Vaasa takes part in efforts to protect the Baltic Sea

August is dedicated to campaigning for nature and the sea. The sea is an important part of life in Vaasa, and the city aims to share information about how individual choices affect the environment’s sustainability and overall quality of life.

The Baltic Sea starts in the street drain

A lack of information remains a key reason for littering. Cigarette butts, nicotine pouches, plastic wrappers, chewing gum and other litter dropped on the ground often end up in nearby waterways via street drains. From there, litter may flow with the water all the way to the Baltic Sea.

As part of the ‘Bellyache from Plastics’ campaign launched by the Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association, street drains in cities are being marked with eye-catching fish stickers. The campaign aims to encourage passers-by to reflect on how their own behaviour contributes to littering and to raise awareness of the paths litter takes.

– As awareness grows, littering may decrease. The ‘Bellyache from Plastics’ campaign reminds us that litter has no place on the street or in street drains. In our 2022 survey (in Finnish), most of the litter found in street drains was traced back to ordinary people. That is why all of us can directly influence the litter problem in our local waterways and the Baltic Sea through our actions, says communications specialist Kiia Palo from the Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association.

Recyclable litter left in nature is a wasted resource

The amount of waste produced globally is estimated to increase by up to 70% by 2050, making action to prevent littering essential. We must reduce both the amount of waste and the rate at which it is produced, but it is equally important to ensure that all recyclable materials are recovered for recycling and reuse.

– Recyclable litter dumped on the street or in nature is a wasted resource. By putting litter in the bin and sorting it carefully, you help keep valuable materials in circulation and reduce the environmental harm caused by waste, Palo reminds.

The drain cover stickers used in the ‘Bellyache from Plastic’ campaign are made from PVC-free material, which can be recycled as metal after use.

Baltic Sea Day encourages people to enjoy our nearest sea

The national Baltic Sea Day will be celebrated on 28 August 2025. Baltic Sea Day, launched by the John Nurminen Foundation, aims to inspire people to enjoy the unique sea on our doorstep and to take concrete action and make commitments to protect it. This year, the City of Vaasa is once again taking part, both through the campaign itself and by organising a related family event.

Nature meets art at Terranova

On Friday 28 August from 15.30 to 16.30, the Ostrobothnian Museum will host a family event ‘Nature Meets Art at Terranova’. The event invites families to join an inspiring tour of Terranova and take part in a workshop.

The guided tour offers an opportunity to reflect together on the summer just past and on how nature prepares for autumn. What does the sea look like in late August? And how do animals and plants change with the seasons?

After the tour, participants move on to Studio Terra, where creativity can run free! In the workshop, participants will create their own sea-themed artwork using tempera paints and chalks, which they can then take home as a keepsake.

• Registration: Send an email to museoinfo@vaasa.fi and let us know which language you would like to participate in.
• Price: Admission €12/8. Free admission for holders of Kaikukortti or Museum Card, and for under-18s.

Vaasa has been named a European Green Leaf City for 2026. The European Commission awards this recognition annually to cities that promote sustainable development and work systematically for the environment and climate.