The Latvian Fund for Nature (LFN) was established in 1990 by a steering group of ten people. The idea of establishing such a foundation came about because in Latvia there were in fact no professional non-governmental nature conservation and research organisations. The initial name of the organisation was the ‘Gandrs (Black Stork) Fund’, but since 1991 it is under its present name.

LDF was founded with the aim of developing a project to protect rare and endangered species and natural areas, and, by attracting financial support, to provide for the implementation of such a conservation project.

In the initial period of activity, the main emphasis was on protecting certain species, but with time, as experience was gained in formulating and implementing projects, comprehensive nature conservation plans became the fund’s main priority.