About me

Eelin Hoffström-Cagiran

Running for Finnish Parliament in 2027

I am a passionate advocate for the archipelago and the countryside, who believes in the power of sustainable development to support local communities and the well-being of nature. As an expert in water and environmental protection, I am committed to practical actions that promote a cleaner and more diverse nature, especially in the Aurajoki and Archipelago Sea areas. As an anthropologist, I combine cultural knowledge and community action, understanding how tradition and the present meet in sustainable solutions. As an international youth work educator, I have built networks and learning opportunities around the world, inspiring people to act for the environment and their communities.

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LinkedIn

@pinkfishpoprocks

Future decision maker

About me

As a citizen and influencer, I am committed to building a Finland where the well-being of the environment and communities is at the heart of all decision-making. I want a country where biodiversity flourishes, waterways are clean, and the archipelago and countryside are seen as resources that are not exploited but rather nurtured and developed sustainably. My goal is for decision-making to listen to local voices, research data, and future perspectives – not just short-term economic interests.

I want a Finland where all people – regardless of their background – can participate and influence the development of their own lives and communities. Multiculturalism is not a threat but a wealth that strengthens society and opens up new perspectives for solving problems. Sustainable tourism and local vitality are key to ensuring that development does not destroy what makes us unique.

I believe that Finland can be a pioneer not only in environmental protection but also as a model country for social justice and community. I work to ensure that in the future we have a clean environment, vibrant communities and open, participatory decision-making – for everyone, not just a few.

Master of Arts in Cultural and Social Anthropology

I graduated from Tallinn University in 2016. During my studies, I also spent 6 months on an Erasmus exchange at Eskisehir Osmangazi University in Eskisehir, Turkey. Before that, I had graduated from Åbo Akademi University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, majoring in Nordic Folklore and minoring in Italian Language and Culture.

Knowledge of cultures and languages ​​has helped me understand people and develop my own communication skills. I have learned a lot from cultures and people, and my open-mindedness and willingness to learn are my strengths in all situations.

Rural developer

I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Aura River Foundation, where I have learned the importance of cooperation between municipalities, governance, and nurturing a local identity built around the well-being of the river.

In 2018, I started working at Rural Youth Europe, where I learned about the operations of an international organization, networks of rural organizations in different countries, and the management of cross-border challenges and development projects.

During my studies, I founded the Finlands Öar – Suomen Saaret island organization together with others, which helped me understand how local organizations can act as resources in rural development.

Over the years, I have learned the secrets of association administration and entrepreneurship in the Vänö Vänner association on my home island, and have been implementing my wild ideas for the island since I was young – I continue to serve as the association's chairman today.

Locally international

In addition to Finland, I have lived in Italy, Estonia and Turkey. In addition to Finnish, Swedish, Turkish and English are spoken in my family on a daily basis. I have experienced the everyday life of an immigrant and learned to navigate in different situations around the world.
Diversity is flexibility, development and innovation.

Visibility

In the media

Here are some of my media appearances.

The Archipelago sea needs farmers on 5 October 2026 (in Swedish)

Skärgårdshavets erättnings kan bettzeras genom long-term water protection work, but the responsibility får inte laggbart på agriculturkarna - collaboration between farmers, authorities, water protection organizations and universities is needed to find sustainable solutions. The Skärgårdshavsprogrammet must continue after 2027 with adequate financing for concrete measures that protect the water, reduce nutrient leakage and strengthen agricultural conditions. ÅBO UNDERRÄTTELSER

Column | How is Aurajoki? 9.10.2026 (in Finnish)

The well-being of the Aura River and the Archipelago Sea requires long-term water protection work, reducing nutrient loads and solutions that take into account the entire catchment area and the effects of climate change. The work must continue with sufficient resources and in cooperation with farmers, landowners and other actors, as clean waters are vital for nature, food production and all of us. TURKU REGIONAL NEWS

Photo: Yle Åboland

Electric scooters and drones appeared out of the Aura River on Turku Day 21.9.2026 (in Swedish)

20 volunteer divers collected trash from the Aura River on Turku Day. Eelin Hoffström-Caigran from the Aura River Foundation says that the trash reflects the present. Editor: Wilhelm Lindgren. Yle Åboland

Aurajoki podcast about the Aura river diving event 20.9.2026 (in Finnish)

Olli Järvenkylä interviewed the operators of the Aura River Diving event.

Aamuset 13.5.2026 (in Finnish)

The Turku Greens are nominating Eelin Hoffström-Cagiran for the Greens of Southwest Finland's membership survey of parliamentary election candidates.

Nainen talvitakissa oven edessä.
Photo: Katariina Mäkinen-Önsoy, Turku Regional Office

Turun Seutusanomat 27.3.2026 (in Finnish)

The Aura River Foundation works actively to maintain water protection and biodiversity throughout the year in cooperation with the municipalities along the Aura River. The foundation manages the Aura River Information Centre Myllärintalo in Halistenkoski, where, among other things, the Keltalammikki VEX project to combat invasive alien species and other water protection measures, such as the construction of wetlands and double-level canals, are run. Executive Director Eelin Hoffström-Çağıran emphasizes the foundation's diverse cooperation with landowners, volunteers and funders, as well as the importance of the area's unique Waterworks Museum in preserving local history.

nainen ja mies hymyilevät mikrofonin vieressä
Photo: YLE

Morning Parliament 30.1.2026 (in Swedish)

Axel Gröndahl and Eelin Hoffström-Cagiran met in the morning parliament to discuss the news of the week. They discussed, among other things, the costs of the tram in Turku, the needs for rides related to hobbies, and the rules of the senior stundet event (Penkkis). The program was hosted by Isabel Nordberg. (In Swedish)

nainen meloo Auraoessa keltalammikkien keskellä
Photo: Minna Rosvall YLE

YLE regional news 17.8.2024 (in Finnish)

Eelin Hoffström-Cagiran says that it is difficult to control yellow fringed lily in the Aura River because the water is flowing and cything or handpicking in wading boots is not effective. In addition, the plant is not yet listed on the national list of harmful alien species, which makes it difficult to obtain funding for control measures.

Aurajoessa Uitetut (Dipped in the Aura River)

Podcast (in Finnish)

As part of my parliamentary election campaign, I have produced the podcast Aurajokisse Uitetut together with Aliisa Wahlsten. The podcast can be found on Spotify and you can get to know us and our thoughts. We are heading to Parliament with Aliisa. Come join us on the journey!

Tämä verkkosivusto käyttää evästeitä käyttökokemuksesi parantamiseksi. Oletamme, että hyväksyt evästeiden käytön, mutta voit halutessasi kieltäytyä niiden käytöstä. Hyväksy Lue Lisää