Ålandsbanken's Baltic Sea Project Funds Record 200 Environmental Innovations

Ålandsbanken's Baltic Sea Project has received a record 200 applications for support this year, demonstrating substantial interest in environmental innovation. Established a decade ago, the initiative funds innovative projects dedicated to enhancing the health of the Baltic Sea, an area recognized as one of the world's most polluted marine environments. The project originated after Anne-Maria Salonius, a director at Ålandsbanken, observed the sea's degraded state during a sailing expedition. Its core mission is to foster novel solutions for improving the marine ecosystem. Since its inception, the project has disbursed nearly €5.5 million to various initiatives. Notable supported projects include a biogel for oil spill absorption, wind power technology designed to be safer for birds, and a GPS system aimed at aiding the eider duck population.