Metsän suojassa – In the Shelter of the Forest – Roundtable discussion on a utopian future | Finnish Nature Day

The roundtable discussion on Finnish Nature Day, 29 August 2026, is one of the main events marking the culmination of the Metsäkissa2044 project. Moderator: Jaana Kanninen Participants: Anni Kytömäki, Elisa Aaltola, Ilari Sääksjärvi, Jukka Ilmonen, Juha-Pekka Väisänen Other participants will be announced at a later date. The In the Shelter of the Forest exhibition provides a mystical setting for discussion, serving as a reminder of the forest’s many values. Leading figures from the worlds of science and the arts in Finland have been invited to take part in the discussion. Among those who have agreed to take part is the much-loved author Anni Kytömäki , in whose works nature and all its living creatures play a central role. Another participant, familiar from ethical discussions, is Elisa Aaltola , executive director of Eläinoikeusakatemia and animal philosopher, known for her profound insights. Professor of Biodiversity Research Ilari Sääksjärvi from the University of Turku is the vice-chair of the Finnish Nature Panel and an award-winning social influencer. The panellists also include the leader of the Metsäkissa2044 project, Jukka Ilmonen , who describes himself as a Jack of all trades and whose worldview is bold, even radical. More participants will join the fold as we head into August. Each participant begins by presenting their own manifesto, setting out their vision of a better future – their own utopia. Member of the Metsäkissa2044 group and craft artist Juha-Pekka Väisänen also takes part in the discussion with his own manifesto, which is presented through video from a swamp. This leads into an in-depth discussion, during which a bright future is outlined for forests and all of their inhabitants – including humankind – that may in part even be utopian. The event features a discussion in which everyone builds on one another’s views, as we are not seeking an oppositional debate as is so often the case with dialogue discussions. The two-year Metsäkissa2044 project culminates in a series of events at Kanneltalo. Kanneltalo opens to the public on 14 August 2026 as part of the In the Shelter of the Forest exhibition, marking the start of a series of events that culminates on Finnish Nature Day on 29 August 2026. The programme includes forest theatre, audio works related to the forest, lectures and workshops. The event is part of the multi-sensory In the Shelter of the Forest exhibition and event series that invites you to reflect on the future of the forest through art, science and participation. Learn more about the event series . The exhibition and events are part of the environmental programme of the City of Helsinki Cultural Services. The exhibition and events are free of charge.