ELF’s overarching objective is to preserve Estonian
nature and its diversity. ELF was established in 1991 by biologists and conservationists and in close co-operation with WWF
(World Wide Fund for Nature). WWF has remained ELF's main international co-operation partner. 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.
