“Besides the rules and bans established by the state concerning nature protection, it is even more important that we have a cultured, valued, and caring attitude towards our environment. It is shaped by role models and learning. The young conservationists who are recognised today have done a good job in preserving nature and encouraging other young people in doing so,” the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus said when handing over the Young Conservationist badges. The Ministry of the Environment would like to acknowledge active young people (up to 26 years old), who are greatly interested in nature and have been involved in nature conservation activities, and want them to serve as role models for others. There are pupils who have been successful in natural science Olympiads, organisers of different nature-related events, such as nature trips, civil actions (so-called talgud), and competitions, and also researchers among this year’s badge receivers. All badge receivers are connected by having a great interest in nature. The laureates of this year’s Young Conservationist badges are: Anna-Grete Rebane (Tallinn French School), An˛ela Tihhonova (Kohtla-Järve Slavonic basic school), Auli Relve (TU ecology student), Danila Tsõgankov (Kohtla-Järve Slavonic basic school), Elisabeth Heinrich (Viljandi Kesklinna School), Hanna Tuus (Saaremaa Co-Educational Gymnasium), Helene Urva (Chemistry and biology teacher at Tallinn English College), Hendrik Lahi (Haljala Gymnasium), Irina Guljavina (Rakvere Gymnasium), Janeli Kesler (Kohtla-Järve Slavonic basic school), Karl Eik Rebane (Saaremaa Co-Educational Gymnasium), Liivi Plumer (TU biology postgraduate), Magnus Kaldjärv (Saaremaa Co-Educational Gymnasium), Mart Kiis (Hugo Treffner Gymnasium), Marta Jamsja (Kadrina Secondary School), Martin Silts (University of Tartu), Mihkel Rünkla (University of Tartu), Paul Hunt (the president of Students’ Nature Protection Circle of the University of Tartu), Tanel Voormansik (University of Tartu), Tõnis Tuuga (Tallinn University Baltic Film and Media School), Villem Voormansik (University of Tartu). The Young Conservationist badge is made of brass and it represents an enamelled oak leaf. The author of the badge is Julia Maria Künnap. The Ministry of the Environment issues the Young Conservationist badges for the second year. The Nature Evenings anniversary was organised in collaboration with Looduse Omnibuss (Nature Bus). |
