What Is the Nestori Foundation?
To protect the endemic
Saimaa Ringed Seal in Finland, the Nestori Foundation was established
in 2000 by Mr. Arto Frey, M.Sc. (For.).
The first and foremost goal of the Nestori Foundation is to enhance
and encourage the work done for the protection of the Saimaa Ringed
Seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) by safeguarding and improving the
habitats of the seal and by carrying out related research. The Foundation
may also encourage the protection of the Ladoga Ringed Seal (Pusa
hispida ladogensis) and other activities enhancing nature conservation.
As recognition for exemplary Saimaa Ringed Seal protection work,
the Nestori Foundation may grant certificates of honour for persons
of merit.
The Nestori Foundation receives donations and legacies. The Foundation
works in cooperation with organisations that are involved in the
protection of the Saimaa Ringed Seal. These include Metsähallitus
Natural Heritage Services, WWF Finland and the Finnish Association
for Nature Conservation.
The name of the Nestori Foundation is derived from the famous Finnish
song that talks about the Saimaa Ringed Seal. The lyrics of the
song by composer and singer Juha Vainio called Vanhoja poikia viiksekkäitä,
which literally translated refers to bachelors with moustaches,
tell about the Saimaa Ringed Seal and a man called Nestori Reponen
who lived on an island on Lake Saimaa and was friends with the seal.
Nestori played his harmonica and lured a lonely seal to the shore
of his island. This song has become the symbol for Saimaa Ringed
Seal protection.
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