Silent Eastern Mires - Positive publicity for North Karelia's threatened eastern mires in Finland

Challenge

The state-owned company Neova has recently opened a carbon factory in the municipality of Ilomantsi (Eastern Finland). More than 3,500 hectares of (semi-) natural mires are at risk of being destroyed for peat production (although renewable materials could be used instead). Local and regional citizens are hardly aware of the plans for peat production in these mires, and their participation in the decision-making processes is low.

Objective

The aim of the project was to give a positive image to the threatened bogs of the eastern North Karelia region through cultural events and communication. As a result of the project, the peat production plans of the state-owned company Neova became known locally and regionally. The voice of the local people affected by the peat production plans was heard through the local and regional newspapers, as well as through the cultural events organised during the project.

Approach

Several activities have been carried out to raise awareness of the importance of the threatened mires to the local community:

• A photo exhibition about threatened mires was created together with interested local people.
• A small festival was organized at Elinsuo mire, with performances, music and local food.
• The capacities of the local inhabitants to participate in decision-making processes was strengthened through stakeholder meetings and trainings.
• Communication through different media was strengthened.

Achieved Results

The endangered North Karelian mires and their high cultural and ecological value were made known through positive visibility and local engagement. A peat festival, four photo exhibitions and 16 stakeholder meetings were held. Information about the threatened mires was disseminated through national, regional and local newspapers and social media.