Interpellation concerning the necessity and timeliness of establishing a general quiet period during the breeding season (No. 804)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-10-13 21:20
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 53
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 30m
AI Summaries: 53/53 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item concerned Inquiry No. 804 submitted by Riigikogu members Züleyxa Izmailova, Tiit Maran, Tanel Kiik, Riina Sikkut, Heljo Pikhof, and Andre Hanimäe to the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, regarding the necessity and timeliness of establishing a general nesting peace. Züleyxa Izmailova, speaking on behalf of the petitioners, emphasized that Estonia's biodiversity indicators are in continuous decline, nearly 30% of species are endangered, and bird populations are decreasing. She referred to a 2022 study, according to which 93% of people support the establishment of nesting peace in both private and state forests. Izmailova criticized the fact that Estonia lacks a binding and universal nesting peace, and the recommended restrictions by RMK (State Forest Management Centre) are insufficient, especially on private lands.
Minister Andres Sutt responded that the Ministry of Climate is awaiting the Supreme Court's decision concerning the legal dispute between OÜ Voore Mets and AS Lemeks Põlva and the Environmental Board, which relates to the intentional disturbance of birds during the nesting period. Until then, the current practice will continue. Sutt noted that RMK implements a voluntary logging truce (in recent years, until June 30) in state forests, which covers about half of the forest land. He stressed that the associated socio-economic impact must be considered when establishing a general nesting peace. Sutt explained that the Environmental Board uses a breeding bird population density matrix for risk-based supervision, which has helped direct control to areas of greater impact. During the debate, Izmailova criticized the minister's answers as vague and non-committal, accusing the government of ignoring nature conservation issues. Minister Sutt rejected the accusations, highlighting that 18–19% of forests in Estonia are under strict protection, which is significantly more than in neighboring countries.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Most Active Speaker
Züleyxa Izmailova was the most active speaker, submitting a formal query, asking a clarifying question, and delivering both a critical speech and a subsequent rejoinder during the debate. Her position is listed as other (opposition).
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi introduced the sixth item on the Riigikogu agenda: Interpellation No. 804, submitted by several members of parliament to the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, regarding the necessity of establishing a general ban on disturbance during the nesting season (or 'breeding peace'). Following this, he gave the floor to the submitter of the interpellation, Züleyxa Izmailova.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the sixth item on the agenda concerns Interpellation No. 804, submitted by Riigikogu members Züleyxa Izmailova, Tiit Maran, Tanel Kiik, Riina Sikkut, Heljo Pikhof, and Andre Hanimägi to the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, regarding the necessity and timeliness of establishing a general breeding season truce. He then asked the questioner, Züleyxa Izmailova, to approach the podium.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova is raising an interpellation concerning the urgent need to establish a universal and binding nesting moratorium in Estonia. This measure is intended to halt the decline in biodiversity and protect birds from logging and maintenance operations. She stresses that despite the strong support from 93% of the public and conservation organizations, no such regulation has been implemented. Consequently, the current recommendations issued by RMK (State Forest Management Centre) are inadequate, and recent political decisions have further exacerbated the situation, leading to the submission of questions to the Minister.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova is presenting the query submitted to the minister regarding the pressing need to establish a binding and universal seasonal truce for nesting in Estonia. This measure is intended to protect birds and animals with dwindling populations from felling and maintenance activities. She stressed that despite overwhelming support—93% of the public and nature conservation organizations—the government has failed to implement clear regulations, and recent actions have only further weakened biodiversity protection.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave thanks and invited Andres Sutt, the Minister of Energy and Environment, to the Riigikogu podium to answer the questions submitted by the interpellators.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the previous speaker and invited Andres Sutt, the Minister of Energy and the Environment, to the Riigikogu rostrum so that he could answer the questions posed by the interpellators.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the previous speaker and invited Andres Sutt, the Minister of Energy and Environment, to the Riigikogu podium to answer the questions posed by the questioners.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt clarified the Ministry of Climate’s stance on implementing a general nesting moratorium, noting that the ministry will await the Supreme Court's ruling concerning the intentional disturbance of birds during the breeding season before considering binding legislative amendments. Until then, the current practice will continue, under which the State Forest Management Centre (RMK) implements a voluntary logging moratorium in state forests, and the Environmental Board conducts risk-based supervision to ensure the effective protection of birds, while simultaneously taking into account the socio-economic impact of the forestry sector.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt confirmed that the Ministry of Climate considers the protection of nesting birds important, but regarding the establishment of a general binding logging moratorium, they are awaiting the Supreme Court's ruling, which will provide clarity on the interpretation of the current legal framework and necessary changes in practice. He noted that a voluntary logging moratorium is currently already in effect on half of the state forest land, and the Environmental Board conducts risk-based supervision, halting logging operations via mandatory injunctions where a risk of disturbing birds is identified.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked those present, announced the list of people scheduled to question the experts, and asked Tiit Maran to be the first to start the Q&A session.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran draws attention to the fact that modern forestry (harvesters) has created an issue regarding the nesting peace of birds, a problem that was unknown in previous centuries. He emphasizes that, according to the European Court of Justice ruling, bird protection must be guaranteed everywhere, not just within protected areas. He contrasts this position with the proposal made by the Estonian Employers' Confederation to limit nesting quiet solely to protected areas. He then asks the minister whether the latter will send a clear message to the Confederation should the Supreme Court confirm this universal protection obligation.