Outi Haapamaki

Helsinki Foundation

The Helsinki Foundation is a non-profit foundation established for the purpose of either directly or indirectly promoting the conservation of nature and the environment. The Foundation was established after growing concerns about the ever-increasing footprint of man upon the world and the need to think long-term about land conservation. Land depletion is a common concern for many global citizens, but individually we lack the resources to make a large-scale impact. Recognising the need for a collective approach, "The Guardianship Project" was born. Our approach to land conservation is very simple. First the Foundation purchases a parcel of land from governments or private landowners. Next we overlay the land with a virtual subdivision dividing the land into unique blocks. We then sell the Guardianship rights of each block to the public. Every Guardian has a veto right over changing the use of the land, thus the Guardians then effectively control the land to ensure its conservation. Our unique Guardianship Project is the vehicle through which individuals, corporations and governments can make a lasting difference. "From little things, big things grow."