Nature - thisisFINLAND

Art in the archipelago: Helsinki Biennial reflects global concerns

Exploring identity, interconnectedness and the ecological crisis, the event’s theme and subtitle, “The Same Sea,” is more relevant than ever in a world marked by a pandemic.

Life & society Environment

Finnish volunteers make a dent in Baltic Sea plastic pollution

Beach cleaners in the town of Hanko are helping to raise awareness about the perils of plastic and other waste in and around the Baltic.

Life & society Climate

Finnish grannies act to counteract climate change

Twelve Finnish supergrannies have started a social movement that addresses climate change with a message of hope. Their mission is to use “granny wisdom” to teach people that a sustainable life is also a fulfilling one.

13%

of Finnish forests are protected

Source: Discovering Finland

Life & society Sauna

Unesco highlights the intangible but very real spirit of Finnish sauna culture

“Sauna culture in Finland” is now on the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. What does that mean, and what does the sauna represent to Finnish people?

Life & society Environment

Peatland restoration strengthens Finland’s biodiversity

Increased government funding is good news for efforts to restore some of the country’s most widespread and important natural habitats. Put on your boots and step with us into the swamps of the Finnish countryside (article includes slideshow).

200

Number of nights the Northern Lights are visible in Finnish Lapland in a typical year

Business & innovation Arctic

Climate change doesn’t erase the need for Finnish icebreaker innovations

While climate change is increasingly visible in the decreasing extent of sea ice in the Arctic and the Baltic, conditions are still harsh, and icebreaking ships remain as relevant as ever. We check in with Finland’s Aker Arctic, a major name in the world of icebreakers, to see what it really means to break the ice.

Business & innovation Environment

Finnish innovations for overcoming plastic waste

The world needs a wide range of innovations if it is to rise to the challenge of reducing single-use plastic. Numerous start-ups and companies in Finland are working to devise solutions.

Life & society Nature

Magical ice-skating video from northern Finland wows viewers

Photographer Esko Liukas and figure skater Tiina Pakkanen created a video in which she appears to be gliding across the water of a lake in the Finnish far north.

500,400

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland