NEWS

The Future of Estonia’s Natural Capital – Topic of Debate at Opinion Festival 2025

On August 9th, 2025, from 18:30 to 20:00, the Estonian Opinion Festival in Paide will host a discussion about the future of Estonia’s natural capital and its role in the green transition. The debate is organised by the Loodushoiu Fond (Nature Conservation Foundation) and will take place on the Business Confidence stage (Stage 12).

Estonia’s Natural Capital: The Next Green Success or Untapped Potential?

Natural capital – such as carbon sinks, biodiversity, and ecosystem services – is increasingly seen as a key asset in the green economy. A growing number of landowners and entrepreneurs are eager to contribute to nature by restoring habitats, protecting biodiversity, and increasing carbon sequestration.

But how can we ensure these voluntary efforts are legally protected, recognised by markets, and supported by the state?

Purpose of the Discussion

The panel “Estonia’s Natural Capital: The Next Green Success or State-Limited Potential?” will bring together key figures from the public and private sectors to explore how Estonia could build a trusted, fair, and transparent nature-based market system.

Key questions include:

What are the real opportunities and risks on voluntary nature credit markets?

What role should the state play in creating legal clarity and investor confidence?

What do landowners, entrepreneurs, and green investors expect from a future system that rewards nature conservation?

Speakers:

Antti Tooming, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Climate

Jaan Sepping, International market expert

Annela Anger-Kraavi, Climate negotiator

Ando Eelmaa, Landowner and forestry practitioner

Moderator: Hindrek Riikoja, journalist and debate host

Followed by the Party Leaders’ Debate

Immediately after the natural capital panel, at 20:00, the Estonian party leaders’ debate begins on the festival’s main stage. The topics discussed during the natural capital panel will be a meaningful prelude to the political conversation ahead.

Join the Conversation!

The Loodushoiu Fond invites landowners, policymakers, green investors, and nature lovers to this important discussion on building Estonia’s own natural capital market.

🗓 Time: August 9, 2025, 18:30–20:00
📍 Location: Paide, Business Confidence Stage (Stage 12)

💚 The discussion is supported by the Environmental Investment Centre (KIK).

The international WESEM project develops future nature conservation solutions, from landowners for landowners

On June 29th, the WESEM Erasmus+ project partners came together in Luua, Estonia, for a productive meeting to advance the project as it approaches its final, decisive phase.

During the two-day meeting, the consortium presented the initial version of the training platform and reviewed the entire content of the training modules. With the finish line in sight, the partners are now working to finalise the training and mentoring platforms in time for their presentation at the Wildlife Estates Label Steering Committee meeting in Paris this September.

Beyond the working sessions, participants also had the opportunity to explore the impressive Luua Forestry School forest.

As Pille Ligi, Project Coordinator at The Nature Fund, summarized the project's vision in her recent interview for the European Landowners' Organization magazine: 🗨️ "Our main goal is to highlight the fact that landowners are caring, ethical, and active stewards of their land, and thereby change the general attitude towards nature conservation.”

The next step for the project is to create a network of advisors and landowners with competence in restoration ecology. The goal of this network is to further develop peer-to-peer learning in order to share practical knowledge and best practices directly from landowner to landowner.

Read more about the vision behind WESEM and read the full interview with Pille Ligi here: https://lnkd.in/d7XzNq-N

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Ancient Trees’ Stories – A Seminar for Forest Owners

Author of the photo: Google Gemini 

On May 30, 2025, a special event titled “Ancient Trees’ Stories” will take place in Pärnu, aimed at forest owners. The goal of the event is to raise awareness about the value of ancient trees and nature conservation. The meeting will be held at Hestia Hotel Strand, Paralepa Hall, A. H. Tammsaare pst 35, and the day will be led by nature expert and traveler Hendrik Relve.

The event is organized by the Loodushoiu Fond (The Nature Fund) and Ühinenud Metsaomanikud (United Forest Owners), who aim to provide forest owners with practical knowledge and inspiring stories about how to identify, protect, and appreciate ancient trees. The focus will also include new directions in private funding for conservation and an introduction to the Register of Ancient Trees.

