Main policy measures 

1) Increase and structure public domestic biodiversity finance. State-budget based environmental programming: Estonia’s Environmental Strategy 2030 is the overarching framework for environmental sector planning and guides allocation of environmental funds from the state budget (incl. biodiversity measures embedded in sector plans). Earmarked revenue streams (“polluter/pressure pays”) set under the Environmental Charges Act to support environmental protection objectives, forming a stable domestic revenue base that channels environmental charges to biodiversity actions. Dedicated implementing/financing agency  (Environmental Investment Centre) acts as a national granting agency with an annual portfolio ~€150m and includes “climate & biodiversity” as a main funding focus. It finances projects using proceeds from environmental charges, CO₂ quota sales, and EU structural funds. Use of carbon-market revenues (climate–nature synergies) are used to support environmental projects (incl. mechanisms that can co-finance nature-related investments).

2) Biodiversity finance planning and prioritisation. Natura 2000 Prioritised Action Framework (PAF) 2021–2027: Estonia’s PAF is a multiannual planning tool that maps Natura 2000 conservation measures, financing needs and links them to EU funding instruments. It was compiled with key agencies and stakeholders and is used to structure finance needs for implementation. 

3) Mobilise biodiversity-positive finance through EU funds (domestic implementation). CAP Strategic Plan (2023–2027) is a major channel for biodiversity-related spending in agriculture and rural landscapes. Estonia receives ~€3.5bn EU Cohesion Policy funding (2021–2027), part of which can support green transition measures relevant to ecosystems and biodiversity when programmed accordingly. Estonia uses EU instruments (e.g., LIFE) to implement multi-sector programmes where biodiversity is part of adaptation/land-use packages. State Forest Management Centre runs multiple externally funded nature conservation projects, focusing on species protection and habitat restoration—a practical route for turning funds into biodiversity outcomes.

4) Incentives/compensation that function as payments for ecosystem services and cost-sharing. Compensation schemes for private forest owners in Natura 2000 and protected-area zones help internalise conservation restrictions and sustain landowner participation (a PES-like mechanism). Protected natural objects receive land tax relief (no land tax in special protection zones; 50% rate in restricted zones/conservation areas), reducing private costs of conservation-compatible land use. 

5) Leverage private finance and blended approaches. Environment Investment Centre is explicitly positioned as a granting agency for national and EU funds, enabling co-financing structures where private beneficiaries (companies, landowners, municipalities) add own-financing alongside public resources. 

6) Support collective action, awareness and community implementation. Environmental awareness and civil society grants: Environmental Awareness Programme supports learning and activities explicitly covering biodiversity, strengthening bottom-up delivery capacity and societal engagement.

7) Improve effectiveness, efficiency and transparency. Estonia has developed a national methodology and action-oriented framework for assessing the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation measures, supporting better prioritisation and value-for-money in future funding cycles.

8) Estonia’s international finance contribution - domestically decided, internationally delivered. Official Development Assistance (ODA): Estonia’s total ODA in 2023 was reported as USD 109.3m (0.28% of GNI). While not biodiversity-specific, this envelope (plus multilateral channels) is the main route through which Estonia can scale contributions to biodiversity-related international finance, consistent with CBD Article 20 principles.