Oars in the Water for the Baltic Sea and Wetlands – Rowing for Baltic Herring Ra
Oars in the Water for the Baltic Sea and Wetlands – Rowing for Baltic Herring Raises Funds for WWF Finland’s Wetland Work
Rotary’s annual charity event, Rowing for Baltic Herring and Herring Hike, raises funds for the benefit of the Baltic Sea.
Nearly 300 people take part in the rowing event and hike, which culminate in a Baltic Sea seminar.
This year, the event is under the patronage of Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov.
The media are warmly welcome to cover the event at Kaisaniemenranta and along the route!
Rotary’s Rowing for Baltic Herring event will take place on Sunday, 4 October, traditionally on the first Sunday of the Herring Market in Helsinki. During this charity event, participants will row in 12 church boats from Kaisaniemenranta around Kruununhaka and Tervasaari to Katajanokka. At the same time, just over 50 walkers will follow the same route along the shoreline, stopping at several information points along the way.
In total, the event brings together nearly 300 people to enjoy the outdoors and raise funds for the protection of the Baltic Sea. The event also brings a number of international Rotarians to Helsinki.
Wetlands are nature’s own “sponges”
The funds raised through Rowing for Baltic Herring will support WWF Finland’s work to create so-called multifunctional wetlands in agricultural and forestry environments. These wetlands reduce the amount of nutrients washed into waterways, increase biodiversity, enhance the landscape and improve recreational opportunities in the area.
Wetlands will also play an important role in the future, as climate change is expected to increase rainfall and flooding. According to Jari Luukkonen, Secretary General of WWF Finland, wetlands are natural treasures that provide habitats for many species.
“They also combat eutrophication by absorbing nutrients and retaining water like a sponge. By constructing and restoring wetlands, we help protect the Baltic Sea as well as rivers and lakes,” Luukkonen says. At their best, functioning wetlands can retain as much as 90 per cent of the soil material carried by water, together with the nutrients bound to it.
“Building wetlands is a highly suitable way for Rotarians across Finland to help protect the Baltic Sea. After all, almost the entire country of Finland lies within the Baltic Sea catchment area, and wetlands can effectively prevent nutrients from flowing into rivers that discharge into the sea. At the same time, we are also promoting biodiversity,” says Rowing for Baltic Herring host Juha Kuronen.
Environmental protection is one of Rotary’s important areas of focus. It is truly wonderful to be able to organise our event for the 14th time. When it comes to nature conservation, perhaps more than anywhere else, it is clear that everyone has a role to play—from government authorities and organisations to ordinary people.
The Day of Rowing and Hiking Culminates in a Baltic Sea Seminar
After the outdoor activities, participants will enjoy a shared herring lunch aboard Viking Line’s Gabriella. The concise Baltic Sea seminar will provide an opportunity to hear more from experts about the concept of wetlands and the tremendous benefits they offer.
Concern for the Baltic Sea is something we all share, bringing together many different organisations and stakeholders. Rotarians encourage the public to take part in protecting the Baltic Sea and to look out for the church boats off Helsinki on the opening day of the Herring Market. The event is suitable for the whole family and offers everyone an enjoyable day outdoors in a beautiful maritime setting.
Rowing for Baltic Herring is organised by ten Rotary clubs: Finlandia Hall and its satellite clubs, Helsinki International, Helsinki Kamppi, Herttoniemi-Hertonäs, Helsinki Northeast, Meri-Espoo, Riihimäki-Hausjärvi, Rotaract Helsinki, Tapiola, and Vantaa-Myyrmäki. Rotary District 1420, Southern Finland and Estonia, is also involved.
The sponsors and partners of the rowing event are: Viking Line, K-Supermarket Hertta, Ventoniemi, Stadin Silakkamarkkinat, Baltic Sea Challenge / City of Helsinki, Helsingin Suomalainen Klubi and the Finnish Lifeboat Institution, Minun mereni ry, Marina Bay Guest Marina, Finnish Association for Nature Conservation / Uusimaa District, and Hiiohoi Oy.
Welcome to follow the start of the rowing and hiking events at Kaisaniemenranta on Sunday, 4 October, at 11:00! The opening ceremony will be held at Hiiohoi’s meeting and event venue in Tokoinranta at 10:00. The rowing and hiking events will start at 11:00.
At approximately 12:00, the church boats will arrive at Marina Bay Guest Marina in Katajanokka. On the terrace of Marina Bay Café, the rowers will be welcomed by the brass band of Helsingin Suomalainen Klubi. The mini-seminar aboard Viking Gabriella will begin at 14:00.
Members of the media are kindly asked to notify Tanja Arvola of their attendance: Tel. 045 1300 226.
Event website: https://www.silakkasoutu.fi
Photos: https://www.silakkasoutu.fi/kuvia-images/
(Photos may be used freely, provided the photographer is credited.)
Further information:
Hannele Kauranne
Puh. 040 061 8439