After the lectures, participants will join a guided walk in the park, where Hendrik Relve will explain how to identify ancient trees and discuss their ecological and cultural significance.

Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration is open until May 30. REGISTER HERE 

Program:

14:45–15:00 – Gathering and welcome coffee
15:00–15:05 – Opening remarks and introduction
15:05–15:25 – Conservation agreements (Pille Ligi)
15:25–15:40 – The Ancient Tree Steward and the Register of Ancient Trees (Ain Näkk)
15:40–16:40 – Ancient trees and their importance: how to recognize and why to preserve them (Hendrik Relve)
16:40–17:00 – Coffee break
17:00–18:30 – Guided walk in the park
Gathering outdoors and a walk with Hendrik Relve. Observing real examples of ancient trees in the park.
18:30 – Closing of the day

Loodushoiu Fund contributed to European Forest Restoration Strategy in Germany

Ain, thematic leader of the Nature Fund, participated in the workshop "Making it Happen: Strategies for Large-scale Forest Restoration in Europe" held in Bonn, Germany, from May 20-22, 2025. The event, which focused on strategies for the large-scale restoration of forest ecosystems in Europe, brought together experts from across Europe.

The aim of the two-day intensive program was to gather different insights on upscaling forest ecosystem restoration in Europe, define further steps, and build common understandings and connections for collaboration to accelerate this process. The central question of the gathering was: what is needed for upscaling forest restoration in Europe and how do we move it forward? The event was organized by the SUPERB project in cooperation with the Prospex Institute.

On the first day of the program, a field trip was made to the SUPERB project's demonstration site in Gevelsberg. There, Larissa Janzen and Catharina Schmidt, representatives of the local forest service Wald und Holz NRW, presented their mixed-species, open-map approach and discussed related policy enablers and challenges.

A former pure Norway spruce stand has been renewed after a bark beetle outbreak with European beech, hornbeam, and rowan, with natural regeneration of other species also occurring.

The planted trees in the restoration area are protected with tree shelters, but despite this, there is game damage to the planted trees.

In addition to practical examples in Germany, experts from SUPERB demonstration areas in Spain, Sweden, and the riparian border region between Croatia and Serbia also shared their experiences with restoration approaches, upscaling plans, related policy enablers and challenges, and stakeholder engagement. Stakeholder dialogue and conflict resolution were also thoroughly discussed, for example, regarding the disagreements about the suitability of Natura 2000 objectives in the context of the current Gevelsberg site conditions and restoration goals, and issues related to the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation.

On the second day of the workshop, which took place at the Universitätsclub Bonn, the focus was on developing future-oriented measures and strategies. Participants were introduced to the SUPERB Forest Restoration Knowledge Gateway – an open, interactive online platform hosting practice- and policy-oriented knowledge on forest restoration, which is still under development. As a result of discussions, participants discussed actions to take forward the identified measures and strategies and the collaboration that can support this.

When communicating with different experts across Europe, it was gratifying to note that the understanding that landowners also need to be involved in nature restoration activities, and that their presence and substantive involvement are critically important for the success of these activities, is a widely shared viewpoint, as is the viewpoint that landowners need to be supported both through legislation and compensations.

Transforming Passive Nature Conservation into Active Stewardship: A Conversation with Pille Ligi

Pille LIGI is a passionate advocate for nature stewardship. As the head of the landowners’ Nature Fund, she has dedicated the past three years to boosting private nature care and dissemination of landowners privately done actions on this field in Estonia. She is a Board Member at Sihtasutus Loodushoiu Fond, Estonia, and a member of Wildlife Estates Steering Committee, and Project Director of WESEM Erasmus.

Pille describes herself as
“Carried by the wish of connecting different people and forestry, for finding the best possible solutions for positive change, I can see the potential development perspectives of implementing new ideas today, for the future. Initiating abilities with creative practicality and interest in optimisation guides my steps.”

ELO Countryside Magazine: Pille, tell us about the primary goals of the WESEM project.

