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WWF Finland: Three Decades to Save Nature with People

WWF, the global conservation organization, was founded in 1961. It took 11 eleven years before WWF Finland was established, but once its work started, no time was wasted to take action for the living planet.

Working for the Nordic Nature

White-tailed sea eagle © Seppo Keränen

There are many fascinating stories to tell about the years that followed the foundation of WWF Finland in 1972.  

Expert working groups played a central part in WWF Finland from the start. The successful white-tailed sea eagle working group, which saved the white-tailed sea eagle from the verge of extinction and is still active, was formed as early as 1972.

Working groups for the preservation of the peregrine falcon and the wild forest reindeer were also launched during the early phase. The population of the peregrine falcon has slowly recovered, and the wild forest reindeer was successfully returned to the wild. Working groups for the Saimaa seal, the white-backed woodpecker, the lesser white-fronted goose and the Baltic Sea seal were established later.

During the course of the years, the white-tailed sea eagle and the Saimaa seal have become emblems of Finnish nature conservation. When WWF started its work for the Saimaa seal in 1979, the population had reached its all-time low of only 150 animals. Since then, the population has been growing slowly but steadily. There are now slightly over 250 seals in the Lake Saimaa, and in 2004 sixty-three seal cubs were born. However, WWF Finland still works for this most endangered seal species of the world, since the threat of extinction is imminent, until the population is more than 400 animals.

25 Years of Volunteer Camps and Voluntary Oil Brigades

The preservation of diverse habitats is vital to the preservation of biodiversity.

WWF Finland organises volunteer camps to restore valuable semi-natural grasslands. Photo: WWF

Therefore WWF Finland soon broadened the scope of its work from the conservation of individual species to the protection of endangered natural habitats. Major sites included Kesonsuo in Ilomantsi, and the Siikalahti and Liminganlahti Bays.

In 1977 WWF began to work for the preservation of cultural landscapes and other endangered habitats by organizing its first volunteer camp in the Linnansaari national park at Saimaa. Since then, WWF has organized several camps every year, with thousands of enthusiastic volunteers taking part. More information about volunteer camps

In 2003, WWF Finland established voluntary oil brigades, which are ready to combat oil in case of oil spills and oil catastrophies. WWF has trained about 250 people to be group leaders for the troops, so that they can convey orders from the authorities to the volunteers. Over 3000 people had registered in the troops by the end of 2004.

Twice the voluntary oil brigades have participated in real action, cleaning shores from oil and washing and drying swans which were stained with oil.

Living Forests

Heritage Forest is a tool by WWF Finland for increase voluntary forest protection. Photo: WWF/Päivi Rosqvist

The 1990´s brought along new information about the threats to Finnish nature. Modern forestry proved to be a major cause behind the degradation of several forest species. Accordingly, WWF Finland turned its focus to forests and their problems.

WWF promoted the protection of valuable old forests both in Finland and the Russian Karelia. It played an important part in the preparation of the new Forest Act and the National forest programme. WWF Finland´s Heritage Forest campaign based on voluntary protection of forests brought a fresh approach into the deadlocked public discussion. After a long public debate and futile negotiations with the forest sector, an FSC working group was founded, and an FSC standard was drafted.

During the late 1990´s an extensive network of Natura 2000 protected areas was proposed in Finland. In the future these areas are likely to be regarded as highly as our national park network, although previously strongly opposed.

There are numerous other examples where WWF Finland has successfully negotiated and lobbied for legislation for environmental protection.

The Baltic Sea

One of the top priorities of WWF Finland is the Baltic Sea. Concentrations of toxic chemicals, like DDT, which threaten several species in the Baltic Sea region, such as the white-tailed sea eagle and the common otter, have decreased. However, other toxic substances such as dioxine pose new threats.

Shores of Tammisaari archipelago were cleaned from oil by WWF's oil brigades in September 2003. Photo: WWF/Anita Mäkinen

Moreover, eutrophication has devastating consequences for marine and coastal habitats. Hence, WWF puts a lot of effort in legislative work to decrease the leak of nutrients into the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, WWF partners with businesses which adopt best practises for sustainable solutions for the Baltic Sea.

Another serious threat is the increase in oil transports. WWF Finland was a key player in campaigning and lobbying the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to designate the Baltic Sea as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA). This is a prerequisite that binding international safety measures can be introduced for the Baltic Sea in order to decrease the risk of an oil accident.

WWF continues its efforts to improve the condition of the Baltic Sea and to preserve the region´s species and habitats.

New Threats - New Solutions

Today, one of the most serious threats to our natural environment is climate change. WWF Finland, together with its partners, is advocating for, and working towards, solutions to decrease global warming. WWF organizes seminars, exhibitions and press conferences in order to promote awareness about the threats of climate change as well as possible solutions to the problem. WWF Finland has a climate change working group and co-operates with businesses to develop energy-efficient solutions and new techniques for energy production, and to reduce CO2 emissions.

Global warming poses a new threat to the Ringed seals of Lake Saimaa. © Juha Taskinen

It is evident that the ecological footprint of mankind needs reducing. Children and young people, tomorrow´s leaders, play an important part. With this in mind, WWF Finland runs an extensive programme of environmental education in Finland, but also for example in Malawi and Nepal.

WWF Finland has expanded its projects overseas. The main focus of action remains in Finland, but there are more conservation projects abroad. In Malawi, WWF runs an extensive conservation programme including environmental education, promotion of sustainable fishing and forestry, and protection of the endangered black rhino. In Nepal, WWF Finland combats poaching of tigers, rhinos and elephants throuhg community based projects. In Brazil and Ecuador, WWF Finland has participated in the protection of rain forests.

Communicating about Environmental Problems and Their Solutions

WWF always emphasises the importance of factual, science-based information and education. WWF is active in bringing into public consciousness global environmental issues, their causes, impacts and solutions.

WWF Finland also encourages people to participate in Panda Passport Actions, which are worldwide web based campaigns against destructive environmental practices and for sustainable solutions. Internet campaigns give WWF´s Finnish supporters the possibility to take action for the benefit of rainforests or turtles in the Galápagos islands, to name a few.

WWF Finland´s quarterly magazine Panda´s Path gives annual supporters an interesting read about nature conservation and the organization´s current news, delivered to their doorstep.

30 Years of Co-operation

The President of the Republic, Tarja Halonen, is the Patron of WWF Finland. Photo: The Office of the President of the Republic

Many people have contributed to WWF Finland´s work by giving their time and expertise for the work done in WWF´s Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, different working groups and committees, voluntary camps as well as WWF´s office. Companies and non-profit organizations, authorities and political decision-makers have been important partners for WWF from the very beginning.

A special thanks is due to the 100 000 and more finns who have donated money to WWF Finland. The annual budget of WWF Finland is on average around 2,5 M euros.

For a Living Planet

WWF is known for its pioneering work for nature. That is how the organization sees its future as well. Protecting the environment is already percieved as an important part of future society. Nevertheless, there are often many obstacles in the way of practical conservation work. Working with WWF often means sweat and tears. However, the support of all our partners and friends and the results of our hard work, such as the sight of a young sea eagle soaring above the archipelago, gives us strength to continue our efforts.

No one can save the world alone, but each one of us can contribute his or her own piece to the whole. Future generations are entitled to a diverse environment. WWF wants to work with you for a living planet.