Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Estonian Republic regarding cooperation in the field of environmental protection

Government of the Russian Federation and Government of the Estonian Republic have agreed that: 1) The Parties will cooperate in the field of environmental protection on the basis of reciprocity and equality. 2) The cooperation is aimed at the improvement of the state of environment and of ecological safety in both countries, in the Baltic sea, especially in the gulf of Finland and the transborder water basins and at he prevention of environmental pollution by: a) reduction of transborder streams of hazardous substances; b) improvement of the efficiency of the protection of water basins and the system of collection and processing of waste materials; c) development of the protection plant and wildlife species and their natural habitats; d) assistance in the exchange of ecological information and the use of technologies making the least environmental impact. 3) In the process of cooperation the particular attention will be paid to the following directions of environmental protection: a) improvement of management and legislation in the field of environmental protection; b) protection of water basins and maritime zone from pollution; organization of protected areas, protection and support of endangered plant and wildlife species and their natural habitats; c) prevention of accidents that could have negative environmental impact; d) environmental monitoring; e) environmental impact assessment; f) ecological training and education. 4) The Parties will promote cooperation between state bodies and institutions at various levels and between social environmental organizations. 5) Joint Commission for cooperation in the field of environmental protection will be set for the purpose of co-ordination of activity originating from the present Agreement.