A study visit of a Kosovo delegation to Estonia took place from 12th to 16th May 2014. The delegation, composed of municipal representatives from MuSPP partner municipalities and one representative from the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, visited the Estonian Parliament and had an occasion to meet with members of the Estonian Parliament Environment Committee, and discuss international cooperation and exchange of experiences in environmental protection and water and wastewater issues. Cross-border challenges were debated, with the example of Lake Peipus, where an effective cooperation with Russian authorities is essential.

The study trip included visits to different green infrastructure, waste and wastewater management projects in three municipalities. In Kuusalu Rural Municipality, the discussion focused on Sustainable development challenges, sustainable tourism possibilities, environmental problems in recreational areas, as well as waste management and traffic arrangements. The participants visited also Saue Rural Municipality, where municipal environmental challenges and projects were presented, including the case of Ääsmäe biological purification plant renovation and a site visit to the Pääsküla river restoration project took place. Other site visits were organised to Laitse biological purification plant, and waste management facilities (Pääsküla waste transit station/former landfill with biogas production systems and Rahumäe composting field) as well as Kopli-Madise farm - a good example of sustainable rural tourism.

The visit was organised as a part of the project "Sustainable development in Kosovo: introducing and implementing Estonian practices on waste and water management in Kosovo's municipalities", funded by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and coordinated by HEDC in cooperation with UN-Habitat.

The aim of the project is to introduce and implement Estonian successful environmental practices in Kosovo. A special focus is set in waste and water management issues. Further to the study visit to Estonia, a workshop will take place in Pristina on the 10th of June and Estonian consultants will provide on-site consultations about the implementation possibilities of the shared practices. A mini-grant programme is included in the project, aiming at developing a technical project for a biological wastewater treatment facility, according to the municipality's needs and site specific situation. Relevant application forms and conditions will be provided during the consultation visits to Kosovo.