Estonian Nature Fund

Estonian Fund for Nature (Eestimaa Looduse Fond) or ELF is an Estonian environmental non-profit organisation.

Mission

Mission of ELF is to preserve the rich natural diversity in Estonia and the world through active cooperation with individuals, business enterprises, organizations and state institutions through the following activities:^[1]

protection of endangered species and their habitats;
preservation of characteristic Estonian landscapes and habitats;
promotion of sustainable use of natural resources;
raising public awareness about environmental issues;
finding solutions to preserve clean environment for future generations

Founding

ELF was established in 1991 by biologists and conservationists and in close co-operation with World Wide Fund for Nature. WWF has remained ELF's main international co-operation partner. ELF is a member of IUCN.^[2]

Board and Executives

Board members:^[3]

The board is directing the activity of ELF convenes four times in a year and one third of its members will be re-elected in every two years (even years). The task of the Board is to give guidelines to the Executive Committee, workers and volunteers in planning the activities (approving annually the action plan and budget) and to counsel workers of the Fund in treating various issues. Members of the Board work on the voluntary basis.

Members of Executive Board in 2018:

Tarmo Tüür, Siim Kuresoo, Kadri Kalmus, Silvia Lotman and Kärt Vaarmari

Achievements

After the restoration of independence of Estonia in 1991 a political decision was taken to restitute properties including land to the former owners or their descendants. Since it is much easier to form new protected areas when the land is owned by the state, ELF took quick action to safeguard the future of valuable areas by proposing the establishment of new big protected areas and natural parks. This led to the formation of Soomaa^[4] and Karula national parks and Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve. The area of these taken together is about 740 sq kilometres.^[5]

During the following years, ELF has played a significant role in the establishment of tens of other smaller protected areas in Estonia. ELF has carried on inventories of valuable habitats - wetlands, old-growth forests and meadows and participates in designing the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. In recent years ELF has more and more activities dedicated to environmental education, public awareness and public participation in environmental decisions and activities.

Founders

Aare Mäemets
Ain Raitviir
Aivar Leito
Aleksander Heintalu
Andres Koppel
Andres Kuresoo
Andrus Ausmees
Ann Marvet
Helve Anton
Arne Kaasik
Eerik Leibak
Einar Tammur
Erik Sikk
Ervin Pihu
Fred Jüssi
Hans Trass
Indrek Rohtmets
Ivar Jüssi
Jaan Viidalepp
Jüri Keskpaik
Kalevi Kull
Kristjan Moora
Mart Jüssi
Mart Külvik
Mart Niklus
Martin Zobel
Mati Kaal
Nikolai Laanetu
Peeter Ernits
Aivo Pidim
Rein Kuresoo
Tiina Talvi
Tiit Maran
Tiiu Keskpaik
Tiiu Kull
Toomas Jüriado
Toomas Tiivel
Ülle Kukk
Vaike Hang
Veljo Ranniku
Vilju Lilleleht

References

^ "ELF Objective". elfond.ee.
^ "IUCN Members database". IUCN.
^ "The Council of ELF". elfond.ee. Archived from the original on 2007-06-09. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
^ "History of Soomaa National Park".
^ "Estonian Nature Conservation in 2007" (PDF). Estonian Ministry of the Environment.

[1] "ELF Objective". elfond.ee.

[2] "IUCN Members database". IUCN.

[3] "The Council of ELF". elfond.ee. Archived from the original on 2007-06-09. Retrieved 2008-08-26.

[4] "History of Soomaa National Park".

[5] "Estonian Nature Conservation in 2007" (PDF). Estonian Ministry of the Environment.

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