The Saimaa ringed seal: when long-term commitment really makes a difference
At POMOCA, our relationship with the mountains and the natural environment goes far beyond performance. The terrain we explore in winter and summer alike are living, fragile ecosystems that deserve to be protected with the same high standards we apply to our products.
It is in this spirit that we support concrete conservation projects rooted in the reality on the ground. Among them is the protection of the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the most endangered seals in the world.
Endemic to Lake Saimaa in Finland, this seal has long seen its population decline, mainly due to human activities, particularly net fishing. Faced with this situation, one thing has become clear: there is no sustainable solution without long-term commitment.
Ten years of commitment to making a real impact
When it comes to conservation, results cannot be achieved in a single season. The project carried out at Lake Saimaa is proof of this: ten years of continuous commitment have created a stable and effective dynamic for NGOs working in the field.
Rather than imposing top-down rules, the approach taken was pragmatic and collaborative: supporting change rather than forcing it. By working hand in hand with local communities, it has been possible to develop solutions adapted to existing practices, while protecting an endangered species.
This is a philosophy we share at POMOCA: moving forward with the field, not against it.
Changing practices to protect seals
One of the main dangers for Saimaa ringed seals remains the use of fishing nets, in which young seals can become trapped. Rather than imposing harsh restrictions on fishing activities, the project proposed a simple and effective alternative: replacing nets with fish traps that are safe for seals.
To date, 1,030 fishermen have signed a voluntary commitment to stop using nets in areas where Saimaa ringed seals are found. In return, each of them has received a seal-safe fish trap free of charge, allowing them to continue fishing while drastically reducing the risks to local wildlife.
This approach, based on trust and cooperation, has led to widespread and, above all, lasting support.
The strength of the community on the ground
The success of this project also relies on strong human commitment. Nearly 900 local volunteers actively participated in actions carried out on the ground: building traps, organizing public events, awareness workshops, and educational work with the general public.
A total of 18 workshops were organized, bringing together schools, volunteers, and local residents. These workshops resulted in the construction of 131 seal-safe “Saimaa” traps, intended either for personal use or to be donated to the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (FANC).
The skills acquired were also shared in other regions, notably in Rauma, in the heart of the Baltic seal's range, thus extending the project's impact beyond Lake Saimaa alone.
Measurable results for biodiversity
The effectiveness of this approach is now reflected in the figures. The population of Saimaa ringed seals has grown from 320 to 495 individuals, an increase of more than 50% over the course of the project.
This result confirms a strong conviction:
effective conservation relies on concrete solutions, close local collaboration, and a long-term commitment.
A recognized and supported project
Protecting the Saimaa ringed seal is a priority for the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation. In 2025, the organization was a partner in the Our Saimaa Seal LIFE project, co-financed by the European Union.
At the same time, a significant part of the conservation work continued beyond European funding, notably through participation in working groups of the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the preparation of future fishing restrictions for the period 2026–2031.
Committing today to preserve our playgrounds
At POMOCA, we firmly believe that performance only makes sense if it respects the environments in which it takes place. Supporting projects such as the one at Lake Saimaa means taking concrete action to promote biodiversity and help preserve unique ecosystems.
The story of the Saimaa ringed seal shows that another model of coexistence between humans and nature is possible and that it works when we make a long-term commitment.