Finland rewards biodiversity action

26 May 2010, Finland. The IUCN National Committee of Finland announced this year’s competition to reward the best action for biodiversity in the country. The Committee has held this competition every two years since 2006 with the aim of rewarding an organisation, or individual, that has taken action to help safeguard nature. The Countdown Certificate of Honour will be awarded for achievements in practical nature conservation work, communications, environmental education, research or business. Closing date for applications is 31 August 2010.

The best action to promote biodiversity will be chosen by the IUCN National Committee of Finland. The Committee brings together the Government of Finland, Hunters’ Central Organisation, WWF Finland, The Finnish Society for Nature and Environment (Natur och Miljö), and the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation.

Previous winners include in 2006, Helsinki City Public Works Department’s Crafts Workshop for landscaping the Vuosaari dump and landfill site in an innovative way and by using native plants species. In 2008, Espoo City Council for protecting 550 hectares of land to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the City.

Applications should be addressed to the Registrar’s Office of the Finnish Ministry of the Environment. Additional information can be found here.

• Winner 2008
• Winner 2006 
• Finnish Ministry of the Environment on Countdown 2010 website