Estonian Nature Fund

Description

The Estonian Fund for Nature, ELF, is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to nature conservation in Estonia. It was founded on 1 February 1991 by a group of Estonian naturalists and experts, in close cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature.

ELF describes itself as politically and economically independent, providing society with expertise for nature conservation. It works to protect endangered species and their habitats and to preserve landscapes and communities characteristic of Estonia, including the sea, wetlands and forests. It promotes sustainable use of natural resources, raises environmental awareness and looks for ways to keep the living environment clean for future generations.

It played a role in establishing new protected areas after Estonia regained independence, including Soomaa and Karula national parks and the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, and has helped create many smaller protected areas since. It has carried out inventories of wetlands, old-growth forests and meadows, and takes part in designing Estonia’s Natura 2000 network.

ELF is a member of IUCN and follows the code of ethics for non-governmental organisations. Its staff work on programmes covering forests, wetlands, the marine environment, climate policy and volunteer campaigns such as helping amphibians cross roads.