As our Baltic Sustainability Awards & Forum Team together with speakers work on the agenda for 2024, I'm struck by the trends shaping our region's sustainable future. Creating an agenda that's both forward-thinking and grounded in Baltic realities is a challenge we're eager to tackle.
'Symbiotic tech' has caught my attention. Imagine AI with that dry Baltic humor, gently guiding our citizens towards more sustainable choices. The possibilities aren't just numerous – they're delightfully absurd.
The 'nature rights' movement is gaining traction, and it's got me pondering: could the Baltic Sea become a legal entity? It might soon have more rights than my pet herring! Jokes aside, this could fundamentally change how we approach conservation in our region.
Climate adaptation isn't optional anymore – it's our new normal. As temperatures climb faster than a Tallinn startup's valuation, rethinking our Baltic cities is crucial. We need innovative solutions to ensure our region thrives in this changing world. If you're working on sustainability initiatives of any scale – from local community projects to large-scale innovations – we want to hear from you. Apply for the Awards by October 6 (check comment for link) or share this opportunity with someone you know who's making a difference in sustainability. Every effort counts, and we need all hands on deck.
And then there's 'forage tourism' – apparently the next big thing. Yes, we're now paying to hunt for our dinner in the woods. The New York Times calls it 'a whole lot of fun, and a fine reason to plan a trip.' I can almost hear my friends now: 'Fancy spending your vacation digging for dinner?' Sure, why not? Beaches are so last season, right? It's a literal return to our roots, and it's taking the tourism world by storm.
As we shape this forum, the exciting challenge lies in blending these global trends with our unique Baltic perspective.
The Baltic Sustainability Forum 2024 is our chance to map out a path for a sustainable Baltic region. One we can all take pride in, celebrate, and drive change.
P.S. Drop the themes you think we need to dive deep into at the Baltic Sustainability Forum in the comments. Let's share them with each other!