RMK to open a call for proposals for new research 15.01

According to Aigar Kallas, Chairman of RMK’s Management Board, the goal of financing the applied research is to collect new knowledge for the sustainable development and protection of Estonia’s forests. The current applied research is expected to yield new information, among other things, about a possibility to restore the habitats of the heraldic bird of Estonian forests – the capercaillie. “Expectations are high, since previous research projects have provided us with a lot of important knowledge that can be also put into practice," added Kallas.

Priority research topics proposed by various researchers, research groups and RMK’s representatives, along with the forms for submitting applications, are available on RMK’s homepage at www.rmk.ee/meist/teadustegevus.

Applications are accepted from today, 15 January, and the closing date for submitting applications is 1 March 2013. Applications are to be submitted to RMK’s Research Council electronically.

The minimum project funding amount is EUR 6500. The scientific level of project applications and scientific competence of project implementers are one of the most significant criteria in evaluating project proposals.

Created in 2008, RMK’s Research Council is a council of research and specialist experts that advises the Management Board of RMK on the commissioning and assessment of applied research related to sustainable forestry management. In 2008-2011, RMK allocated EEK 4 million for research to be conducted; out of those funds, three applied research projects were carried out. During the period of 2011 – 2014, RMK will allocate EUR 766 940 for applied research.

In 2011, three new projects were selected, with EUR 301 911 allocated for their execution and in 2012, two projects were allocated, with the total funding amount of EUR 199 750.

RMK is a profit-making state agency established under the Forestry Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest. RMK grows reforestation materials, organises forestry works, is engaged in the sale of forest and timber and organises game upkeep. Additionally, RMK establishes opportunities for nature walking and forest holidays in recreation areas, in Estonia’s five national parks and almost 40 other protected areas, and shapes nature awareness. RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.

Further information:
Kristjan Tõnisson
Head Specialist of Environmental Management, RMK
Phone 676 7728, 5691 8728
E-mail kristjan.tonisson@rmk.ee