Estonian Nature Fund
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Estonian Fund for Nature (Eestimaa Looduse Fond) or ELF is a non-profit organisation.
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[edit] 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:
- 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
[edit] 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.
[edit] Board and Executives
Last meeting of ELF's Board was held on the 2nd of June 2005.
ELF's Executive Committee members in 2005: Jüri-Ott Salm, Mart Jüssi, Irja Pärn.
Board of ELF:
- Marek Strandberg
- Jaan J. Leppik
- Kaja Lotman
- Rainer Nõlvak
- Allan Selin
- Andres Tarand
- Urmas Vahur
- Katarina Veem
- Anzori Barkalaja
- Uudo Timm
- Henri Laupmaa
- prof. Anne Luik
[edit] Achievements
After the restoration of independence in 1991 Estonia political decision was taken about restitution of 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. Proposals were made to establish new big protected areas and natural parks. By that time Soomaa and Karula national parks and Lower-Pedja nature reserve were established. The area of these taken together is about 740 sq kilometres. During following years, ELF has played a significant role in the establishment of tens of other smaller protected areas over 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.
