Silent Mires - Positive publicity for North Karelia's threatened 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 project aimed to raise awareness of the importance of the threatened mires in eastern North Karelia and to create a positive image of these natural sites among the local public.

Approach

Several activities have been carried out to achieve the project objectives:

• Together with interested local people, a photo exhibition about threatened mires was created.
• A small festival featuring performances, music and local food was organised amidst the stunning scenery of the Elinsuo mire.
• The capacity of local inhabitants to participate in decision-making processes was strengthened through stakeholder meetings and training sessions.
• Communication through various media was improved.

Achieved Results

The project raised awareness of the ecological and cultural importance of endangered peatlands in eastern North Karelia by using social media, newspapers and events, including a peat festival, four photography exhibitions and sixteen stakeholder meetings. These efforts increased visibility and gave local residents a platform to voice their concerns about Neova's plans to produce peat, paving the way for greater social engagement in environmental issues and protection efforts in the future.