Saimaa Group, a company based in Mikkeli, Finland, has made a generous donation to the Metsähallitus nature services in the form of 100 artificial nests designed to support the nesting of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. Currently, 46 of these nests are already in use, and the donation will cover the costs for these plus an additional 54 that will be produced later. The total value of the donation is estimated to be between 380,000 to 420,000 euros, depending on the specific nesting models that are delivered.

Keijo Pylkkänen, the CEO of Saimaa Group, expressed the company's commitment to supporting the conservation of the Saimaa ringed seal. He noted that as someone who has vacationed by Lake Luonteri, he has observed the deteriorating ice conditions and has been motivated to take action. He shared his thoughts on the importance of contributing to a meaningful, intergenerational project that aims to help the seal adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, specifically increasing survival rates during this critical period.

The initiative comes in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and Metsähallitus, both of which have been actively involved in conservation efforts for the Saimaa ringed seal. The University has developed floating artificial nests alongside Metsähallitus and has tested their suitability for the seals, indicating a scientific approach to addressing the population decline of this vulnerable species. This partnership highlights the intersection of corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship in Finland, particularly concerning endangered species protection.