Estonian Nature Fund
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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. ELF is a member of IUCN.
[edit] Board and Executives
Board members:
- Rainer Nõlvak - Chairman of the Board
- Marek Strandberg
- Jaan J. Leppik
- Kaja Lotman
- Alar Karis
- Andres Tarand
- Katarina Veem
- Lembit Maamets
- Uudo Timm
- Henri Laupmaa
- Ahti Heinla
- Mart Jüssi
- Peep Männil
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.
Last meeting of ELF's Board was held on the 25th of April 2007.
ELF's Executive Committee members in 2005: Jüri-Ott Salm, Ivar Tamm and Kaupo Kohv.
[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.
[edit] Founders
1. Aare Mäemets 2. Ain Raitviir 3. Aivar Leito 4. Aleksander Heintalu 5. Andres Koppel 6. Andres Kuresoo 7. Andrus Ausmees 8. Ann Marvet 9. Helve Anton 10. Arne Kaasik 11. Eerik Leibak 12. Einar Tammur 13. Erik Sikk 14. Ervin Pihu 15. Fred Jüssi 16. Hans Trass 17. Indrek Rohtmets 18. Ivar Jüssi 19. Jaan Viidalepp 20. Jüri Keskpaik 21. Kalevi Kull 22. Kristjan Moora 23. Mart Jüssi 24. Mart Külvik 25. Mart Niklus 26. Martin Zobel 27. Mati Kaal 28. Nikolai Laanetu 29. Peeter Ernits 30. A. Pidim 31. Rein Kuresoo 32. Tiina Talvi 33. Tiit Maran 34. Tiiu Keskpaik 35. Tiiu Kull 36. Toomas Jüriado 37. Toomas Tiivel 38. Ülle Kukk 39. Vaike Hang 40. Veljo Ranniku 41. Vilju Lilleleht
