In the midst of the ecological crisis, it is worth considering what we could achieve if combating and adapting to climate change were prioritized as highly as profit-making, regardless of the sector.

Naava is a type of lichen that usually hangs from trees and resembles a bit of a beard, found on all continents. Despite its modest appearance, naava is a hero, as it has been used for its antibiotic properties in natural medicine for at least 1,000 years. It is not an exaggeration to say that naava, like many other species, has saved human lives without special appreciation. However, the prevalence of naava has plummeted today because it cannot tolerate air pollution, especially sulfur from fossil fuel combustion. 

The fate of naava encourages us to consider what modern human advancements mean for the ecosystem and thus our future. Naava symbolizes the prevailing contradiction that I want to address through education and training. The sustainability transformantion requires knowledge, will, and action, and above all, cooperation.

Behind Naava

I founded Naava Education to support companies and communities in doing their part while promoting a future that each of us would wish for our loved ones. 

I am Heidi Riikonen, a Master of Education and an adult educator from the University of Tampere. I have studied in the Lifelong Learning and Education program and during my studies, I have delved into climate change and sustainable development actions from societal, economic, physical, and psychological perspectives. I believe it is unreasonable to expect future generations to find solutions to the climate crisis while we advance our own well-being in the present by living beyond the ecological boundaries.