This news digest highlights recent Valonia activities promoting sustainable development in Southwest Finland. The summary is based on the Finnish-language newsletter published in August 2025. You can subscribe to the newsletter at valonia.fi/uutiskirje. If you would like more information on any of the topics presented here, feel free to contact our staff!
We Are Mapping Climate Work Monitoring Methods – Answer the Survey!
As part of the Tehoava project, a review of climate change mitigation and green transition monitoring in municipalities and regions will be conducted in autumn 2025. Surveys targeted at municipalities and regional councils will support the development of indicators and scenario tools.
How to Engage Residents in the Circular Economy Transition?
The ReTurku circular economy carnival brought together local actors, residents, and artists in Turku to brainstorm and test event concepts that promote circular economy practices. Experiences will be compiled into a guide for use in other municipalities.
Growth of Small-Scale Solar Power Slows in Southwest Finland
Small-scale solar power continues to grow in Southwest Finland, but the pace has clearly slowed in 2024. A total of 2,140 new solar systems were connected to the grid—less than half compared to the previous year. System sizes are increasing, battery systems are becoming more common, and energy communities in housing companies are on the rise. Large solar power projects are also expected to be completed in the coming years.
Himalayan Balsam Removed During Visit Turku Archipelago’s Volunteer Day
How can companies contribute to nature conservation? Employees from Visit Turku Archipelago combined work and leisure by spending a team day at an invasive species volunteer event organized by the Aurajoki Foundation. Himalayan balsam was removed from the banks of the Vähäjoki River, and participants learned about invasive species and their impacts. “This is one way to make a difference, and the experience has been enriching,” summarizes project coordinator Olga Palmeiro.
New projects
Farmers receive information on soil health and climate resilience
A field day in Loimaa will provide farmers with practical knowledge on soil health and nutrient management. The ILMAKAS project also supports farms in building climate resilience by organising events and study trips as well as examining the economic significance of soil health.
Catchment area cooperation strengthens in Askainen and Mynälahti
A new project explores the potential to establish a regional water protection association for the Askainen and Mynälahti catchment areas. The aim is to unite municipalities, residents, and businesses in the planning and implementation of water management.
Upcoming events
Together with our partners, we organise a variety of events, such as webinars and networking meetings, where participants can explore best practices and develop their skills in sustainable development. The events are primarily held in Finnish. Below is a selection of topics from some of the upcoming events. You can view the full Finnish-language event calendar at valonia.fi/tapahtumat.
Focus on nature and water – webinars and site visits for municipalities
This autumn, Valonia and the Southwest Finland ELY Centre will organise a water protection webinar series for municipal stakeholders. The themes include catchment areas, groundwater, and biodiversity. In addition, municipal representatives are invited to visit the Skanssi Biodiversity Park and discuss stormwater management.
Climate-resilient homes and yards – webinar series on housing challenges
A changing climate affects living environments. Valonia’s two-part webinar series offers detached house residents and housing cooperatives solutions for adapting to climate change. The first session will focus on rain gardens, biodiversity, and climate-resilient yard design.
Autumn Season of Regional Energy Advisory Services
This autumn, various energy-themed webinars will be offered to municipalities and consumers. A grant application for replacing oil and natural gas heating systems in detached houses will open, and new Energy Efficiency Agreements will take effect in 2026. In October, the national Energy Saving Week will highlight good practices by organizations to improve energy efficiency.
This summary has been translated with the help of AI, and although a human has reviewed the text, some errors – for example in terminology – may still occur.