🌿 The Mothers Who Gave Me a Life Mission

Jane Goodall, my mother, and Wangari Maathai – three women who shaped my path.

This is not only a story of three women who deeply influenced my life —

it is also an invitation to pause and listen. Perhaps each of us has our own tree through which life whispers: what do you cherish, and what do you continue?

When I heard of Jane Goodall’s passing, the world stood still for a moment. It felt as though one era had come to a close – and at the same time, a new one opened.

In my mind, I heard her calm voice: “What you do makes a difference.”

Even though she is gone, her message did not end. It must continue — in actions, in people, and in trees.

My connection with Jane goes back a long way. In 2004, within the ENO School Network, we planted our first Peace Trees, while Jane released her own Doves of Peace to the world. I remember seeing photos from that Peace Day campaign — a message of peace flying across borders. I thought: we are doing the same, only our roots go into the soil.

Just a few months later, Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It felt as if the world had heard the same message we had planted on a smaller scale: peace begins with acts that protect life.

Years later, I received an honor that has stayed with me deeply. Jane wrote these words in recognition of my work:

“Mika has proven time and again his dedication to resolving environmental issues by engaging individuals and communities across continents. He is truly an inspiration.”– Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE

Those words were not just a compliment. They were a quiet message: continue this work — never give up.

In the autumn of 2011, I reached a turning point in my life.During our international conference, we had a live connection with Jane Goodall.From the back of a hotel room in New York, she sent us a message that remains as relevant as ever: every action matters.I had also invited Wangari Maathai, who could not attend, but sent us a warm greeting.

At that same conference, my ten-year-old daughter sang my song Forest Matters.I remember her on stage, holding a small spruce seedling in her hand — a tiny promise of life.

Right after the conference, I visited my mother in the hospital and showed her a video recording of that song. She smiled. Three days later, she passed away. I planted an oak tree for her in the yard of my childhood home.

Soon after, it was also Wangari Maathai’s time to leave. In that moment, everything became clear. I knew that I had to continue their legacy.

Helmi, 10, singing “Forest Matters” – autumn 2011

My daughter is now an adult and serves on the city council. She once said that “my father’s work” inspired her to act for these same values. That’s when I understood that the seeds we plant can grow in ways we can’t predict — as trees, as deeds, as people.

 Jane Goodall’s video message for our planting day – 21 September 2009

“Please know that I am with you in spirit… and maybe on another year we can all be together planting trees for tomorrow.”

Jane’s wish — to plant trees together — came true, though not physically. I never had the chance to meet her in person.

Last autumn, we planted the first Peace Circle Park, including a Circle of Guardians. I immediately knew who the first trees would be for: Jane Goodall and Wangari Maathai — two great defenders of life and peace. Their trees don’t grow side by side, but close enough that their leaves might almost touch. Peace between people and nature begins with one small act — and continues in another person.

My mother was deeply important to me. Through her love, she taught me what truly matters in life — compassion and hope, even in difficult times. She once said that, of the four of us siblings, I was the most sensitive one. I feel that peace and nature belong together. Their roots lie in the reverence for life — in what my mother, Jane and Wangari showed through the way they lived.

Now that Jane — the last of the three — is gone,those trees feel like living promises.They grow quietly, yet their message is clear: life goes on, and hope grows.

Jane, Wangari and my mother — three defenders of life. Three mothers, of the same age and the same generation — from different parts of the world, but of one heart.

From them, I received a life mission that I will carry to the end —by planting hope, nurturing peace, and protecting life, one tree and one circle at a time.

And perhaps right now, as the leaves of their columnar aspens rustle close together in the autumn wind, and the oak tree of my mother sways in the yard of my childhood home, they all seem to whisper: continue — you have a task.

🎵 Excerpt from “Forest Matters” (2011)

This seedling in my hand, I will let it grow For those who built our land for many years ago. We have all the keys and after centuries If our game is fair, the Green Gold will be there. You need to act now, plant it in your heart, The simple fact of how we can do our part. For future generations, step up and make a vow —’cause forest matters, our time is now.