The aim of the National Round table meetings is to introduce the comprehensive approach of the project in all countries, to collect feedback regarding our ongoing work and to ensure that the project is responding to the expectations of our stakeholders. The topics discussed at the round tables concerned in particular the Atlas of measures (WP3), the sector study of prioritized investments (WP4), the guidebook on assessment methods (WP5) and challenges in implementing agro-environmental measures (WP6).

The Estonia National Round Table meeting was held on 26th April and the meeting gathered 15 key stakeholders. Work Package 3 leader Ola Palm (JTI – Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering) gave an overview of WP3 objectives, activities and outputs. It was acknowledged that for the Estonian work in preparing the country reports, it is important to share information and experience from other countries.

Arvo Iital (Tallinn University of Technology) from Work Package 5 introduced the “Guidelines for surface and drainage water quality monitoring in agriculture dominated areas”. The guidelines will be published in the autumn of 2011 by The Finnish Environmental Institute. The fact that there are current monitoring guidelines set within HELCOM, covering both diffuse and point sources was pointed out. The project’s aim is to publish one set of agricultural monitoring guidelines for the whole Baltic Sea region. The issue will be discussed within HELCOM.

Marit Sall (SEI Tallinn) gave an overview of the priority measures in water management plans in the Estonian pilot area – Pandivere Nitrate Vulnerable Area (NVA). The discussion focused on the identification of knowledge gaps in Nitrate Vulnerable Area. Diffuse pollution in NVA forms about 11% from the total diffuse pollution in Estonia.The participants pointed out the need for prioritizing agricultural pollution sources and better supervision of implementation of legal requirements.

The seminar ended with the agreement for the next seminar to be held in the 2nd half of 2011 when there will be new results in the project for dissemination.

Kaj Granholm from SLU