Pille LIGI: The WESEM (Wildlife Estates and Land Ethic Mentorship) project is close to my heart. Our main goal is to transform how landowners approach nature conservation. Instead of being allowed only to be passive observers, we want society to see them as kind and ethical but nevertheless, active stewards of their land. So we are enhancing biodiversity and promoting practical sustainable ideas through vocational education training.

ELO Countryside Magazine: How does WESEM integrate VET to promote ethical and sustainable land management?

Pille LIGI: We have analyzed the gaps in forestry and agriculture curriculum and we created a specialized training modules for students and professionals in forestry, agriculture, and environmental sciences. As the nature restoration law has been voted to be implemented, we actually designed the course so that our landowners would know how to restore, not only conserve. This isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about equipping them with practical skills they can use to advise landowners on ethical land management. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this education can change perspectives and inspire action.

ELO Countryside Magazine: What are the key components of the WESEM training modules, do you really go out and guide them to sow differently?

Pille LIGI: We develop and test training content and platforms, create practical tools for land management, and establish a robust mentorship network. Practical tool includes a database with recommendation. Landowners frequently think – is it 10 or 100 meters feasible. We also organize workshops to foster a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about nature stewardship.

ELO Countryside Magazine: How do micro-credentials play a role in WESEM’s training program?

Pille LIGI: Micro credentials are a fantastic way to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge our participants acquire. Lets say Scotland landowner is interested of gaining nature restoration knowledge. The landowners union could approach to VET school and ask them to copy the microcredential study to be taught in school. At the end of the curricula successful end, landowner has a microcredential on the field of environmental science and he can apply for some restoration certification. It’s a portable and shareable proof of their expertise, which can be combined into larger qualifications.

ELO Countryside Magazine: How does the mentorship model contribute to knowledge transfer?

Pille LIGI: Mentorship is at the core of WESEM. By connecting experienced professionals with trainees and landowners, we facilitate the exchange of practical experiences and best practices. It’s a two-way street where both mentors and mentees learn and grow. This model ensures that the knowledge gained is not just theoretical but applied in real-world scenarios. Ifs actually inspired from Sand County Foundation in USA, where one landowner advises other. As this is the source of info we believe in.

ELO Countryside Magazine: What role do the Wildlife Estate Label and its criteria play in promoting sustainable land management?

Pille LIGI: The Wildlife Estate Label is opportunity to prove that ideas and knowledge landowner has gained, has also been put into practice and reward has been Wildlife Estates label, that shows your sustainable practices. It’s a way of celebrating and promoting excellence in nature stewardship.

ELO Countryside Magazine: How does WESEM ensure that the training content remains accessible and aligned with European standards?

Pille LIGI: We prioritize accessibility by developing e-learning platforms and practical tools. Our mentorship networks further enhance this accessibility. By adhering to quality assurance standards and integrating microcredentials into national qualifications frameworks, we ensure that our content is practical and aligned with European standards.

“Stories of Ancient Trees” – An Event for Forest Owners in Rakvere

“Stories of Ancient Trees” – An Event for Forest Owners in Rakvere

On May 9, 2025, a special event for forest owners titled “Stories of Ancient Trees” will take place in Rakvere. The aim of the event is to raise awareness about the value of ancient trees and nature conservation. The gathering will be held at Villa Theresa (Tammiku 13, Rakvere), and the day will be hosted by nature expert and traveler Hendrik Relve.

The event is organized by the Loodushoiu Fund and Rakvere Forest Association, who wish to provide forest owners with practical knowledge on how to recognize, protect, and appreciate ancient trees. The focus will also be on new developments in private funding for nature conservation, as well as an introduction to the Register of Ancient Trees.

After the talks, participants will head out for a walk in the park, where Hendrik Relve will introduce local ancient tree specimens and discuss their ecological and cultural significance.

Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. You can register until May 7 here:
👉 https://forms.gle/LKJJTqyvoJxAJGiL7

PROGRAMME

14:45–15:00 – Gathering and welcome coffee
15:00–15:05 – Opening remarks and introduction
15:05–15:25 – Trends in Private Funding for Nature Conservation in Europe (Pille Ligi)
15:25–15:40 – The Ancient Tree Guardian and the Register of Ancient Trees (Ain Näkk)
15:40–16:40 – Ancient Trees and Their Importance: How to Identify and Why to Protect? (Hendrik Relve)
16:40–17:00 – Coffee break
17:00–18:30 – Guided Park Walk
Gathering outdoors and walk with Hendrik Relve. Observing real examples of ancient trees in the park.
18:30 – Closing of the event

Airiin Vaasa – A Climate Ambassador with a Passion for Forestry

Photo: Mailis Vahenurm

Growing up in Vara Forest District in a family of foresters, Airiin Vaasa found her way to forestry studies by chance—despite her family’s opposition. The young woman, who already stood out during university for her active involvement, has now added a prestigious new title to her list of achievements: European Climate Ambassador.

What exactly does a European Climate Pact Ambassador do? The role is largely shaped by the ambassador themselves. It is a voluntary position aimed at increasing climate awareness in communities and providing practical solutions to environmental challenges. In Vaasa’s case, her focus is primarily on the forestry sector, where she has studied and worked. “In forestry, a lot of opinions come from people without a forestry background, so it makes sense to take on an active role in the discussion and bring more scientific perspective into the debate,” she explains. “Since I’m not permanently tied to any specific organization at the moment, I can integrate these topics into different projects I’m involved with.”

There are several European Climate Pact Ambassadors in Estonia, the most well-known being Member of Parliament Hanah Lahe.

Doesn’t the Forest Grow on Its Own?

Vaasa (26) became a familiar name to forestry professionals a few years ago at the Forestry Vision Conference, where she delivered a presentation on behalf of forestry students about the sector they would like to work in the future. Her speech included a fair amount of criticism toward the "old guard," reflecting the frustration among forestry students that the industry sometimes views new generations with condescension. Many young professionals find it challenging to establish themselves in the existing hierarchy after graduation.

Her critical speech was met with applause and praise, and from that point on, Vaasa’s name began to appear more frequently in forestry-related roles. “I’ve partly made my way by speaking my mind,” Vaasa admits. “That can sometimes cause conflicts, but honesty is generally appreciated.”

Vaasa grew up in Vara Forest District in Tartu County, where both of her parents worked, as did most of the villagers. Despite this, she never considered a future in forestry. On the contrary—she didn’t understand why forests even needed to be managed. After all, don’t they grow on their own? Her parents preferred that she study law, while she was drawn to cultural management but narrowly missed admission. “Somehow, things worked out in a way that my best friend at the time suggested we study something random for half a year and then switch to a field we actually liked,” she recalls. That "random choice" turned out to be forestry. Her friend never even applied, but Vaasa went to the Estonian University of Life Sciences alone and discovered that she enjoyed forestry so much that she pursued a master’s degree right after finishing her bachelor’s.

Standing Out Through Activity

Vaasa says she has always wanted to do things that have an impact, which explains her active involvement. At the Estonian University of Life Sciences, she became a forestry tutor, supporting fellow students. She chaired the Forestry Students’ Association and still organizes forestry competitions in Järvselja. During her master’s studies, she was invited to temporarily work as the Executive Director of the Estonian Forestry Society, and she is currently involved with both the Nature Conservation Fund and Luua Forestry School.

“My father immediately said that I would never become a real forester, and I have always known that myself,” she admits. “I am more drawn to softer, education-related activities—ones that integrate forestry with other fields, like event management or marketing.”

Currently, her focus is on the international WESEM project (Wildlife Estates Sustainable & Ethical Management), in which the Estonian partners are the Nature Conservation Fund and Luua Forestry School. The project aims to train vocational students, forestry, agricultural, and environmental professionals who advise landowners and farmers on how to manage their land ethically and sustainably while successfully applying for the Wildlife Estates label. To achieve this, a training platform and a mentor network are being developed, which could eventually evolve into a completely new curriculum at Luua Forestry School for training land management advisors based on the values of Wildlife Estates.

The Wildlife Estates label recognizes landowners who voluntarily contribute to increasing biodiversity. In essence, it promotes private nature conservation—something not yet widespread in Estonia. However, in the future, private and voluntary conservation efforts could exist alongside state-protected areas as an equal approach.

