Nature Knows No Borders: NGO Ekoltava at the International LIFE Platform Meeting in Estonia

The Director of NGO Ekoltava moderated an international workshop during the Nordic-Baltic LIFE Platform Meeting 2026, held in Vihula, Estonia. The event brought together over 150 environmental experts from across Europe.

Organized by the Ministry of Climate of Estonia together with several LIFE projects, including LIFE-SIP WetEST, the meeting addressed a key question: why are European organizations looking for partnerships with communities, universities, and NGOs from non-EU countries?

During the workshop “LARGER THAN LIFE — beyond EU borders”, moderated by Yuliia Melnyk, participants discussed the importance of joint environmental projects with Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries, sharing practical experience under the LIFE programme.

Practical Results and Mutual Benefits

Partners from Estonia, Serbia, Moldova, and North Macedonia shared their real-world experience:

• Biodiversity Conservation: In Serbia, support from the LIFE programme helped a rare bird of prey population grow from just 1 breeding pair in 2016 to 29 breeding pairs in 2026.

• Harmonization of Legislation: In Ukraine and Moldova, national conservation frameworks are actively being aligned with EU standards and requirements.

This cooperation is crucial for both sides. Non-EU countries gain access to European funding, expertise, and networks to tackle complex environmental issues, as well as a practical tool to build capacity on their path toward EU accession. In turn, European partners gain unique local knowledge, field experience, and direct access to local stakeholders.

Challenges and Solutions

During an interactive session in small groups, participants analyzed key barriers to cooperation—such as co-financing requirements, bureaucratic differences, finding the right partners, and building societal trust. They also identified main success factors:

• Building partnerships early;

• Engaging all stakeholders from the very start;

• Providing clear programme guidance well before calls for proposals open.

Joint Position Paper to the European Union

Based on the insights from the workshop, participants are currently finalizing a joint position paper addressed to EU institutions on the importance of the LIFE programme and the vital role of non-EU countries in environmental conservation.

This summer’s climate challenges across Europe, alongside the severe environmental damage in Ukraine caused by Russian aggression, serve as a stark reminder: nature does not stop at borders, and neither should the cooperation that protects it.

Thank you to all organizers and participants for an inspiring and high-quality event! 🌿🤝