Lady Merle Liivand (34, Estonia, MSF bio here, IISA bio here) was knighted as a Dame of The Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen, as she continues her marine environmentalism and just received another honor: the III Servant List given by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Välisministeerium House of the Republic of Estonia.

Referring to Lady Liivand, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said, “Estonia can also be made great through water and swimming. And by doing all this, we can also inspire the next generation to care for the future of our Planet, while introducing little Estonia. Willpower and swimming against the current are inscribed in Estonia’s blood.”

Known as the Estonian Mermaid, Lady Liivand says, “I find myself having the more opportunities to discuss policies with various Heads of State about how more must be done through national borders to protect their people and bring peace to their country. And, the people and the country can be kept alive through the skill of swimming. I have a greater honor to accept this knowing that this will inspire the next Estonian athlete in hard training.”

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued merit certificates since 2020. The Servant Established 2020 Year of Tartu Peace 100 is awarded to those who have provided outstanding services in promoting Estonian interests in the world or in promoting Estonian independence. The Servant has three classes: I, II, and III.

Lady Liivand received a merit cross in 2025 as a swimmer, entrepreneur and environmental activist “for her contribution to ocean pollution awareness and environmental awareness promotion.”

© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“

World Open Water Swimming Federation, a human-powered project.