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran expresses surprise at how the arrival of modern forestry (harvesters) created a problem regarding the peace of birds' nesting, a problem that did not exist before. He emphasizes, in light of the European Court of Justice ruling, the necessity of ensuring bird protection everywhere, not just in protected areas, and asks the minister whether he will convey this position directly to the central union of employers, which has proposed a limited protected area solution.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, confirms that while uncertainty persists in interpreting the European Court of Justice ruling, the ministry will await the Supreme Court's position. Following this, a thorough analysis will be conducted, and if necessary, amendments to the law will be introduced, emphasizing that they will not act in contravention of the Supreme Court's decision.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environmental Affairs Andres Sutt confirms that while the principle of bird protection is clear, the ministry is awaiting the Supreme Court's position due to varying interpretations of the European Court of Justice's ruling. Based on this position, the ministry will conduct an analysis and implement the necessary legislative amendments to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court's decision.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi limited himself to a brief word of thanks.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi briefly yielded the floor to Helmen Kütt, asking her to proceed with her address.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt, a bird enthusiast who has noted a worrying decline in the population of small forest birds, is requesting clarification from the minister regarding the state-commissioned bird population analyses. She specifically wants to know if these studies are conducted annually and what methodology they employ, as this field is new to her.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt, who admits unfamiliarity with the field but notes worriedly, as a bird lover, the decrease in the number of small forest birds, asks the minister for clarification regarding the frequency, basis, and execution of analyses commissioned by the state, also referring to the information presented by the questioners and the assessments of the European Environment Agency.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, explained that the long-term decline in forest bird populations since the 1980s is a fact caused by several factors besides forest management, and stressed that although the protection of birds and ensuring tranquility during the nesting season are important to the ministry, they are awaiting the Supreme Court's decision before changing rules and practices.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, stressed that the long-term decline in forest bird populations, which began as early as the 1980s, is attributable to several factors beyond forest management—such as climate and small predators. He simultaneously affirmed the importance of protecting birds and ensuring nesting peace, adding that the necessity of changing rules and practices will begin to be assessed once the Supreme Court’s decision is finalized.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Züleyxa Izmailova to the podium, granting her the floor.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova reminds the minister of the government's previous commitment to map a comprehensive nationwide green network across Estonia, involving local communities and halting the decline in biodiversity indicators. She then asks the minister for an update on the progress of the green network mapping and when a concrete implementation action plan is expected.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova reminds the government of their post-election promise to map a comprehensive green network across Estonia, involving private forest owners and local communities. She demands to know the current status of this work and when a concrete action plan will be presented to fulfill the promises regarding biodiversity restoration.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, emphasized that the ministry is dedicated to the topics of biodiversity and nature conservation, organizing activities through the Environmental Investments Centre and valuing these topics, which are a constant point of seeking balance in society; he also promised to continue with studies and policy changes, and referred to upcoming discussions regarding the Forest Act and the Nature Conservation Act.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stressed that nature conservation issues have not been sidelined by the ministry. Rather, continuous efforts are being made to protect biodiversity, studies are being carried out, and a societal balance is being sought. He affirmed the ministry's ongoing dedication to these matters and pointed to forthcoming debates in the Riigikogu regarding the Forest Act, the Forestry Development Plan, and the Nature Conservation Act.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi introduced the next speaker, Jaak Aab, giving him the floor.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab commends the minister for submitting the long-awaited package of environmental draft laws (the Climate, Forest, and Nature Conservation Acts), but draws attention to the decline in biodiversity and asks directly whether these legislative proposals offer concrete measures for restoring habitats and preserving species richness.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab welcomes the introduction of the long-awaited package of draft laws (covering climate, forest, and nature conservation), but draws attention to the decline in biodiversity and the threat to species, asking the minister whether the drafts include concrete legislative steps for restoring habitats and preserving species diversity.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stresses that while the three draft bills won't solve every problem, they will simplify forestry measurement and the monitoring of logging thanks to technological advancements. He affirmed that people who care about nature work in the ministry, but a comprehensive debate on the content of the bills should only take place once they officially reach the floor.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, notes that although the three bills currently under discussion are not a panacea for solving all problems, they will help simplify the processes of forestry and nature monitoring, thanks to technological advancements and the ministry's dedicated staff. Furthermore, they provide answers to some of the outstanding questions, while Sutt emphasizes that the final debate must occur once the bills reach the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Anti Allase to the rostrum and granted him the floor.