This news digest highlights recent Valonia activities promoting sustainable development in Southwest Finland. The summary is based on the Finnish-language newsletter published in December 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!
Improving Transport Equality in the Turku Region
The Turku region is working to enhance accessibility and social sustainability in its transport system, particularly for vulnerable road users such as families with young children, older people and those with disabilities. Through the Includes project, Valonia, the Regional Council of Southwest Finland and Turku University of Applied Sciences aim to develop tools and practices that better address diverse needs in regional transport planning. Over the next four years, activities will include workshops, interviews and thematic development periods focusing on physical, financial and digital accessibility. A recent survey revealed significant challenges: over 80% of respondents had faced accessibility issues, and more than 40% had encountered threatening situations due to others’ attitudes. An influencer group representing various associations has also been formed to provide perspectives and guide future measures, ensuring inclusive planning across municipalities and stakeholders.
Future Directions of Climate Action Clarified
Recent months have seen significant developments in Finland’s climate policy, with the draft Medium-Term Climate Policy Plan (KAISU 3) and climate and energy strategies entering consultation. A background study for the Long-Term Climate Plan outlined four possible pathways for achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, highlighting major uncertainties in land-use carbon sinks, technological investments and the pace of fossil fuel phase-out. At COP30 in Brazil, global commitments fell short of limiting warming to 1.5°C, though progress was made on adaptation finance and monitoring indicators. In the EU, stricter energy efficiency requirements are being introduced through the Energy Efficiency Directive, aiming to cut emissions by 55% by 2030. In Southwest Finland, climate work continues collaboratively: the regional climate roadmap has spurred municipal action, supported by Valonia and the Climate Responsibility Committee. Upcoming priorities include updating the roadmap to include adaptation measures and reinforcing low-carbon solutions in transport, land use and energy. Despite competing media narratives, climate action remains integral to overall security and sustainable development.
Climate Risk Assessments on Agricultural Drought and Heavy Rainfall
The CLIVAS project has produced preliminary climate risk assessments for drought and heavy rainfall in agriculture in Southwest Finland. Findings indicate that prolonged dry periods will become more frequent, posing challenges for crop yields and farm profitability, while heavy rainfall events—currently rare—are expected to occur much more often, increasing flood risks and infrastructure strain. Although drought-related losses for key crops like wheat and barley are projected to remain moderate overall, individual farms may face severe impacts. Adaptation measures such as improved soil management and irrigation systems are needed, yet investment barriers persist. For heavy rainfall, municipalities have long implemented water management strategies, but existing systems are insufficient for future extremes. Final assessments, refined with local data, will be completed next summer.
Blue and Green Solutions Attract Municipalities in Climate Adaptation
Five municipalities in Southwest Finland have begun joint work on climate adaptation through the SOPU project, aiming to prepare for extreme weather and integrate resilience into local planning. A recent workshop highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration and tools such as LAB University’s adaptation measures framework, which helps assess progress across areas like water management and green infrastructure. Discussions focused on incorporating adaptation into municipal programmes and developing indicators to measure impact. Interest centred on blue-green solutions, including wetland restoration and urban greenery to mitigate heat islands and manage stormwater. Next steps involve piloting concrete measures, supported by Valonia’s expertise and funding guidance, while sharing knowledge through open events and training.
Nature Management and Surveys at 67 Sites Across 11 Municipalities – Results of the Helmikunnat Projects Compiled
The Helmi Habitats Programme, launched by the Ministry of the Environment in 2020 for municipalities and organisations, has provided approximately €1.5 million in funding for Southwest Finland. A significant share of this funding has supported the joint Helmikunnat projects by Valonia and local municipalities. These projects have carried out nature management work or surveys at a total of 67 sites in Kaarina, Laitila, Lieto, Naantali, Paimio, Parainen, Raisio, Salo, Somero, Turku and Uusikaupunki.
How Can Companies Communicate About Nature Work? Tips for Responsible Communication
Companies are looking for more concrete ways to contribute to preserving biodiversity and improving the ecological state of their local environments. Last summer, we published a selection of action models for corporate nature work. It is also important to communicate about the work that has been done! However, communicating on responsibility themes can feel challenging – how can you avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing and prepare for possible feedback? We have supplemented the material with communication tips and an editable workbook.
Applying Lessons from Helmi Projects – Corporate Partnerships Seen as Key for Future Nature Work
A recent event in Raisio reviewed the outcomes of Helmi habitat restoration projects in Southwest Finland and explored future strategies amid uncertain public funding. Between 2020 and 2025, 24 projects worth €1.6 million restored valuable habitats such as traditional biotopes and hazel groves, with strong collaboration between municipalities, NGOs and Valonia. Speakers stressed the need for new funding models as state resources decline, highlighting EU restoration targets and the importance of private investment. Corporate partnerships were presented as a promising solution, with growing business interest in biodiversity initiatives. Participants were encouraged to seek innovative collaborations to secure continuity for restoration work and strengthen nature conservation efforts locally.
