Åland award to Ulf Simolin – Building solutions for a healthier Baltic Sea

Ulf Simolin, Environmental Coordinator for the City of Mariehamn, is awarded the Baltic Sea Foundation’s Åland award 2025 of €3,000. He is recognized for his successful work in developing solutions that reduce the city’s negative impact on the Baltic Sea.

In Mariehamn, Ulf has been the driving force behind the creation of several wetlands and stormwater ponds that reduce the discharge of pollutants and nutrients into the sea, strengthen fish stocks, and increase biodiversity. These projects combine environmental benefits with the creation of recreational areas that include educational elements and new collaborations – a hallmark of Ulf’s approach.

– Ulf Simolin is an inspiring role model. He demonstrates how nature-based solutions can unite water purification, ecology, and climate benefits. His efforts are important not only for Åland but for the future of the entire Baltic Sea, says Sara Arons, Managing Director of the Baltic Sea Foundation.

A marine biologist by training, Ulf’s commitment goes beyond his professional role. He is constantly seeking new project funding and partnerships to realize more ideas, ranging from stormwater assessments to strengthening underwater vegetation in Mariehamn’s bays – all to capture more carbon, support more species, and create a healthier marine environment.

– We cannot blame others around the Baltic Sea – we must act locally and take responsibility for our own waters. In the end, this is about the survival of both ourselves and the City of Mariehamn, says Ulf Simolin.

The Åland Prize, worth €3,000, will be presented at the Baltic Sea Foundation’s award ceremony on September 26 in Mariehamn.

Award motivation

In his role as Environmental Coordinator for the City of Mariehamn, Ulf Simolin has successfully implemented several initiatives to reduce the city’s impact on the Baltic Sea. These initiatives include the creation of constructed wetlands to reduce nutrient leakage and support pike spawning, as well as a stormwater pond to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the sea. Ulf is known for developing nature-based, holistic solutions that also offer significant added value – for example, as recreational areas and destinations with educational elements that raise awareness about the sea and the importance of clean water. Ulf is a driving force behind new collaborations and is constantly seeking funding to realize more initiatives. His commitment goes far beyond his professional duties, and his efforts for the health of the Baltic Sea make him an inspiring role model for everyone working for a healthier sea.

Contacts
Ulf Simolin, awardee: Tel. +358 457 3613245, ulf.simolin@mariehamn.ax
Sara Arons, Managing Director, Baltic Sea Foundation
+358 457 345 9889 (AX), +46 733 72 00 96 (SE)
sara.arons@ostersjofonden.org 

Material
Photos of Ulf Simolin (free to use, credit photographer Moein Eshgi): Press photos – Ulf Simolin
Film about Ulf Simolin: Vimeo link