High nature value (HNV) grasslands are permanent grasslands that are characterised by vegetation that is diverse in structure and rich in natural species. They can be semi-natural grasslands or previously arable or improved land that has over time redeveloped its natural biodiversity. High nature value grasslands play a very important role in agriculture and their surrounding landscape. They act as green corridors, offer nesting, feeding and wintering sites for many species, protect soil quality and biodiversity, and host the natural predators of agricultural pests. In addition, these grasslands sequester carbon below ground, supporting soil fertility and alleviating climate change.
High nature value grasslands are being mapped by the Estonian Seminatural Community Conservation Association (ESCCA) in inventories spanning from 2024 to 2027. As a result, a map will be created of permanent grasslands that are eligible for the support scheme for maintaining high nature value grasslands. The areas that have been mapped so far are visible on the "väärtuslikud püsirohumaad" layer on the Agricultural Registers and Information Board (ARIB) map.
The requirements of the support scheme for maintaining HNV grasslands can be found in the following act (in Estonian): „Perioodi 2023–2027 väärtusliku püsirohumaa säilitamise toetus“.
The methodology of the inventory is available in Estonian.
Your information and the form will be directed to the project manager of LIFE-IP ForEst&FarmLand at the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture – Rufus Trepp (Rufus.Trepp@agri.ee, 625 6131).
Your data will be processed by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture according to its privacy policy and for the purpose of carrying out the high nature value grasslands inventory. By submitting the form, you consent to have your personal information processed. Consent can be withdrawn at any moment, however that will not affect the legality of any data processing before the withdrawal.
NB! The grassland being submitted to the inventory must be registered in the Agricultural Registers and Information Board (ARIB) database – it must have a parcel number, and land use must be marked as permanent grassland. You can enter multiple parcel numbers by separating them with a comma. Please check that the parcel numbers are up to date!
