For preserving biological diversity and for ensuring the favorable status of threatened species and habitats, 18,8% of Estonia's land area and 28% of the water area has been taken under protection.

Estonia has a total of 3,923 protected natural objects including:

• 6 national parks;
• 231 nature reserves;
• 154 landscape protection areas (nature parks);
• 512 parks and stands;
• 319 limited-conservation areas;
• 1,553 species’ protection sites;
• 1,066 individual protected natural objects;
• 23 natural objects protected at the local government level;
• 59 protected areas with old protection regulation.

The western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). Photo by Jaanus Tanilsoo