Draft:Info@loodushoiufond.ee

• Comment: The company will need independent secondary sourcing to show notability and verify that the content is due. You can also take a look at what to do if your boss tells you to edit Wikipedia. Chaotic Enby (talk · contribs) 08:21, 12 May 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: In accordance with the Wikimedia Foundation's Terms of Use, I disclose that I have been paid by my employer for my contributions to this article. Naturefund (talk) 07:28, 12 May 2025 (UTC)

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The Nature Fund

The Nature Fund (Estonian: Loodushoiu Fond) is a non-governmental organization operating in Estonia with the primary aim of promoting private initiatives in the field of nature conservation. The fund's mission encompasses supporting a variety of endeavors focused on the protection and restoration of biodiversity, as well as fostering a harmonious relationship between human activities and the natural environment. Functioning as a foundation (sihtasutus), the organization operates within a defined legal framework that underscores its long-term commitment to its stated objectives.

History

Founding and Early Years

The Nature Fund was officially founded on April 16, 2021, with its establishment date recorded as April 7, 2021, according to official business registry information. This relatively recent origin indicates that the organization is a newer entrant in the Estonian conservation sector, and its long-term trajectory and overall impact are still developing. It is essential to note that The Nature Fund (Loodushoiu Fond) is not the same as the Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) (Eestimaa Looduse Fond).

Loodushoiu Fond`s approach aligns with the principles of modern conservation science, which increasingly recognizes the importance of integrating human needs and activities with nature conservation efforts, as advocated by conservation scientists like Peter Kareiva and Michelle Marvier.  

Key Milestones and Development

One of the significant early initiatives undertaken by The Nature Fund was the "Keeper of the heritage tree" campaign. This project quickly garnered substantial participation from landowners shortly after the fund's establishment in 2021. The rapid interest and involvement in this campaign suggest a pre-existing inclination among private landowners in Estonia to engage in the preservation of notable trees on their properties. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board of the fund was formed, with members including Olav Kreen, Aira Toss, Ando Eelmaa, Indrek Veso, Kadri-Aija Viik, and Mait Klaassen, all starting their roles on April 7, 2021, except for Olav Kreen, whose membership began on July 1, 2023. The composition of this board, which includes individuals like Ando Eelmaa who has been involved in broader conservation discussions within Estonia and is European Private Land Conservation Ambassador, indicates a level of expertise and connection within the Estonian environmental community that likely contributes to the strategic direction and credibility of the fund.  

Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of The Nature Fund is to stimulate and support private, voluntary efforts in nature conservation across Estonia. This emphasis on individual and non-governmental contributions distinguishes the fund's approach within the broader conservation landscape of the country. This focus recognizes the significant role that private landowners and organizations can play in achieving conservation outcomes, particularly in a nation where a considerable portion of the land is privately held. The fund has several specific objectives that contribute to this overarching goal. These include enhancing biodiversity across a variety of Estonian ecosystems, such as forests, water bodies, and agricultural lands, as well as actively working towards the mitigation of climate change through initiatives like carbon sequestration. Additionally, the fund aims to promote the adoption of sustainable land management practices within the agricultural and forestry sectors. Beyond these ecological objectives, The Nature Fund also strives to cultivate a societal norm where voluntary and collaborative engagement in nature conservation is widely accepted, valued, and practiced. This involves not only implementing practical conservation projects but also fostering a broader sense of environmental responsibility and encouraging active participation from the public.  

Activities and Projects

Heritage Tree Protection

A key initiative of The Nature Fund is the "Keeper of the heritage tree" project. This program invites landowners to identify and register trees on their property that meet certain criteria, primarily a circumference of 220 cm or more. By registering these trees, landowners make a voluntary commitment to their preservation. The project also involves the creation of a comprehensive Register of Indigenous Trees, which serves as a valuable resource for documenting and appreciating these significant natural landmarks. These events provide a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering community engagement, and inspiring a greater commitment to the conservation of these remarkable trees. The patron of Põlispuud is Hendrik Relve.

Biodiversity Enhancement and Habitat Restoration

The Nature Fund is involved in various projects aimed at enhancing biodiversity and restoring habitats across Estonia. These efforts include practical, localized actions such as collaborating with landowners to improve habitats along roadsides, which can provide valuable corridors and resources for wildlife. The fund also undertakes initiatives like installing nesting boxes for birds, which can significantly improve their living conditions and support local bird populations.

Climate Change Mitigation

Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change, The Nature Fund actively works to inform and coordinate private landowners in efforts to enhance the capacity of Estonian forests to sequester and store carbon. Given the significant role of forests as carbon sinks, engaging private forest owners is crucial for Estonia to achieve its climate change mitigation goals. The fund also runs an initiative called "Planting the Future," which serves as a platform to connect landowners who have land available for tree planting with individuals or organizations that are interested in planting trees. This direct connection facilitates afforestation and reforestation efforts, which are vital for increasing carbon sequestration and enhancing biodiversity.  

