The manifesto is a work written by author Anni Kytömäki and illustrated by graphic artist Anniina Lius that reminds us of the importance of defending biodiversity. It is also a demonstration on how people can contribute to change in many ways and through many actions. The manifesto will be published on the UN’s World Wildlife Day on Tuesday 3 March 2026.
On the publication day, the manifesto’s message will be carried through Helsinki, distributed by names such as Anni Kytömäki, Elsi Sloan and Seela Sella. The day will also be filled with interesting encounters and arresting events that citizens are welcome to join. You can follow the manifesto’s route from the shore of the Mätäjoki River via Kruunuvuori all the way to the Espa stage, or take part in the programme offered along the way.
The manifesto for the living world serves as a starting point for a longer thematic continuum. To this end, the spring programme of the cultural centres will include events such as the exhibition “Rubbish!” at Vuotalo (28 February–23 May), the Living world club at Stoa (Sat 21 March) and the Flagellate algae concert at Caisa (Fri 17 April).
The manifesto is part of the environmental programme of the City of Helsinki’s cultural services. The City’s cultural services are now an EcoCompass-certified operator and are committed to the environmental programme.
Programme on 3 March
10.00, Mätäjoki Mutterilaituri Pier
Welcoming address by Papana and Norkko, Siberian flying squirrels
Eliökuntalaisten manifesti, author Anni Kytömäki
Seikkailutaidekoulu art workshop: a postcard for living organisms
Deputy Mayor Paavo Arhinmäki takes the message to its next stop.
The message continues its journey to Malmi on bus 553.
12 noon, Malmitalo & Longinoja nature trail
Welcoming address in front of Cultural Centre Malmitalo by Siberian flying squirrels Papana and Norkko
Arhinmäki hands over the manifesto to actor Janne Puustinen (Helsinki City Theatre), who will recite the text.
Helsinki City Theatre’s Poetry Kiosk in the lobby of Cultural Centre Malmitalo
Guided walk to Longinoja by Forum Virium: The history of Malmi and the area’s key nature sites
The message continues its journey to Vuosaari on bus 560.
14.00, Cultural Centre Vuotalo
Welcoming address in the lobby: Papana and Norkko
Artist and social activist Maija Karhunen reads the manifesto and takes it forward to Herttoniemi.
Living organisms workshop, 14.00–15.00. A performing arts workshop, based on the exercises of the art group Other Spaces. Aimed at adults and young people over 12. Registration by 26 February to:
salla.fornaro@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program)
The message continues its journey to Stansvik via Herttoniemi, by metro and bus 87.
15.15, Stansvik
Welcoming address: Papana and Norkko
Recitations of the manifesto: Elsi Sloan, Ranja Omaheimo and Emiel Riiko
Transition to Kruunuvuori Ferry Pier.
16.15–16.35, ferry trip Kruunuvuorenranta-Meritullintori
Helsinki City Museum’s Nature and Value tour led by historical characters. The HSL ferry trip is subject to a charge, the guided tour is free of charge.
16.45, Helsinki City Museum
16.50–17.10: Helsinki City Orchestra’s musicians Jaani Helander (cello), Kreeta-Julia Heikkilä (violin)
At 17.10 the message continues its journey to the Espa stage, led by the giant puppet Varpunen (‘Sparrow’) of Aura of Puppets. The audience will get to enjoy a moving installation and an elegy for the endangered sparrow.
17.15, Espa stage
Welcoming address: Papana and Norkko
Recitation of the manifesto by actress Seela Sella
Speech by Mari Männistö, Director of Culture
Performance by accordion adventurist and composer Kimmo Pohjonen
Mimmit children’s music orchestra: a sneak peek of the concert Mimmit luonnonsuojelijoina (‘Mimmit as nature conservationists’)
Seikkailutaidekoulu’s art workshop: Postcard for living organisms