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas notes that although winter harvesting would be optimal regarding soil bearing capacity, climate change has rendered this impossible in many forest site types. Consequently, harvesting is carried out during milder periods, which harms the environment. He asks the ministry whether, in collaboration with scientists, they have considered approaches that would permit logging in certain forest types even during the logging moratorium, thus protecting birds while simultaneously preventing soil damage.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas highlights a problem caused by climate change, where forests can no longer be logged in winter because the ground cannot bear the weight, meaning that logging at other times causes great harm to nature. He asks whether the ministry, in collaboration with scientists, is investigating possibilities for how logging could be carried out in certain forest site types even during the logging quiet period, ensuring that nature and birds remain untouched.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, acknowledges that balancing forest management and nature conservation is complicated due to unfavorable weather conditions, such as a mild winter or a wet summer. He emphasizes that while a responsible forest owner avoids damaging nature, private forest owners who are facing difficulties cannot simultaneously be denied felling permits. Therefore, societal understanding is necessary to minimize the disruption to nature.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, emphasizes that although a responsible forestry operator avoids damaging nature due to soft ground or unsuitable weather, finding a societal balance also requires taking into account the economic hardship faced by small private forest owners who already possess the necessary permits. Therefore, a common understanding must be reached on how to ensure the minimal possible disturbance to nature.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi and Riina Sikkut were invited to the speaker's stand to deliver their presentation.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut is querying the minister regarding the background of the legal analysis on the deregulation of nature conservation, commissioned by the Government Office. She seeks to know whether the ministry was involved in ordering it, or if it was commissioned specifically due to the ministry's reluctance to deregulate, and further requests the minister to explain his expectations concerning the analysis's results.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut is questioning the minister regarding the background of the legal analysis on the deregulation of nature conservation, which was commissioned by the State Chancellery. She seeks to know whether the minister was involved in ordering it and whether the analysis was commissioned due to the ministry's reluctance to move forward with deregulation, while also requesting clarification on the minister's expectations for the analysis.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stresses the necessity of awaiting the final results of the ongoing analysis before deciding which bureaucratic processes can reasonably be simplified, prioritizing above all that this simplification does not lead to a deterioration of the natural environment.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt emphasizes that before taking any action, we must await the final results of the analysis, which will then inform decisions on how to simplify processes and reduce bureaucracy, while simultaneously prioritizing that these changes do not worsen the state of the natural environment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the previous round of questions, thanked the participants, officially opened the debate, and invited the next speaker, colleague Züleyxa Izmailova, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the previous speaker, closed the question period, and then opened the debate, inviting the next speaker, colleague Züleyxa Izmailova, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova sharply criticized the minister’s unprepared and incompetent responses, arguing that the government has completely failed in nature conservation, leaving Estonian nature unprotected and instead accelerating the destruction of the remaining natural environment, despite the fact that 30% of species are threatened with extinction.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova expressed profound disappointment with the minister's poor and unprepared answers, arguing that the government has failed regarding both the climate law and nature conservation, where 30% of species are currently endangered. She emphasized that the Reform Party is not protecting Estonian nature; rather, it is actively accelerating its destruction.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the attendees, announced the conclusion of Riigikogu members' requests to speak, and gave the floor to Minister Andres Sutt to summarize the discussions.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi, having thanked the participants, announced that the members of the Riigikogu had exhausted their requests to speak, and then gave the floor to Minister Andres Sutt to conclude the debate.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt defended the Climate Ministry’s activities in nature conservation, refuting claims of negligence and harmful practices. He stressed that while the Supreme Court’s decision is awaited, the Environmental Board’s framework has helped ensure bird tranquility, and the strictly protected area of Estonian forests (18–19%) significantly surpasses the corresponding figures in Finland and Sweden. Consequently, accusations of neglecting nature protection are factually incorrect.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, explained that although he could not promise new specific measures to ensure nesting peace before the Supreme Court decision, the Environmental Board’s matrix has helped guarantee better bird peace. He also refuted claims about harming nature, stressing that 18–19% of Estonian forests are under strict protection—a figure significantly higher than in neighboring countries—thereby proving the ministry's commitment to nature conservation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded his brief introductory remarks with thanks, and subsequently yielded the floor to Züleyxa Izmailova, inviting her to deliver a response.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova harshly criticizes the minister for providing vague answers, stressing that the reality on the ground shows nature's extreme vulnerability. Therefore, we need to take swift action instead of relying on mere rhetoric.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova voiced strong disapproval of the minister’s vague and non-specific responses, stressing that nature remains unprotected in reality, and that concrete actions and genuine political will—not just empty rhetoric—are vital for improving the situation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced the closure of the debates, noting that the consideration of the current agenda item before the colleagues was thereby concluded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked his colleagues and announced the closure of the debate, thereby concluding the proceedings on the specific agenda item.