“Nature conservation starts with very small things – seeing, noticing. After that, respectful and caring attitude towards nature can follow. Jaan Riis is an active nature man who has given this skill to very many people,” Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus said. “He has even established a certain school of nature lovers, scientists, travellers, artists, musicians and supporters around him.” Jaan Riis, who graduated from the University of Tartu as a geographer, is the Director of OÜ Looduskiri and a long-term member of the Board of the Estonian Nature Conservation Society. He has organized popular nature nights in the National Library of Estonia since 1999. The Looduse Omnibuss has been driving around since 2001. The bus trips organised throughout the year are informative and memorable. Since 2001, Jaan Riis is the main organizer of the photo competition Looduse Aasta Foto (Nature Photo of the Year). This year, 1850 nature photographers with more than 11,000 photos, took part. The best works of the competition will be displayed on travelling exhibitions and compiled into the Estonian Nature Photo Yearbook. Every year, under the auspices of Jaan Riis, the Nature Calendar is issued and collections published, exhibitions and performances organized. “However, Estonian nature conservation does not rest on just one, but on very many persons with a clear vision and strong will, whose actions deserve to be recognised,” Keit Pentus said. “Today we are also handing out the Protection of Natural Amenities Medal – silver oak leaves – to mille Ain Erik, Lassi Karivalo, Kaja Lotman, Asko Lõhmus, Hendrik Relve and Asta Tuusti, for their notable nature conservation efforts.” This year’s nature conservation month has a motto “Nature is near”, and numerous nature-related activities are planned. For example, on 21 May, the Environmental Board will organize a national hiking day to nature protection areas. The hikes are guided by the employees of the Environmental Board and are free of charge. People are invited to nature by the State Forest Management Centre. Nature is near! Information on the nature conservation month and the Protection of Natural Amenities Medal is available at: http://www.envir.ee/1170116 |
