Biological diversity, the variety of living beings on our planet, is diminishing at an alarming rate, mainly on account of human activity. The eco system’s many million unknown heroes are playing very important parts in the well-being of the planet, and human survival is entirely dependent on them. During the Baltic Sea Festival, Finlandsinstitutet will organise talks about what needs to be done in order for future generations to exist in a balanced eco system.

On 29 August at 4 p.m. we will have the opportunity to learn more about how business and industry can help in preserving biological diversity. What are the obstacles and possibilities? Are concrete measures such as dealing with land use, pollution and climate change enough? Can business and industry drive the change, or do we all need to change our mindset in order to protect biological diversity in the future?

After the talk, cellist Jakob Koranyi and dancer Virpi Pahkinen will perform the late Kaija Saariahos work Sept Papillons (Seven Butterflies). Saariaho was busy with the final rehearsals for her opera L’Amour de Loin when she composed Sept Papillons. Unlike L’Amour de Loin, which deals with eternal questions about love, desire and death, Sept Papillons consists of seven miniatures, variations on an ephemeral theme, seemingly without beginning or end. Like seven butterflies that briefly share their beauty.

The Talk is 45 min long.