Passion for Impactful Work

Although Vaasa is engaged in multiple forestry-related projects, she has not yet found the one long-term position where she can create lasting value. However, she believes that the right opportunities will come at the right time.

For her future job, she hopes for the chance to work on large-scale, impactful projects. “It should be related to education, with an organizational and marketing aspect as well,” she reflects. “What exactly that will be, I can’t say yet. But I want to do something that makes a difference.”

When asked what advice she has for young people considering a career in forestry, Vaasa has a clear message: “They need to be active and seek innovative solutions. Such people are highly valued in forestry.” At the same time, she emphasizes that without a genuine interest in nature, it is difficult to succeed: “You may have general knowledge, but to truly connect the dots, you need to be a bit of a fanatic yourself.”

Artikkel ilmus õppelehes Sinu Mets. Loe õppelehte siit.

The third WESEM meeting took place in Andalusia

Whom does landowner trust the most, according to experience but as well as scientific review papers? 

💡 Another landowner. 

For that we are happy to have enforcement by ERASMUS project funds for our WESEM (Wildlife Estates and land ethic mentorship - https://wesem-erasmus.eu/) project. On our third meeting in rather an exotic Andalucia region in Spain:

- We were analyzing the material created for filling the gaps in the labour market related to the lack of professionals able to advise on issues related to nature and biodiversity conservation.

- Discussed how the peer-to-peer learning system could look like in a flexible, practical and fully online vocational training system;

- Demonstrated a toolkit version that has practical advice for forestry related actions for those landowners who want to follow Wildlife Estates label and PEFC.

- Discovered once again that all countries are different while driving alongside of mountain areas, where spanish agriculture must use also terrace building, irrigation systems and increase forest planting. As its hot like in Egypt.

- Visited an estate of landowner of Castillo de Canena Olive Juice. They have measuring stations all over the estate that analyse the soil situation, they sell the pruning residues instead of burining them and provide access to their mills also to other landowners.

#EU #Erasmus #WESEM #ELO #WildlifeEstates

Loodushoiu Fond in innovation partnership in the European Union Green Assist programm with Forestry France.

The newly announced funds will support partner countries throughout the world.

The EU announced several transformative actions at the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia, to reaffirm its commitment to halting and reversing biodiversity loss worldwide by 2030.

Building on its commitment to double external funding for biodiversity from 2021 to 2027 to €7 billion, the EU has unveiled a package of new initiatives aimed at supporting partner countries and safeguarding biodiversity globally worth close to €160 million.  

At COP 16, the EU presented its exploratory works on the potential and challenges of biodiversity certification and nature credits, as part of the innovative finance instruments toolbox for broadening sources of funding to mobilise resources, help companies set nature-positive goals, and reward those who protect and restore nature, including farmers, foresters, fishers, and other sea- and land managers as well as IPLCs.
EU exploratory works include two pilot projects, one on wetlands in partnership with France and one on private forests in partnership with Estonia, as well as a project in the Peruvian Amazon.

Sometimes stars align and there opens an opportunity to cowork within innovative European partners for common good. Thank you Forestry France for all the hard work we have had so far already.

Estonian Landowners Discuss New Conservation Partnerships at Eurosite Event

Estonian landowners co-operation conservation partner The Nature Fund was invited to Eurosite to discuss on new forms of partnerships and cooperation that are a prerequisite. How do you learn from each other, which mentor systems find the right language, and which tools work as incentives for farmers, private landowners and local communities?

Eurosite is the network of landowners and conservationists protecting and restoring private land for nature and the climate in Europe 
https://www.eurosite.org/

Key takeways from landowners perspective:

⚖️ One can not have all good things at once. 
-> To have grouse population high in UK, you reduce the number of forested hectars and catch the small predators.
-> To solve the water contamination problem of old lead quarry, one needs to bind the earth, create the soil and regreen, but cant probably control the birds eating the insects that are on those restored areas.
-> In order to maintain the long term management possibilities, it is needed to make compromises in short-term profit.

