Taina Ihaksi

Taina Ihaksi Leads the Forest Project of the Baltic Sea Action Group

Concrete solutions and their pursuit are Taina’s forte, regardless of the issue. Building holistic solutions, understanding diverse people and experiences, an endless interest in human interactions and listening to people, and presenting things simply are Taina’s strengths.

“The core of change is getting people to support the need for change. Aligning with change-makers is easier if there are already solutions to move towards. Sometimes there are no ready-made solutions, but searching for them together clarifies the path forward. I would like to invite everyone interested in forests to join in – How can we sustainably manage our forests in the future, causing as little harm as possible to aquatic ecosystems and nature in general?”

Taina started her work at BSAG in March 2024. The work in the forest project is still developing, but it learns from the work already taken forward in BSAG’s agricultural work. “I feel the organization is a good fit for me because the starting point is genuine environmental impact.” Taina has a long career behind her as a water management coordinator at the Southeast Finland ELY Centre. Additionally, she has worked at SYKE and the University of Helsinki on inland and coastal waters.

“In Finland, we should focus on all those seemingly small but cumulatively significant solutions and decisions made concerning small waters and ditches and in land preparation and drainage. This ultimately determines the state of the waters. At BSAG, I can participate in building holistic solutions from the perspective of landowners as well. Thinking about what is needed to raise the sails of change and ensure smooth progress.”

Over the years, Taina has had various hobbies ranging from the volunteer fire brigade, sculpture, fishing, and woodwork to scuba diving and “auntie parkour.” Currently, Taina enjoys playing padel and dreams of restarting dancing.

Work Background

2023– Baltic Sea Action Group, Project Manager – Forests

2010–2023 Southeast Finland ELY Centre, Water Management Coordinator

2008–2010 Finnish Environment Institute, Senior Planner

2008–2009 Southeast Finland ELY Center, Hydrobiologist

2005–2007 University of Helsinki, Researcher

Education and courses

2005 Master of Science, University of Helsinki, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences

2023–2024 Biodiversity in Forests 10 credits, Tapio Oy

Course: How to use Environmental Economic Results in Water Resource Planning, Vilnius, Lithuania

Course: How to write a competitive proposal for framework 7 Helsinki; Balance/HELCOM Workshop on ecologically coherent network of MPA´s in the Baltic Sea and the North East Atlantic, Helsinki