This news digest highlights recent Valonia activities promoting sustainable development in Southwest Finland. The summary is based on the Finnish-language newsletter published in January 2026. 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!
Valonia’s Annual Report Has Been Published!
Our annual report provides a comprehensive overview of what we have achieved together with the municipalities of Southwest Finland in 2025 in our work toward a carbon-neutral region, diverse nature and the sustainable use of natural resources. Our warm thanks go once again to all our partners!
Tools to Boost Local Sustainability Collaboration
The project We make transition! – Towards sustainable and resilient societies through empowered civil society and collaborative innovation has brought together associations, residents and municipalities to explore solutions to ecological and social sustainability challenges.
The guide written based on the lessons learned introduces the participatory transition arena method, supporting collaboration between municipalities, civil society and small businesses in sustainability work.
Nature Management in 19 Sites – Summary of Varsinais-Suomen Helmikunnat 3 2024–2025
The joint project Varsinais-Suomen Helmikunnat 3, coordinated by Valonia, was funded through the Helmi programme for municipalities and NGOs. Municipalities received support for project design, project administration and expert assistance for restoration sites. The joint project enabled resources to be directed specifically to nature management and competence development. The aim is to continue municipal nature work through joint projects in 2026–2030, although the continuation of Helmi funding is currently uncertain.
Explore the Skanssi Biodiversity Park – Video and Community Poem
Biodiversity parks are a new approach to addressing biodiversity loss and increasing diversity in urban green areas. Unlike traditional nature reserves, biodiversity is not only protected but also actively and systematically enhanced. This approach suits areas that cannot develop into ecologically significant sites even in the medium term, often due to human alteration and degradation. Biodiversity parks also serve as recreational and educational spaces for residents and visitors.
Europe’s first biodiversity park is being established in Skanssi, Turku!
The video explains what the park is about and what actions are taken to support biodiversity in the area.
The community poem of the Skanssi biodiversity park was created from words shared by residents of nearby neighbourhoods—words that the park brought to their minds. Researcher, science journalist and author Mia Rönkä from the University of Turku composed the words into a poem where every voice is heard.
Thesis Explored Forest Owners’ Views on Forested Buffer Zones
Forested buffer zones along waterways offer many benefits: they can serve as water protection measures, safeguard biodiversity and support landscape values. Forest owners’ perspectives were explored through a survey conducted as part of a Valonia employee’s thesis in forestry engineering studies. The survey targeted forest owners in the Salo region and received over 200 responses.
Guidelines for Planning and Implementing Stormwater Solutions
A new material package provides municipalities with useful resources to support and facilitate stormwater management. The materials cover the planning and implementation of stormwater solutions, principles and benefits of nature-based solutions for biodiversity, catchment-based stormwater planning, and identifying PFAS risks in municipalities.
Fun and Educational – Trying a Training Trip by Bicycle Convoy in Raisio
In Reso, between Tikanmaa and Raisio Upper Secondary School, a group of P10 players from Raisio Floorball Club cycled to their training in an organised bike convoy. Two parents and a trained cycling instructor joined the group. After training, the convoy cycled back along the same route, gaining experience in cycling in darker conditions.
Climate Risk Guide Helps Housing Companies with Climate-Smart Renovation Planning
Climate change challenges housing companies to look at building condition and repair needs in new ways. Traditionally, condition assessments and renovation planning focus on the current state of the property. The climate risk guide helps anticipate and prepare for future conditions and maintain buildings in the long term.
Municipal Meetings Discussed Ways to Develop Cycle Tourism
Experts from Valonia and Turku University of Applied Sciences met with representatives from municipalities involved in the KAPU project in Sagu, Salo, Masku and Nådendal. The meetings held in late 2025 addressed the development of cycle tourism and cycling conditions. Recommendations for promoting leisure cycling, based on inspection trips conducted throughout spring, summer and autumn, were presented.
Why Are Energy Communities Still Not Standard in Housing Company Solar Power?
More and more housing companies in Finland install solar power systems, yet the establishment of energy communities is not increasing at the same pace. This reflects a contradiction: solar energy production is growing but its utilisation remains limited. Solar systems in housing companies are typically built without energy communities, even when there are no technical barriers. Energy communities are still often seen as optional or specialised, although they would be beneficial as a standard approach.
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.
Ilmakas Online Coffee: Soil Water Balance and Soil Fertility
4 Feb & 11 Mar, 9:00–10:00
The Ilmakas online coffees discuss topics related to soil fertility and climate resilience of farms from environmental and economic perspectives.
On 4 Feb, the focus is on soil water balance: what can help when water stands on the field—or when drought is the challenge? How does water balance affect soil structure?
On 11 Mar, we hear about experiences and trials with soil-improving crops: what are the benefits and how soon can results be expected? What are their opportunities and limitations in crop rotation?
Housing Companies in a Changing Climate – Seminar Series
26 Feb, 26 Mar & 14 Apr, 17:00–19:00
This seminar series provides concrete tools and practices for leading housing companies in a climate-resilient way.
The three-part series features experts and housing companies sharing how challenges in governance, maintenance and renovation are addressed.
You can attend online or on-site in Helsinki, Oulu and Åbo.
Ilmakas – Farmers’ Networking Evening
17 Mar 2026, 17:00–19:00
The networking evenings led by ProAgria are open to all. This event focuses on soil fertility from the perspective of crop rotation, economy and tools. The programme includes coffee, an introduction to the topic and shared learning and discussion on cation exchange capacity, crop rotation, biodiversity and planning tools.
Savijoki Evening – Public Event on the Water Protection Plan in Lundo
25 Feb, 16:30–19:00
New water protection and water management plans have been completed for the Savijoki catchment area. At the event, landowners can explore the proposed measures and discuss their implementation with project partners.
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.