EIC supports five climate policy projects in developing countries

The Environmental Investment Centre (EIC) has funded five projects with a total of over 800,000 euros, which will be implemented in Kenya, Tanzania, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia. These projects will introduce innovative wastewater treatment solutions, prevent forest fires, promote regenerative agriculture, and raise awareness about energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in developing countries.

EIC’s project coordinator for developing countries, Ööle Janson, is pleased that Estonian companies, in cooperation with the third sector and universities, are eager to contribute to mitigating and adapting to climate change in developing countries. “For the sixth year, we have been encouraging Estonian companies to bring their new green technology solutions to developing countries to help reduce fossil fuel use and enhance environmental sustainability,” said Janson.

According to Laura Remmelgas, head of the Climate Department at the Ministry of Climate, supporting developing countries through such projects not only helps mitigate and adapt to climate change but also significantly contributes to the development of green innovation in Estonia. "By supporting the internationalization of solutions developed by Estonian companies and research institutions, we create new opportunities for our green technology exports and collaboration with partners in developing countries. This allows Estonia to be a visible and recognized partner in shaping global climate policy while promoting environmentally friendly and innovative solutions in our economy," said Remmelgas.

The University of Tartu received 200,000 euros in funding to build a wastewater treatment system at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. The system will utilize anammox bacteria, that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the treated water. Falconers OÜ is developing a forest fire prevention monitoring system in Tanzania. This system will monitor forest conditions and identify fire-prone areas with the goal of protecting human lives, preventing the destruction of forests and biodiversity, and reducing air pollution caused by fires. The project received funding of 160,000 euros. Enerhack OÜ was awarded 55,974 euros to raise awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy in Moldova. The project will organize training sessions and seminars for local residents, field specialists, and officials, teaching practical skills related to energy-saving methods and the use of renewable energy.

The Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce NGO is helping to implement regenerative agriculture practices in Georgia’s agricultural sector. Seventy Georgian farmers are involved in the project, applying these practices on their farms. Regenerative agriculture helps increase soil biodiversity, improve soil health, and enhance soil carbon sequestration capacity, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project was granted 189,803 euros. The Estonian Refugee Council NGO is contributing to the development of water-saving agriculture, composting, and solar energy in Armenia. In collaboration with the Estonian University of Life Sciences, greenhouses equipped with hydroponic systems, composting stations, and rainwater collection, filtration, and recycling systems for greenhouse irrigation will be established at three schools in the Tavush region. Solar energy stations will also be installed at the schools to power these systems. The project received 199,903 euros in funding.

Over the past six years, Estonia has supported 33 projects in developing countries with more than 5 million euros. Previous projects have been implemented or are underway in Ukraine, Bangladesh, Georgia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Namibia, South Africa, Costa Rica, Grenada, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. The Paris Climate Agreement requires developed countries to assist developing countries in mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts, as developed nations are the main contributors to climate change, while developing countries suffer the most from its effects. Under this agreement, Estonia has committed to contributing annually to international climate cooperation and achieving climate policy goals in developing countries.

Support is provided under the "Estonia's Contribution to International Climate Cooperation" measure of the "State Budget Strategy 2022-2025" and the regulation "Conditions and Procedures for Providing Support to Achieve Climate Policy Goals in Developing Countries" issued by the Minister of Environment. The funding comes from the greenhouse gas emissions trading system, and the support measure was developed by the Ministry of Climate.