“The marine research conducted at the Tvärminnen Zoological Station focuses on studying the diversity and functioning of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, as well as changes caused by human activity, such as eutrophication and climate change. Significant current research topics include the ecology of benthic ecosystems, pelagic ecology, and aquatic biogeochemistry. We want our research to reach as many audiences as possible, and we will invest even more in this work through science education and new partnerships, among other things.”

“I work to tackle biodiversity loss by helping private forest owners make more sustainable decisions. I curate the best available knowledge for those preparing for a generational transfer of forest ownership and for people learning to manage their forest assets. My goal is to offer an easy first step that helps owners better understand forest ecosystems and the impact of their decisions on them. I am also a sustainability consultant for SMEs and a nature guide.”

“I explore futures, systems change and policy with creative practice driving sustainability transformations. I am specifically interested in experiential futures – what would sustainable futures look and feel like in everyday life, and how to make futures participatory. That’s why my activist entrepreneurial platform is called Futures Mundane. I jumped into entrepreneurship after 15 years working across governments  internationally, and at state and municipal levels.”

“We developed alternative plans for urban forest disputes in Finland. The primary purpose of the alternative plans is to empower residents in planning and to protect forests – they are a tool to defend local nature. The plans will be the subject of participatory workshops and presentations, bringing together residents, decision-makers and planners. We aim to enrich the urban planning debate with solutions that lead to a more inhabitant-centred and diverse city with a place for forests.”

www.elonkirjonkaupunki.com

“I run Atlan, a venture studio focused on building nature-tech companies. We collaborate with research institutions and other innovators to create impactful and profitable ventures that contribute to a sustainable future. Our goal is to demonstrate that investing in environmentally conscious companies can also yield strong financial returns.”

www.atlan.fi

www.hovicreative.com

“Halton Ventures invests in startup companies, innovations, and investment funds that improve the sustainability of built environments. We are a family business and the responsible owner of Halton Group, an indoor air solution company. I am the CEO of Halton Ventures as well as a green energy transition researcher with a PhD in Environmental Policy. By working in the intersections of finance, business, and research, I hope to contribute to a more sustainable society and drive long-term system change.”

LinkedIn

“The purpose of RELEX Foundation, founded in 2022, is to foster biodiversity, mitigate climate change and promote equity. We fund actors working for a better future for all organisms. We also support our partners in other ways such as by offering the expertise of our networks at their disposal. I work on Puistokatu to build this new foundation and lead its grant making and other collaborations.”

www.relexfoundation.org

“I am a ‘postgrowth’ communications entrepreneur/activist focused on science communication, sustainability, and future-proof narratives, as well as a part-time degrowth master’s student. I work as a communications specialist in the coordination of the Finnish Expert Panel for Sustainable Development. Alongside my work, I serve as the chair of the board at Rethinking Economics Finland, which aims to diversify economics education and economic thinking, and to democratize economic discourse in society.”

“I am a curious optimist and entrepreneur. I help changemakers create impactful change, shifting from merely reducing the negative impacts of human activities to holistically regenerating the planet, communities and individuals. I also coach those seeking a new direction in their lives. In my work, I combine leadership experience, coaching skills, business acumen, and expertise in sustainable development and societal advocacy.”

www.whyco.fi

“At core, my work is about popularising and mainstreaming sustainability subjects as well as participating in and polyvocalising public discussion about sustainability through journalism. I aim at shining a light on the different elements of environmental crises and to deepen understanding of the reader about interconnectedness and the big picture. In my previous texts, I have touched upon collateral effects of environmental crises and social agency.”

“In my poetry the immediate bodily perception mingles with ecological diversities. I am a member of the Mustarinda association and works in 2026 preparing for a national park initiative called the Art National Park. The project aims to produce knowledge about the ecological and ecosocial characteristics of the region and to create artistic thinking to protect the forests and re-conceptualize a new notion of a national park.”

