Risto Kuusakoski 

Risto Kuusakoski works at Baltic Sea Action Group as a planner for the foundation’s forestry activities alongside project manager Taina Ihaksi.

Risto is used to working in different kinds of environments, and it is easy for him to get along with people. Performing, teaching, carpentry, entrepreneurship, and board member work, combined with cherishing natural values are elements that have played a part in Risto’s career so far.

Risto has worked at BSAG since the beginning of 2024, but he has followed and been interested in BSAG’s activities long before that. He, for example, attended the International 4per1000 Seminar in Helsinki 2023, where BSAG was the local organizer. Risto’s expertise and interests lie in forestry issues, but he is also familiar with BSAG’s Carbon Action project and regenerative agriculture: “There are some excellent basic principles in regenerative agriculture that I believe, can be applied to forestry as well.”

Risto holds a master’s degree in science in Economics and Business Administration, and in his master’s Thesis, he focused on comparing different forms of forest management practices from economic and environmental perspectives. Risto is currently studying for a degree in climate expertise at the University of Helsinki.

Risto’s work path started in music and continued in teaching, which, through a certain renovation project changed into working as an artisan and entrepreneur. The interest in economics was always present, partly because of a family business background, and therefore his path finally led to business studies, where forest management was selected as the subject of his thesis.

“Forests are fascinating. The diversity of nature surprises you again and again… I can’t say if it’s a universal experience or not, but it’s hard to imagine anything more stirring than a beautiful, natural landscape. That is when your soul rests. At the same time, to survive, we need to utilize natural resources, but must find ways to do it without overconsumption.”

At BSAG Risto works together with his colleague Taina, aiming to find ways to reduce the strain on the water system caused by forestry. Risto believes that collaboration is the key term, and when working together with forest owners, companies, researchers, and various stakeholders, the results are sure to be effective. “It’s great to work in an organization with sustainable values and a big influence in this field. It certainly helps to make a difference! You should take things seriously, but you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously. I try to remind myself of this from time to time,” Risto says with a laugh.

“Family, friends, nature and music…and dogs – that’s what counts.”

Education and positions of trust

12/2025 Climate Expert Education, University of Helsinki

2022 Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, University of Turku

2016 Approved Member of the Board (AMB/HHJ), Turku/Tampere Chamber of Commerce

2011 Artisan/carpenter, Salo Vocational College

2008 Master of Science in Education, University of Turku

2003 Pop & Jazz musician, Turku Conservatory