🌄  Landowners presentations ecoed similar things - 
-> No urge to notify authoroties of special species, as I will end up losing my rights to my land.
-> Peer-to-peer learning that is lead by landowners organisations is one of the key aspects. Other way the mistrust is too big.
-> Landowners are part of solution, not anti-nature.

🍁 SER presentation confirmed our understanding of the EU policy requirements: 
-> it is 20% not 30% and it is 1/3 of this 20% under strict protection. Favourable conservation status (Habitats directive) means on national level conservation objectives. Not on stand level. 
-> It is not the same as a "good condition habitat type" that is measured on site level.
-> No significant deterioration of areas in good conditions or areas subject to restoration measures means on site level, the structure, fundtions and typical species or typical species composition of a habitat tyle remain stable or show continuous improvemnt. And it means we commitment is effort-based, not result based.

#WeActForBiodiversity #landowners #ourlandournature #restorationdecade #eurosite

The Nature Fund contributes to biodiversity-rich solar parks.

Solar parks are primarily associated with energy production, but we rarely consider that these parks, situated in natural environments, could also support biodiversity. How can this be achieved, and how can the land between panels be better utilized?

These questions are addressed in the latest episode of Osoon.

The Nature Fund has partnered with Kaamos Group companies and mapped out ten solar parks, proposing various biodiversity-promoting activities for solar parks.

For example, the spaces between solar panels could be used to restore plant cover, including sowing native plants that provide shelter and food for pollinators and other insects. Such a solution not only enhances the ecosystem value of the park but also reduces the need for frequent mowing, which in turn lowers maintenance costs and the carbon footprint.

Multiple studies have shown that biodiversity can be supported in several ways. For instance, one could consider creating small water bodies or establishing nesting sites for birds and small animals. Additionally, a bee area could be created, which not only supports bees and other pollinators but also enhances agricultural yields through pollination.

At the same time, solar parks ensure an additional source of energy, contributing to green transition goals. Eco-friendly solutions implemented in solar parks can serve as an example for other renewable energy producers as well.

Digital flower on Valentine's Day saves nature and contributes to the company's SDG goals

To draw attention to the footprint of imported flowers and to offer an alternative to giving real flowers, the Nature Conservation Fund plants one rare domestic plant under solar panels for every digital flower sold.

Digital loop and wild flowers can be a suitable alternative if you want to remember your loved one, friend or business partner with flowers, but the flower recipient is far away or knowing that someone is thinking of them is more important than a physical bouquet.

Loodushoiu Fond does not want to be extreme and say that an environmentally conscious person should not give real flowers at all. However, considering the environment, it would be worthwhile to prefer domestic flowers, because as recent British research shows, the footprint of imported flowers is about ten times larger than that of locally grown flowers. The footprint of the industrial cultivation of flowers is increased by their air transport, as well as heating of greenhouses, chemicals used, and water consumption.

It is customary to give flowers on Valentine's Day. According to a British study, the footprint of seven cut flower bouquets from abroad is about 30 eqCO2kg. The same bouquet domestically has 3.3 eqCO2kg and a digital bouquet has 0.05 eqCO2kg. Here would be an opportunity to contribute very directly to the company's SDG goals. We encourage entrepreneurs to conduct a survey among the target group - it may turn out that not everyone wants to receive a cut tulip or a rose that withers after 4 days. Our partners have lands where they can grow and leave flowers and plants of special occasions that serve a longer view and preservation of natural values.

Loodushoiu Fond implements projects that contribute to increasing biodiversity with the proceeds from the sale of digital flowers.

For example, 500 plants were planted under the solar park with the volunteers of the Erasmus+ Elu enclaves project of Lääne-Harju Cooperation.

You can read more about the footprint of imported flowers on the Loodushoiu Foundation blog, the e-shop can be accessed here.

The purpose of the Nature Conservation Fund, established in 2021, is to contribute to the development of voluntary nature conservation in Estonia. Land owners contribute to the fund's activities, and private individuals, private companies and third sector organizations can get involved as partners.

Digital flower was Eesti Ekspress word of the week 2022

Additional information:

Pille Ligi
Board member of The Nature Fund

phone 518 0641

pille.ligi@loodushoiufond.ee

www.loodushoiufond.ee