This news digest highlights recent Valonia activities promoting sustainable development in Southwest Finland. The summary is based on the Finnish-language newsletter published in October 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!
Municipalities can now join the new energy efficiency agreement
Laitila is the first municipality in Southwest Finland to join the new energy efficiency agreement for the period 2026–2035. The agreements were announced on 9 October 2025, when a total of 23 public sector actors, 35 property companies and 111 businesses from various industries joined. At the same time, the municipal agreement was renamed the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Agreement (JETS). These voluntary agreements have long been a way to meet the EU’s energy efficiency requirements without binding legislation. The aim is to guide municipalities, companies and organisations towards continuous improvement in energy efficiency. In Southwest Finland, 12 municipalities have participated in the current agreement period, and several are preparing to join the new one. To meet national targets, it is important that the agreement work continues seamlessly from the beginning of 2026. Municipalities that join receive support for planning, monitoring and investments, and can also apply for state funding for energy efficiency measures. Reporting collects data on actions and savings, making it easier to justify future investments. During the current period, over 31,000 measures have been reported, corresponding to an annual energy saving of 4.5% and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 3.5 million tonnes.
Soil health in focus as the climate changes – new project launched
Over 70 farmers and students took part in a field day at Koliha farm in Loimaa, where soil health and sustainable nutrient management were the main themes. The event marked the launch of the Ilmakas project and summarised experiences from Sustainable Silage pilot farms. Participants were given practical examples of how diverse grass mixtures improve soil structure and increase yields. Discussions and activities at various stations deepened understanding of soil properties, biological processes and plant nutrition. Organisers highlighted the importance of collaboration, curiosity and peer learning in tackling climate challenges. The project offers concrete tools and events to strengthen agricultural climate resilience in Southwest Finland.
Restoring natural water balance in the Archipelago Sea catchment area
The EU-funded SpongeWorks project promotes nature-based methods to restore the water balance in the Archipelago Sea catchment area. The project develops a strategy and action plan integrated into the Archipelago Sea Programme. In September, the project group visited the Lèze area in southern France, where erosion is tackled using vegetation cover and beaver dam analogues. The area faces challenges with flooding and soil degradation, and the coordinating organisation SMIVAL supports local farmers in finding sustainable solutions. The experience shows that success requires time, dialogue and understanding of both environmental and social conditions.
DPS procurement – opportunities for small producers
In Finland, over one million public meals are served daily – a major opportunity to promote local food production. The Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a digital tool that makes it easier for small producers to participate in public food procurement. Municipalities in particular can use DPS to purchase locally produced and organic products in smaller batches. Video materials on Valonia’s website explain how DPS works and how businesses can apply to become suppliers.
Restoration of riparian forests and watercourses
In early September, two dams were built in old forest ditches in the city-owned forests of Uusikaupunki, draining into Lake Taipaleenjärvi. The aim was to restore riparian forests and improve ecological diversity in the area. In Salo, at Linnamäki, restoration measures were carried out as part of the Helmikunnat 3 project. The goal is to reduce erosion, improve water management in the catchment area and reduce the load on water bodies.
Climate adaptation in focus at public meeting in Salo
Valonia organised a public meeting in Salo on 21 October, where participants discussed the impacts of climate change and adaptation measures. Workshops highlighted risks such as heatwaves, flooding, water scarcity and changing winters, and their effects on children, the elderly and the chronically ill. Participants called for nature-based solutions, better planning and support from municipalities. The event was part of the CLIVAS project, which gathers input to strengthen regional climate adaptation.
Sustainable mobility – clear signage improves traffic safety
In the Turku region, cycle routes have received clearer signage and new counters for pedestrian and cycle traffic. The new signs indicate right-of-way rules and route choices, improving safety and reducing misunderstandings between road users. A total of 15 cycle routes have been signposted in collaboration with the ELY Centre and municipalities. In addition, ten automatic counters have been installed in Naantali, Raisio, Salo and Turku, providing valuable data to improve walking and cycling conditions.
Geodata helps us understand natural values and climate change
Inkeri Leksis, a geography student, worked as a GIS intern at Valonia during summer 2025. She participated in projects such as RESIST and CLIVAS, analysing climate-related risks and water management using QGIS and Python. Her work provided insight into how geodata supports sustainable development, from mapping conservation areas to visualising climate impacts. The internship also included fieldwork, complementing digital analysis and highlighting the importance of local knowledge.
Kaarina takes strategic action for the Archipelago Sea
Kaarina has in recent years actively worked to improve the condition of the Archipelago Sea and strengthen biodiversity. The municipality has included the Archipelago Sea as a strategic priority in its city strategy and allocated annual funding for protection efforts. Through collaboration with organisations such as WWF, Valonia and universities, several projects have been implemented, including restoration of Linnavuori, wetland planning and concrete measures in agriculture. Environmental inspector Anne-Marie Tuominen emphasises the importance of long-term work and cooperation to achieve significant improvements by the 2030s.
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.
Nature conservation in Southwest Finland – results and future
11 December, 9–10, Raisio
Summary of work under the Helmi programme 2020–2025 and discussion on future directions.
Ilmakas coffee: carbon footprint calculation and diverse cultivation
19 November & 3 December, 9–10, Teams
Discussion on carbon footprint and cultivation methods from both environmental and economic perspectives.
Field excursion on water protection in Pöytyä
5 November, 15–17
Visit to restored wetlands and discussion on planning and cooperation with landowners.
Public meetings on catchment areas
13 November Mynämäki & 19 November Vehmaa
Meetings on water protection plans where residents and landowners can influence the content.
Sustainability cooperation between municipalities and citizens
19 November, 14–16, webinar
Final event of the “We make transition!” project – insights into local impact and change-making.
Solar energy – evening for households
2 December, 15–19, Turku
Information on solar panels, batteries and how to introduce solar energy in housing associations.
Networking event for water protection associations
3 December, 16.30–19.30, Vehmaa
Exchange between stakeholders and experts focusing on catchment-based protection.
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.
