Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Distinguished Guests,

It is a true pleasure to welcome you all here in Tartu, our lively European Capital of Culture 2024. I am very glad that 14th European Conference on Ecological Restoration takes place here, in Estonia. We take great pride in our natural landscapes and our ongoing efforts in nature restoration, and we are happy to share it with you.

I know many of you had the chance to explore some of Estonia’s beauty through yesterday’s excursions, and there will be more tours happening tomorrow. I hope you take full advantage of this opportunity to experience Estonia’s landscapes— and that you will be inspired to return in the future.

As we gather in this beautiful city, surrounded by Estonia’s rich natural landscapes, I want to emphasize the deep connection we all share with the environment—and the responsibility that comes with it. Our work in ecological restoration is not only about preserving the beauty of our surroundings; it is about taking urgent action to protect the very systems that sustain life on Earth, ensuring that we leave a thriving world for our children and grandchildren.

The challenges we face are immense, and the need for restoration has never been more critical. The recent adoption of the Nature Restoration Law is a testament to our collective commitment to reversing biodiversity loss and combating climate change. Estonia was a strong supporter of the law and together with many others, we worked hard to help this landmark legislation get adopted. But, as we all know, passing a law is just the beginning. Now, more than ever, we need to translate these policies into action, into real and measurable outcomes that restore our ecosystems and secure a future for all species, including our own.

Here in Estonia, we have a long-standing tradition of nature conservation and restoration. Every day, we gain new knowledge and accumulate valuable experience in effective restoration practices. We have seen firsthand the social, economic, and ecological benefits that come from targeted, inclusive, and science-based restoration efforts. For instance, the removal of Sindi dam has led to the remarkable recovery of fish populations in Pärnu river basins. We have witnessed how the restoration of grasslands in Saaremaa and Muhu islands has revitalized rural communities, encouraging people to return to villages and start small-scale farming. We have seen how important it is in this rapidly changing climate to have healthy wetlands and floodplains to buffer against droughts or floods. Our experiences have taught us that nature’s recovery is not only possible, but achievable when we commit our minds and will to it.

However, the success of these projects has only been possible through the collaboration of dedicated individuals like you—scientists, practitioners, and policymakers—who bring passion, expertise, and a shared sense of purpose to this work.

I hope that over the coming days, you will find inspiration in Estonia’s natural beauty and in the exchange of ideas with your fellow delegates. Let this conference be a catalyst for bold, decisive action.

Thank you for being here, for your commitment and dedication. I wish you all a productive and inspiring conference. Take home the best memories from Estonia and Tartu, and we hope to welcome you back again soon.

Yoko Alender
Minister of Climate of the Republic of Estonia