Finnair will participate in a development cooperation project launched in Madagascar by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation. Finnair Plus members may, if they wish, support the project by donating Plus points.
The purpose of the development project is to create an effective reforestation programme in the environment of a 1,500-inhabitant village community. The project area suffers from severe deforestation, as a consequence of which natural diversity and the life-maintaining activity of the ecosystem have been seriously weakened.
By donating points, Finnair Plus members can fund the planting of one or more trees in a Madagascar forest within the project area. For example, with a donation of 1,000 points the Finnair Plus member can participate in the planting of three tree seedlings. One tree is directed towards the restoration of the natural forest, another to the villagers’ utility wood forest, and a third to nutritional production (fruit trees).
Through the planting of seedlings, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation ensures that reforestation succeeds in a sustainable way in cooperation with the local community. The progress of reforestation is monitored using a satellite system. By donating a seedling, Finnair Plus members will participate at the same time in the villagers’ education.
"The reforestation project will improve in many ways the conditions of the local community in Madagascar. The project will develop local expertise and offer means for the broad-based improvement of quality of life," says Finnair’s Vice President, Sustainable Development Kati Ihamäki.
Finnair and the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL) have engaged in long-term cooperation for many years, for example in waterways protection and the promotion of natural diversity.
Finnair Plc
Communications
23.3.2011
Further information: Finnair Media Desk tel. +358 9 818 4020, comms(a)finnair.com;
Olli Turunen, Neighbouring Area and Development Cooperation Coordinator, SLL,
tel: +358 40 755 3815 or Eija Palosuo, Project Coordinator, SLL, tel: +358 50 573 5679
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