12/08/2005 – WWF-Finland
presented an award to Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka
Salonen who, through his work, has brought
to the public’s attention the condition and
conservation needs of the Baltic Sea.
The award was presented in conjunction with
the Baltic Sea Festival’s opening concert,
which Salonen established in 2003, in addition
to his role as Principal Conductor with the
Los Angeles Philharmonic. Finnish President
Tarja Halonen also attended the event.
"The universal language of music has
no political attachments and it reaches people
across language barriers with ease,"
Salonen said. "That is why a big festival
such as this one can foster a common desire
to help improve the condition of the Baltic
Sea."
"In order to garner enough support for
the Baltic Sea and nature conservation on
the whole, it is important that people from
different sectors of society, including the
arts sector, who enjoy broad and international
recognition, dare speak out on behalf of the
environment."
As a festival participant, WWF is conducting
environmental seminars with a particular focus
on conserving the Baltic Sea region.
"Esa-Pekka Salonen has spoken and acted
passionately on behalf of the Baltic Sea and
its protection," said Elisabeth Rehn,
Chair of WWF-Finland's Board of Trustees,
who presented the conductor with the award.
"Just like art, the Baltic Sea environment
gives people valuable experiences and improves
our emotional well-being," said Rehn.
The Baltic Sea is the youngest sea on the
planet. It has a unique marine ecosystem that
plays an important role for the 85 million
people who live in the area – the only sea
almost entirely within the European Union.
However, the ecosystem is highly sensitive
to pollution as there is little exchange of
water with the neighbouring Atlantic Ocean.
As a result, the sea's contaminated water
can remain in place for 25 to 30 years.
"Society as a whole must concentrate
its energies on saving the Baltic Sea,"
said Salonen. "I don’t want to ever again
have to tell my kids they can’t swim in the
sea because of it is no longer fit for swimming."
