The Young Conservationist Award was established in 2005 by Kaja and Alex Lotman and ELF. The award with the stipend is nominated once a year to an outstanding Estonian young conservationist. The aim of the Young Conservationist Award is to support the continuation of viable and high-principled nature conservation in Estonia through generations.

The first Young Conservationist Award in 2005 was nominated to Asko Lõhmus (30) who has been involved in nature conservation since the beginning of the 1990s. Asko Lõhmus defended the doctoral degree in animal ecology. His services in furthering the protection of species and associations, developing nature conservation policy, promoting the course of nature conservation biology at the University of Tartu, and in the public conservationist activity have been great.

Prize money was provided by Estonian Nature Tours.

In 2006, the award went to Peep Mardiste (33), member of the executive committee of Estonian Green Movement, who has for long been involved in Estonian environmental protection and nature conservation, also in strengthening non-governmental environmental organizations. Prize money was provided by Estonian Nature Tours and Swiss WWF.

In 2007, the award went to Marek Sammul (34), president of the Estonian Naturalists Society. Prize money was provided by Estonian Nature Tours and ELF.

In 2008, the award went to Tarvo Valker (28), scientific and monitoring specialist of State Nature Conservation Centre. Prize money was provided by Estonian Nature Tours and ELF.

In 2009, the award went to Murel Merivee. Prize money was provided by Estonian Nature Tours and OÜ 360 kraadi

There is an open call for the Award of 2010.

A candidate can be every Estonian conservationist who:

You can set up your own candidacy or do it for somebody else. Application with explanation should be sent to ELF’s e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 15, 2009.

In application a candidate should state:

The decision of nomination of the Award will be made by the jury summoned by ELF and consisting of following people: Kaja ja Alex Lotman, Tiit Randla, Mart Jüssi and laureate of the Young Conservationist Award in 2006 Peep Mardiste. Estonian Nature Tours has contributed to the prize money. The winner will be announced in Tallinn City Hall in April 15.

ELF is welcoming target donations in the future to give out the Award.