HEAWATER project investments work in Tallinn "Achieving healthier water quality in urban small rivers of the Baltic Sea catchment by restoration of water bodies and preventing of nutrients and hazardous substances inflow from watershed"

Since many of the rivers run through urban areas, human activity is a major threat to the marine environment and its biodiversity.

While in the past urban waterways were treated as sewers, the past half century has seen an evolution In our thinking. Nowadays urban rivers have an essential role in increasing the diversity of habitats, urban landscapes and recreation possibilities.

However, stormwater still drains into these rivers, which is why sustainable management of stormwater is of key importance for healthy urban rivers and, in turn, for protecting the Baltic Sea. Fourteen countries with 85 million inhabitants surround the Baltic Sea catchment area, and a total of 250 rivers run into the Sea.

The Heawater Project works to improve the water quality of small urban rivers with the ultimate aim of a healthier Baltic Sea. One of the main aims of the project was implemented water quality improvement techniques on urban rivers in Finland, Sweden and Estonia.

Current StoryMap was prepared for the project final webinar event on the 19th of November 2020. Aiming to illustrate the HEAWATER project Tallinn investment works at River Mustjõgi, which is one of the 16th rivers running through the capital of Estonia.