Sustainable Land Management

The Nature Fund is committed to promoting sustainable land management practices, particularly within the forestry sector. One of its projects, "Enclaves of Life," and Wildlife Estates and Land Ethic Mentorship, specifically targets small forest owners, providing them with education and guidance on how to manage their land in a way that supports and enhances valuable ecosystem services. By promoting the understanding and value of these services, the fund encourages landowners to adopt more environmentally friendly and sustainable forestry practices. Additionally, the fund is involved in efforts related to the sustainable management of riparian forests, recognizing their critical role in maintaining water quality, preventing soil erosion, and supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal life in forest and river ecosystems. These efforts may include participation in broader projects like RiForMa , although the direct involvement of Loodushoiu Fond in this specific project would require further verification.  

Currently ongoing up to 2025 is a project The "Vibrant Private Conservation Stewardship Community" project aims to strengthen nature conservation on private land by fostering a trusted, contract-based system and developing a results-oriented framework for biodiversity protection. Supported by the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre, the project responds to the widespread scepticism and resistance among landowners toward state-led environmental regulation and climate policy. Research shows that many rural landowners distrust centralised conservation efforts but are more receptive to initiatives led by organisations that respect property rights and share their values of freedom, voluntary action, and civic responsibility. The Nature Fund, as a landowner-founded organisation, addresses this gap by building a community-driven approach to conservation that supports the EU Green Deal, the Biodiversity Strategy, and the Nature Restoration Law. Through partnerships, outreach, and practical tools, the project enhances landowners’ capacity to engage in habitat restoration, species protection, and ecosystem service provision. By increasing the area under voluntary conservation, improving the condition of protected habitats, and promoting culturally and ecologically significant landscape features such as native trees, the initiative contributes to national and EU environmental goals—while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Public Awareness and Engagement

Raising public awareness and fostering engagement in nature conservation are crucial aspects of The Nature Fund's activities. The fund launched an innovative digital flower campaign to educate the public about the significant carbon footprint associated with imported flowers and to generate financial support for its biodiversity conservation projects. This campaign offers a creative and tangible way for individuals to consider the environmental impact of their consumer choices. Another initiative, "Following Heritage Trees," encourages the public to actively participate in documenting heritage trees by taking photographs and sharing their stories. This project not only helps to create a valuable record of these natural treasures but also fosters a sense of public ownership and appreciation for them. The fund also runs the "Support Animals" initiative, which provides a direct and personal way for individuals to contribute to wildlife conservation by becoming "godparents" to animals in their natural habitats on private lands. This program helps to fund the well-being of these animals and supports the development of private protected areas.  

Community Building and Collaboration

The Nature Fund places a strong emphasis on building a community of private land conservationists across Estonia. It actively promotes the development of contractual nature protection agreements and the implementation of results-based conservation systems. By establishing clear frameworks and incentives for private land conservation, the fund aims to ensure more effective and long-lasting protection of Estonia's natural heritage. Furthermore, the fund plays a role in raising awareness and providing guidance to forest and agricultural landowners and consultants through initiatives like Wildlife Estates and land use mentorship programs. These efforts focus on professional development and knowledge sharing to encourage the adoption of more sustainable and environmentally responsible land management practices within these key sectors.  

Partnerships and Funding

The Nature Fund collaborates with various organizations to achieve its objectives. For instance, it has partnered with Estravel, a travel company, for tree planting initiatives , demonstrating a successful collaboration with the private sector to advance conservation goals. The fund also works closely with the Estonian Private Forest Union and the Luua Forestry School on projects such as the "Keeper of the heritage tree" campaign , highlighting the importance of partnerships within the forestry sector. Furthermore, the fund's activities align with broader European environmental strategies, such as the European Union's goal to plant 3 billion additional trees by 2030 , indicating its contribution to larger international conservation efforts. While specific details regarding the fund's funding sources are not extensively covered in the provided material, one identified fundraising activity is the sale of digital flowers. It is likely that the fund also relies on donations from individuals and companies, as well as grants from environmental foundations and potentially government bodies to support its diverse range of projects and operational costs.  

Impact and Recognition

The Nature Fund has demonstrated a notable impact in its relatively short history. A significant achievement is the successful engagement of 139 landowners in the "Keeper of the heritage tree" initiative within a single month, leading to the voluntary protection of over 100,000 hectares of land. This rapid and widespread participation underscores the potential for private landowners to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts. The fund's innovative approaches, such as the digital flower campaign, have also garnered media attention, as seen in publications like The Baltic Guide , indicating a growing public awareness of its activities. Overall, The Nature Fund plays a crucial role in promoting the active involvement of private individuals and organizations in nature conservation across Estonia, fostering a more collaborative and decentralized approach to environmental stewardship.