Joni Kaitaranta works as Senior Data Manager at HELCOM – Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission. His background is MSc in Aquatic sciences and studies in computer science from University of Helsinki.  

He has worked in HELCOM Secretariat since 2010 and his tasks include coordination of HELCOM Data collection framework, e.g.  ensuring that data collected for HELCOM assessments is of best possible quality and shared publicly in compliant and FAIR way.   

Joni has experience in working in the field of international environment related data collection within HELCOM expert groups and as expert in various international working groups, e.g. HELCOM-VASAB MSP Data Expert Subgroup, Marine Strategy Framework Directive Working Group for Data Information and Knowledge Exchange (WG DIKE) and by acting as a co-chair of EU MSP Technical Expert Group on data. In HELCOM setting Joni supports the work of HELCOM Working Groups and Expert Groups on data collection, definition of data needs and data models as well as coordination with outsourced data hosts.  

Isida Karpuzi is the Chief Sustainability Officer at The Carbon Games, where she co-leads the development of niche mobility solutions aimed at addressing diverse challenges within the transportation industry. The Carbon Games team has crafted innovative solutions for road traffic congestion, daily school commutes, and sustainable ocean transportation. At the core of their mission is the belief in encouraging users to swiftly embrace sustainable choices. The Carbon Games achieves this by gamifying the entire experience, making it rewarding for individuals to partake in eco-conscious actions. Isida holds a Master’s degree in Architecture of Sustainable New Cities and is passionately committed to creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible world through pioneering mobility solutions. 

Ville Karvinen is the EMODnet Seabed Habitats Coordinator and a researcher in the Marine Ecology group at the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke). 

Aiming for a sustainable future for the marine environment by combining scientific research with practical policy applications, Ville works on translating marine habitat mapping data into information that facilitates planning the sustainable use of marine areas. This includes researching novel methods for marine habitat / biodiversity / ecosystem services mapping and monitoring as well as ensuring the best available data can be used in Marine Spatial Planning, the conservation of threatened habitats & species, and the effective management of Marine Protected Areas.     

He has also been involved in the national and regional MSP processes, working with MSP policy and data issues both in Finland and within the Regional Sea Convention for the Baltic Sea (HELCOM). His work in marine conservation has also taken him to the Western Indian Ocean, where he has engaged in facilitating marine habitat mapping and MSP development in Zanzibar, seeking to share and apply knowledge to further global sustainability in marine environments.