update Updated

category News  

At the last EURO-INBO International Conference (Parma, May 2025), experts from across Europe gathered to share their experiences in implementing the EU Water Framework Directive and strengthening basin-level cooperation. Among them, Reeda Iismaa, Head of the River Basin Management Field at Ministry of Climate of Estonia, presented the country’s efforts to address major pressures affecting its water bodies, from diffuse agricultural pollution to the impacts of mining and hazardous substances. Watch the interview!

You can activate subtitles in French, English or Spanish if you wish!

What is the Ministry of Climate of Estonia ?

The Ministry of Climate in Estonia is responsible for shaping and implementing the country’s environmental, climate, energy, and transport policies. Its work covers a wide range of areas, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, nature conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, circular economy, and the development of renewable energy.

The Ministry also oversees policies related to housing, construction, and transport, ensuring coherence between environmental protection and economic development. It manages environmental monitoring, water and marine protection, air quality, and radiation safety, and coordinates the country’s transition toward a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy.

In line with the priorities highlighted by Reeda Iismaa, the Ministry plays a central role in addressing pressures on water bodies, such as diffuse agricultural pollution, hazardous substances, and the impacts of mining and drainage systems. Through integrated river basin management and close coordination across sectors, it aims to improve the ecological status of Estonia’s surface and groundwater, ensuring sustainable water use for both people and nature.

Key figures
of the water management is Estonia:

M persons
%
of the country’s surface waters in good status
%
of sewage treated in line with EU legislation (2020)

Who is Reeda Iisma ?

Reeda Iismaa is Head of the River Basin Management Field at the Ministry of Climate of Estonia, where she has worked for over a decade. She oversees the national coordination, updating, and implementation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs), ensuring compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive. Her work also involves managing external financing for RBMP measures and representing Estonia in European working groups dedicated to water policy and integrated resource management.