“At Femma Planning we use co-creation and futures studies methods to understand the needs of residents and different communities and find solutions that align with ecological boundaries. I see socially and ecologically sustainable cities being built by strengthening existing communities, networks, buildings and environments – instead of continuous focus on growth.”

“I work as an independent graphic designer with a focus on visual identity, publication and exhibition design. I also work as a project teacher at Aalto ARTs in the departments of design and visual commmunication design. At Puistokatu I work especially on a project related to building conservation and my artistic research on cyanobacteria. I am part of the SEAS collective, which aims to promote the multi-species well-being of archipelago.”

www.paivihelander.fi

“My work at OBIS deals with integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) data. eDNA is an innovative new method with which we can monitor biological communities, without disrupting the environment. We deliver interoperable, accessible, high-quality marine biodiversity data and fit-for-purpose, innovative services to support science, policy, and society.”

“I believe even the smallest of stories can contribute to changing the world. I am interested in past technologies and practices that might have unexpected connections to sustainable futures. At Puistokatu 4 I am exploring the possibilities of the risograph machine both as an artistic medium and as a publishing tool for collaborative world-building of sustainable futures.”

“Kudelma works towards creating thought and action within the boundaries of our planet. We focus especially on the root causes of the sustainability crisis. Our central themes include strong sustainability, comprehensive thinking and dismantling anthropocentrism. In the project More-than-human municipalities, we delve into dismantling anthropocentrism with civil servants, decision-makers, and citizens. Together, we develop ways to create more-than-human municipalities.”

“Fingo is an umbrella organisation, promoting a globally just sustainability transition within civil society. Our member organisations work in the fields of development cooperation, human rights, peacebuilding, and climate and environmental justice in Finland and around the world. Together with our members, we dismantle global inequality and in doing so, help build an ecologically sustainable future.”

“The Erkki Paasikivi Foundation’s contribution to building an ecologically sustainable future comes from our efforts to improve access to safe drinking water. We support research and education projects in clean drinking water and building services engineering, thus promoting development of new technologies and practices. In addition, we support local culture in Rauma. As Executive Director, I manage and develop the Foundation’s operational work, administration, grant processes and partnerships.”

“I’m a food systems researcher & practitioner, and believe in chefs and kids as powerful influencers for change. With a background in global kids media (from big brands to 1B+ YouTube views) and methodology that blends creativity & data, I aim to bridge science, storytelling, and business strategy. I’m keen to connect with people researching and scaling impact at the intersection of ecology, culture shift, and consumption, and especially those passionate about delicious nutrition and diet shift.”

“As an art educator I develop multidisciplinary teaching materials and workshops with researchers. I am also working on ecological and social transition as part of the Mustarinda Association based in Kainuu, promoting the connection between science and art. My work as an art educator has recently been guided by thoughts about the dwindling biodiversity of forests, multispecies coexistence, but also by the importance of seeking joy and finding a common denominator.”

“I work at the Sykli Environmental College as the coordinator of the Sustainability Network for Vocational Education and Training (the Kartalla – På Kartan Network). The network strengthens and highlights the role of vocational competence in the sustainability transition. The network supports education providers and builds partnerships to advance sustainability.”

www.kartallaverkosto.fi
LinkedIn

“We are a non-profit foundation that aims to strengthen democracy, trust and social resilience. We organise dialogues that aim to discuss social issues in a constructive and equal way. The importance of discussing a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable future is reflected in our themes for debate and in our partnerships.”

www.eratauko.fi

“I am driven by a desire to make the invisible visible. I am interested in human behavior and cause-and-effect relationships, and in how they can be shaped through art and design. I create projects that weave together science, art, and emotion, aiming to influence how people think, choose, and act. At present, I am designing the new main exhibition for the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia. The exhibition seeks to deepen visitors’ understanding of nature and to encourage a sense of responsibility for the environments we inhabit.”