition titled “Roots”; during the summer season they were treated to an exhibition by ceramics and glass art students of the Estonian Academy of Arts, titled “Between us”. The Botanic Garden organised 92 study days focusing on 15 different topics. The most popular programmes included in the curriculum were “House plants and useful plants” (14 times), “Water and soil” (12 times) and “The world’s terrestrial ecosystems and climate zones” (11 times). The study days had a total of 2,269 participants from general education schools (from 101 classes and 34 schools). Excursions were organised in different languages, in open field settings, in greenhouses and on study trails in nature. In 2018, pupils of the 1st and 2nd school level of general education schools, who take part in the activities of the Botanic Garden’s hobby group “Child of nature”, focused on the Rutaceae (i.e. citrus family) when learning about national plants and plants of the world in the greenhouses. In open field settings, the children learned about poisonous fruits and got a thorough overview of deciduous trees that are native to Estonia. In the spring, nest boxes for birds on the territory of the Botanic Garden were cleaned and children also learned how to sow seeds and prick seedlings. Hobby group members of the Botanic Garden, Tallinn Zoo and the Estonian Natural

Construction It became evident during spring auditing of the palm house that the building had depreciated in the course of its 20 years of existence and was in need of thorough reconstruction. The reconstruction works commenced in the fall. In addition, the historical stone walls of the rose garden and the exhibition of tall perennials were reconstructed, works began on the planning of the water system and the alpine garden, inventory was purchased for the herbarium. Works also included painting the facade of the main building of the Botanic Garden, conducting repair works in the lobby and staircase.

Establishment of a development plan A significant activity for the Botanic Garden in 2018 was the preparation of the action plan for 2019–2030. It was carried out by the Botanic Garden staff, the members of the development plan working group, and the sector-specific expert groups. Five major areas of activity (collections, education, science, visitors, and resources) were determined, along with strategic goals and activities to achieve these goals. As a result of the discussions, larger investment needs for the coming years were presented to the budget strategy of Tallinn in spring. Website of the Tallinn Botanic Garden botaanikaaed.ee/en

Glass art in the greenhouse. Photo: Jaan Mettik

Tallinn Energy Agency

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

7. Tallinn Energy Agency

Solar park of Tallinn Energy Agency

Tallinn Energy Agency

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

Directions

Tallinn Energy Day

The aim of the Tallinn Energy Agency is to carry out the climate and energy policy of the city of Tallinn, including coordinating compliance with the Covenant of Mayor, i.e. monitor energy consumption in the city, provide consultation in the field of efficient use of energy and file corresponding reports. For several years now, Tallinn has aimed for the title of the Green City. To this end, Tallinn has also joined the framework agreements on the environment and climate, such as the Covenant of Mayors and its successor “Mayors Adapt”. On 22 February, a conference was organised in Brussels in honour of the 10th anniversary of the Covenant of Mayors; both the Mayor of Tallinn Taavi Aas and the Head of Tallinn Environment Department Relo Ligi were in attendance. Pille Arjakas participated as a representative of the Energy Agency.

The most important task of the Energy Agency is to increase awareness among consumers. This includes providing consultations to city officials, as well as awareness-raising activities among the community and end consumers. As of 2011, the city of Tallinn has been organising energy days, during which residents of the city are given tips on how to save power in their daily lives and for comprehensive reconstruction of buildings. On 5 October 2018, Tallinn Energy Day seminar “Kütame!” (“Let’s heat!”) was held at the Energy Discovery Centre in cooperation with the Estonian Fairs. The seminar addressed the energy efficiency of heating from several perspectives – from district heating to local heating. New products and heating, cooling, ventilation and energy saving solutions for both private houses and apartments were also introduced. At the event that followed the seminar, the deeds and achievements were announced, which were awarded with the title “Energy Deed of the Year 2018”. As of 2014, the Energy Agency has been participating, as a co-organiser, in the environmental festival Ökomäss (Eco rebellion), the aim of which is to support sustainable living environment and to encourage renovation of architectural heritage. The Energy Agency has also taken part in several larger national events, seminars and conferences by introducing its activities.

Solar power plant As both Tallinn’s Sustainable Energy Sector Action Plan for 2011–2021 (SEAP) and the Covenant of Mayors include the objective of increasing the proportion of sustainable energy in the city, the Energy Agency has prepared a project for setting up solar power plants to buildings in Tallinn during 2019–2020, during which it is planned to establish up to a hundred solar power plants owned by the city. As a pilot project, the Energy Agency built a solar power station on the roof of their own building (at Paldiski mnt 48). Based on one summer alone, it is evident that using solar power in an office building is very beneficial – a significant part of electricity needed in the building is produced on the roof (see Figure 1). 16000

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Main tasks in 2019 The objectives taken from the Covenant of Mayors and “Mayors Adapt” will be compiled into Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAP), prepared on the basis of the Sustainable Energy Sector Action Plan, and into CO2 emission inventory report. The terms of reference of the new, updated action plan have been compiled and will be prepared by the Energy Agency and with the help of the Estonian Environmental Research Centre by the end of 2019. The coordination of the SECAP compilation, the involvement of target groups, and the preparation of the draft action plan make for a key task of the Energy Agency in 2019. Website of the Tallinn Energy Agency tallinn.ee/eng/energyagency

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Total consumption in 2017 (kWh)

Total consumption in 2018 (kWh)

Production of the SP plant (kWh)

Percentage of self-produced power in consumption

Figure 1. Production of the solar power plant at Paldiski mnt 48a in 2018

At the conference of the 10th anniversary of the Covenant of Mayors in the great hall of the European Parliament

Tallinn Environment Department 2018

Kujundus/Layout: AKU Collective OÜ Fotod/Photos: Anne Jaakson, Eesti Messid OÜ, Marit Mäesaar, Siret Kurvet, Tallinna Jäätmekeskuse arhiiv, Tallinna Kalmistute arhiiv, Tallinna Keskkonnaameti arhiiv, Covenant of Mayors Tõlge/Translation: Tiido ja Partnerid Keeleagentuur OÜ

ISSN 2382-8366 Tallinna Keskkonnaamet Tel +372 640 4572 keskkonnaamet@tallinnlv.ee Harju 13, 10130, Tallinn tallinn.ee/est/keskkond