Tommi Virtanen on Voluntary Oil Spill Response: ”Volunteerism is a Treasure ­– and so is a Clean Environment” – Introducing the Finnish Red Cross (4/4)

A good ten years ago, Tommi Virtanen seized the chance to become Head of Preparedness at the Southwest District of the Finnish Red Cross – and has no regrets. He gets to guide the multisectoral activities of this international organization as well as coordinate the voluntary activities in the region. Southwest Finland is also the pilot area for the OIL SPILL project. Tommi knows why:

”Regarding oil spills, Southwest Finland, with its unique archipelago and nature values, is a high-risk zone. Developing voluntary activities is very dynamic here, also with relation to oil spill response. In addition, cooperation between authorities and volunteers has a long tradition in the region.”

Through joint exercises and making the actors from different regions and countries discuss the best practices, OIL SPILL enhances the oil spill response capability and consolidates the collaboration further.

”In extensive and long-term accidents – including environmental disasters, supporting the work of authorities has been a form of activity at the Voluntary Rescue Service for years. However, regarding oil spills, WWF Finland is currently the only Vapepa organization well-prepared for oil spill control.”

According to Tommi, improving the voluntary section towards an independently operating crew is vital so that it can support the authorities appropriately and seamlessly. The Finnish Red Cross has a wealth of experience in many supporting tasks and in the management of voluntary activity.

Although the Finnish authorities are prepared for oil spill accidents, a vast oil leak requires large-scale and long-lasting destruction measures, also the support from volunteers.

”Volunteerism is a huge yet very untapped resource. Each volunteer is motivated by their own set of values. Directing this motivation, the urge to act, to best serve our society is challenging but also the most rewarding aspect of my work. Volunteerism is a treasure ­– and so is a clean environment.”

As Head of Preparedness, Tommi supports and secures the NGO work done for OIL SPILL in the pilot area.