This news digest highlights recent Valonia activities promoting sustainable development in Southwest Finland. The summary is based on the Finnish-language newsletter published in September 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!
Explore Valonia’s renewed website!
We recently launched our updated website. The comprehensive overhaul brought a fresh visual look and improved technical functionality. You’ll continue to find extensive information about our work and materials for various needs.
Ideas for municipalities from a field trip to Skanssi’s biodiversity park in Turku
Europe’s first biodiversity park is being developed in Turku. The 20-hectare open recreational area actively promotes biodiversity and offers opportunities for learning about nature. The park also serves as a learning environment and supports participatory nature management with schools and residents.
Fiksumpi Treenimatka (Smarter Training Trips) campaign launched in Naantali and Raisio
Valonia, together with the cities of Naantali and Raisio, has launched a campaign encouraging local sports clubs to use more sustainable modes of transport for training trips. At the end of the campaign, Valonia will reward the most active club, team, and individual from each city with GoGift super gift cards.
Interested in climate resilience and soil health on farms?
The Ilmakas information project focuses on improving soil health and climate resilience on farms in Southwest Finland, without forgetting economic aspects. The project includes open events such as farmer evenings, field days, demonstrations, webinars, and study trips abroad (Norway and Latvia/Estonia) and in Finland.
Forest and swamp restoration in Kaarina benefits the Archipelago Sea
On September 2nd, restoration work began in the Linnavuori nature reserve in Kaarina, as part of the VALUTA 3 Southwest Finland project. The goal is to improve the condition of the Archipelago Sea. In addition to Linnavuori, actions will be carried out in the Tarvasjoki and Hepojoki catchment areas.
Restoration of Nahvonjärvenoja stream in Salo through volunteer work
At the end of August, stream restoration volunteer work was organized in Suomusjärvi as part of the Helmikunnat 3 project. The event was arranged by the City of Salo and Valonia, and enthusiastic volunteers helped clean the stream and add wooden structures.
Stream excursion explored restoration sites at Paimionjoki and Holstenkoski
During the first week of September, a small but enthusiastic group interested in stream restoration traveled from Turku and Lohja to visit restoration sites in Tl Koski and Salo.
Take control of your energy during Energy Saving Week in October
National Energy Saving Week will be held again during week 41 (October 6–12, 2025). The theme this year is “Take control of your energy,” encouraging improved energy efficiency. Participants are also encouraged to share energy-saving tips with employees, customers, and stakeholders.
Blog: Stormwater management supports protection of the Archipelago Sea
Stormwater management provides municipalities with a concrete way to reduce nutrient loads entering the Archipelago Sea. Nature-based solutions not only protect the sea but also improve urban comfort, increase biodiversity, and help adapt to climate change.
Renovation of Laitila sports hall avoids harmful substances – planning underway
The facade renovation was completed last year, and now planning for the interior renovation has begun. When considering sustainability, it’s essential to choose materials that are suitable, durable, easy to maintain, and long-lasting, especially for a building used for various sports.
European Climate Pact Ambassador – a grassroots influencer, apply now!
Want to help build a more sustainable future and inspire others to take climate action? Apply to become a Climate Pact Ambassador or Partner! Ambassadors are part of a Europe-wide network of over a thousand climate influencers.
New projects
Sponge Enough? – Restoring the natural water balance in the Archipelago Sea catchment area
This project promotes nature-based water management methods to increase climate resilience, combat biodiversity loss, and improve soil health. A strategy and roadmap will be created and aligned with catchment planning and other regional programs.
Valonia becomes national coordinator for the European Climate Pact Ambassador network
The Climate Pact, launched by the European Commission, is part of the European Green Deal. As national coordinator, Valonia supports volunteer ambassadors, communicates about events and climate topics, and strengthens the impact of the network in Finland.
From forests to the sea – enhancing water protection in forestry in the Archipelago Sea catchment area
Metsistä merelle project brings together forest owners, municipalities, and experts to improve water protection in forestry. It implements general and detailed plans, provides guidance and training, produces geospatial data, and builds concrete water protection structures.
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-resilient home and yard – Property maintenance and preparedness
A changing climate brings various challenges to residential properties. This webinar, aimed at residents of detached houses and housing companies, presents solutions for adapting to climate change through everyday actions and long-term planning.
Market dialogue – Biodiversity in infrastructure procurement
Procurement criteria promoting biodiversity are increasingly included in construction and infrastructure tenders. Join the discussion on how biodiversity will be assessed in future large-scale projects.
DataHub training for tourism operators
Free training is available for using DataHub! Tourism companies can upload information about their business and services to DataHub, making them visible on Visit Finland and regional channels.
Solar power insights at Southwest Finland Housing Company Day
Valonia and Turku University of Applied Sciences will be present at the event in Logomo, Turku. Visitors can explore solar system sizing and profitability, consult experts, and learn from the solar guide for housing companies.
Southwest Finland in a changing climate
How does climate change affect Southwest Finland and its residents? How can we prepare for these impacts? Join the discussion at Salo Main Library on October 21 to explore challenges and brainstorm adaptation strategies.
Sustainability cooperation between municipalities and civic actors – lessons from Southwest Finland pilot projects
How can residents be involved in municipal climate and nature work? How can associations and citizens collaborate for impactful local sustainability efforts? Join the final webinar of the “We make transition!” project to hear insights and discuss these themes.
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.