Guide: Small Waters and Shoreline Habitats in Municipal Forests
This guide provides practical methods for municipalities to identify and manage valuable small water bodies and shoreline habitats within their forests, helping to enhance biodiversity and reduce forestry-related water impacts. It emphasises the use of spatial data to target field surveys cost-effectively and includes examples of collaborative restoration approaches. Aimed at municipal land-use, environmental and planning officials, as well as forest managers, the guide supports strategic biodiversity goals. Developed under the METSO programme and the RantaMETSO project, it highlights how municipalities can integrate ecological considerations into forest planning and restoration efforts.
Residents in Salo Discuss Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation
An open community event in Salo invited residents to share views on climate change impacts and adaptation as part of regional planning. Experts outlined local risks such as milder winters, heatwaves, flooding and drought, and their effects on vulnerable groups. Participants highlighted concerns over health, cultural changes and water-related challenges, while proposing solutions like nature-based measures, permeable surfaces, restrictions on shoreline construction and improved stormwater systems. The workshop, organised under the CLIVAS project, aims to integrate citizen input into the updated regional climate roadmap, ensuring adaptation actions reflect local needs.
Solutions to Circular Economy Challenges – Competition for Innovative Actors
A unique Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) process is being launched in Baltic Sea region cities to accelerate the circular economy transition. The EU-supported model invites companies, start-ups, researchers and organisations to design and test pioneering solutions not yet on the market. Two key challenges are targeted: creating an accessible platform connecting citizens and businesses to circular services, and developing infrastructure to eliminate single-use materials at public events. The process, part of the Creative Circular Cities project, includes funding for concept design and prototype testing in 2026. Participants retain intellectual property rights, while cities gain usage rights for piloting, paving the way for future commercialisation.
RESIST Project Research and Theses
The RESIST project promotes regional adaptation to the impacts of climate change, particularly by developing nature-based solutions and advancing their use in water management in both urban and rural areas. Our website features theses, master’s dissertations and scientific articles produced for the project, covering topics ranging from nature-based stormwater solutions to fostering catchment-based collaboration among landowners.
Monitoring Climate Action and the Green Transition in Municipalities and Regional Councils
This review provides the first comprehensive overview of how Finnish municipalities and regional councils currently monitor climate action and the green transition. It examines methods, data sources, indicators and tools, as well as practical challenges and opportunities. Findings show significant variation in monitoring practices due to organisational structures and local priorities, and highlight the growing need for systematic approaches to support decision-making and demonstrate impact. The report, produced under the Tehoava project, will inform the development of new monitoring and scenario tools for 2025–2027 and serve as a reference for improving local and regional sustainability tracking.
Solar Power Research Meets Households
An evening event in Turku brought residents, housing managers and experts together to explore the latest research and practical advice on household solar systems. Organised by the Real Solar and Energy Transition in Housing Companies projects, the session featured expert talks, Q&A tables and a tour of a solar panel testing lab. Discussions covered battery profitability, panel durability, fire safety and optimal installation angles, with tools like a solar guide and calculator demonstrated. Key themes included the need for clear guidance on energy communities, reliable information sources and practical examples. Experts stressed that east–west panel orientation can improve self-consumption and profitability in Finland’s conditions.
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.
Climate Indicators Workshop Series
13 January, 21 January & 28 January, 13:00–15:00
Do you monitor the progress of municipal or regional climate actions in your work? Do you work with statistics, forecasting or strategies? Are you a green transition expert, consultant or project actor?
Join us to develop indicators that support monitoring climate change mitigation and the green transition in municipalities and regions. Each workshop session will focus on specific data needs for different emission sectors.
Launch Event: Study on the Food Chain in Southwest Finland
28 January, 09:00–10:00
Valonia and the Pyhäjärvi Institute have commissioned a study on the food chain in Southwest Finland and its future outlook. The study brings together future scenarios for key production sectors in the region and examines how a changing operating environment will affect activities. At the launch event, Kyösti Arovuori (REINU econ Oy), who carried out the study, will present the findings. A commentary will be provided by Sanna Pitkänen from ProAgria Western Finland.
New projects
Vesienhallinta puutarhatuotannon resilienssiratkaisuna – Vesilienssi (Water Management as a Resilience Solution for Horticultural Production)
The main goal of the project is to promote the adoption of good water management practices and methods, thereby increasing the resilience and biodiversity of horticultural production. This will be achieved by producing practical knowledge on irrigation optimisation, farm-level constructed water management solutions through demonstrations, and societal measures and impacts. The knowledge and lessons generated will also broadly support the adaptability of domestic crop production in a changing operating environment.
The project is structured into three thematic levels, which together form a comprehensive approach to enhancing resilience through water management.
The project is implemented in close cooperation by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Valonia and Livia, involving horticultural producers and key stakeholders through demonstration sites and data collection. The Natural Resources Institute Finland is the lead implementer.
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.