This news digest highlights recent Valonia activities promoting sustainable development in Southwest Finland. The summary is based on the Finnish-language newsletter published in March 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!
Maintenance repairs on school furniture saved money and natural resources in Raisio
By using maintenance repairs, the new Tiedonpuisto School in Raisio, which opened at the turn of 2026, successfully reused furniture from the closed Vaisaaren koulu. Wooden or laminate parts were replaced, giving the furniture a refreshed look that is nearly as good as new. Public sector procurement and investments consume tens of millions of tonnes of raw materials annually, making reuse an important climate action.
Monitoring indicators reveal progress and uncertainties in climate work
As part of the Tehoava project, three development workshops on climate work indicators were held in January 2026 – thank you to all participants! Choosing the right indicators makes monitoring effective, meaningful, and encouraging for action. Tiina Luukkonen, Project Coordinator at the Regional Council of Pirkanmaa, shares insights from the workshops in her blog post.
What kind of future do we want for local food production?
The food production and value chain in the Varsinais-Suomi region offer plenty of strengths – from regional economic impact to production volumes and self-sufficiency. Despite strong expertise and well-functioning value chains, the region faces the same challenges as others. In her blog post, Anni Lahtela discusses the recently published study on the future of the food chain and reflects on the direction we wish to take.
Sustainable mobility – the healthy choice
Physical activity is crucial for maintaining functional capacity. Municipalities are responsible for providing appropriate conditions for movement, such as sports facilities. Everyday physical activity – commuting by foot or bike, children walking or cycling to school – contributes significantly to a person’s daily activity but is often overshadowed by organised sports. In Western countries, everyday movement has decreased considerably. Sustainable mobility is therefore a particularly healthy choice.
Free Sundays and new friends through carpooling
At Karvetin koulu in Naantali, the Violetta team of Naantalin Voimistelijat ry is about to begin its practice session. Surprisingly, there are far fewer cars arriving in the parking area than gymnasts. Why?
In the Seuratoimijat fiksun liikkumisen kirittäjinä Naantalissa ja Raisiossa project, Raisio and Naantali have been developing more sustainable travel options for hobbies. The Violetta team has piloted a carpooling concept where parents coordinate driving shifts via a shared WhatsApp group.
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.
What’s happening in Southwest Finland? Climate and nature work briefing for municipal decision-makers
22 April, 17.00–18.00
Welcome to an information webinar for municipal elected officials! The session covers current and planned activities in Varsinais‑Suomi, responses to national and international developments, and challenges to regional sustainability work. This time, the focus is on Archipelago Sea work and water protection.
Maintain and repair your property for climate resilience | Final part of the “Housing companies in a changing climate” seminar series
14 April, 17.00–19.00
Turku / Teams
Climate change impacts – such as extreme weather – affect the value, maintenance, and comfort of housing companies. The seminar series provides practical tools and methods for climate‑resilient management. The final session in Turku discusses how repairs and maintenance can address a changing climate. Participation possible onsite or online.
Towards a climate-resilient and safe future – Finnish annual event of the European Climate Pact
14 April 2026, 10.00–12.00
Helsinki
Finland’s climate ambassadors invite you to the annual event of the European Climate Pact. Research shows that public support for climate goals remains strong, and belief in the future is vital for societal resilience. The event will explore how national policy could strengthen long‑term collaboration, address public environmental concerns, and better integrate environmental issues with today’s security and preparedness discussions.
Watershed vision workshop
21 April, 9.00–16.00
Mynämäki
Join the development of the shared watershed vision for the Askaisten and Mynälahden area (Masku, Mynämäki, Naantali, Nousiainen, Vehmaa, Taivassalo, Kustavi). The vision aims to support long‑term and impactful water protection. In the open workshop, participants will discuss the necessary vision, implementation model, and actions to reach shared goals.
Water protection in commercial forests – field training in Somero
21 April 2026, 13.00–16.00 or 18.00–19.30
Somero
A field training session exploring what water protection in forestry and the protection of small waters mean in practice. Experts will guide participants through buffer zones, forest law sites, and potential water protection solutions, highlighting their role in biodiversity. The session provides up‑to‑date, practical insights for planning and implementing water protection in forests.
Climate risks and adaptation in municipalities of Varsinais‑Suomi
21 April, 9.00–10.30
Teams
Valonia’s 2026 webinar series addresses climate risks and adaptation from various municipal perspectives: how climate change affects different sectors and what municipalities should know about climate risk adaptation. The first webinar introduces climate risks in Varsinais‑Suomi and the overall theme of adaptation in the municipal sector.
Our wonderful sea – webinars for teachers
22–23 April, 15.00–16.30
Teams
Are you a primary school teacher interested in sustainable development and the Baltic Sea? Join our webinar to receive an overview of teaching materials and activities designed for pupils. Held in Swedish on 22 April and in Finnish on 23 April.
Towards more sustainable procurement – three-part training series
8 September, 1 October & 28 October, 9.00–12.00
Turku
A three‑part training series for municipal officials involved in procurement. The sessions focus on improving procurement processes, advancing sustainability goals, understanding market conditions, strengthening cooperation with companies, and maximising procurement impact.
New projects
Mobility management in Southwest Finland
Valonia has received state funding for mobility management (LIO) in 2011–2018 and 2020–2026. Each year has formed its own project entity, with measures varying from mobility surveys and the “Cycle to Work” competition to campaigns and network development.
The 2026 project focuses especially on communication materials: updating Valonia’s sustainable mobility solution cards, continuing the Sustainable Mobility Status Review, raising awareness of the Turku region cycling brand, and encouraging its use.
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.