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 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!
Updated climate roadmap strengthens Southwest Finland’s preparedness for climate risks – feedback invited on goals and measures
The climate roadmap for Southwest Finland guides the region towards carbon neutrality while strengthening its capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change. Originally published in 2021, the roadmap has been updated this year to better reflect the current situation. The update was carried out by Valonia and the Southwest Finland Vitality Centre.
Stakeholders across the region are invited to share their views and development proposals during the consultation period. Feedback on the roadmap can be submitted via the online form by 21 October.
Digitising historical maps to assess changes in water retention and detention capacity
Topographic maps produced by the Senate more than one hundred years ago provide a unique view of how the Archipelago Sea catchment area has changed from the 1880s to the present day. A GIS study commissioned by Valonia from Ramboll shows that these changes have reduced the area’s natural capacity to retain and delay water. Explore the key findings on our website.
Living hedge labyrinth created through collaboration in the Skanssi Biodiversity Park
Two public workshops were organised in the Skanssi Biodiversity Park, where participants created diverse living hedges through a new collaborative and community-based approach. The area contains Turku Energia power lines, under which vegetation may not exceed three metres in height. Normally, vegetation is cleared completely every few years. Through cooperation between Valonia, the City of Turku, Turku Energia and an expert group, a new solution that enhances biodiversity was developed for the site.
Energy is behind everything: Energy Saving Week celebrates 30 years
Energy Saving Week has been celebrated in Finland since 1996, making 2026 its 30th anniversary year. Each year, the themed week brings together hundreds of participants, including businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, organisations, housing companies and other communities to improve energy efficiency in their operations and encourage sustainable energy use.
Energy Saving Week has also played an important role in the work of Valonia and its predecessor, the Southwest Finland Energy Office, for nearly three decades. A historical overview is now available on our website, featuring memories, events, campaigns, materials and examples of cooperation that illustrate how energy saving and energy efficiency have been promoted across Southwest Finland over the years.
Development opportunities for water management in the Rapuoja stream attracted municipal experts
Rapuoja, a tributary of the Maskunjoki River in Masku, may provide a suitable habitat for brown trout and freshwater crayfish due to groundwater influence. Members of Valonia’s Water and Nature Team visited the area to explore sites where the catchment area plan prepared by Sweco proposed several restoration measures. These actions aim to increase water retention time while enhancing biodiversity.
Practical fieldwork experience in aquatic restoration
Valonia trainee Janette Hagren spent the summer carrying out fieldwork related to aquatic restoration, mapping small water bodies, meeting landowners and learning about practical biodiversity work. During three months, she completed around 20 field days, nearly 60 site visits and travelled to 15 municipalities. Read more about the lessons learned during her traineeship on our website.
Deep loosening and land levelling improve water management and climate adaptation in agricultural fields
Two field-edge events held in June in S:t Mårtens and the Paattinen area of Turku demonstrated practical measures and brought farmers together to discuss climate resilience in agriculture. Erosion caused by water and wind creates challenges for agricultural land. Depressions may form where water accumulates after rainfall, often worsening over time and reducing yields. Land levelling can help improve soil structure and productivity in these areas.
Motiva’s autumn webinars offer advice on household energy solutions
Interested in purchasing an air source heat pump, reducing energy use in a detached house or making more efficient use of a fireplace? Motiva’s free autumn webinars provide practical advice on reducing household energy consumption and planning energy solutions. The programme also includes an event on energy communities aimed at housing companies.
New projects
LATVAT – Sustainable Forest Management for Water Protection and Climate Resilience
The LATVAT project (1 October 2026 to 31 December 2028) aims to improve water protection in forestry, strengthen climate resilience and increase the expertise of forest owners and forestry professionals in sustainable forest management. Coordinated by Aurajokisäätiö, the project is implemented together with Valonia, Silva ry and Paimionjoki-yhdistys. Valonia’s role includes supporting the identification, restoration and protection of small water bodies and coordinating municipal cooperation.
LUMOMAA – Launching Nature Value Markets in the Regions
The LUMOMAA project (1 October 2026 to 31 December 2028) supports the development of nature value markets across Finnish regions. The project seeks to increase private investment in nature conservation, restoration and management, recognising such investment as essential for halting biodiversity loss. In Southwest Finland, the project is implemented by Valonia as part of a wider partnership coordinated by the Regional Council of Uusimaa.
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.