Nature in my Neighbourhood, Uusikaupunki, Finland

Nature in my Neighbourhood transition arena in Uusikaupunki brought together local actors sharing an interest to enhance biodiversity in their nearby nature. Through four workshops and follow-up meetings local people implemented a biodiversity action plan with the city and established a voluntary-based  group to promote local  biodiversity in cooperation with the city.

Over 20 participants of arena workshops were representatives of the municipality, environmental NGOs, nature and gardening enterprises, and local residents. The transition arena process led to several outcomes: signs were produced for private yards to raise awareness of biodiversity values in comparison to monotonic lawns. Informal events called “Biodiversity Coffees” were organised for sharing knowledge and strengthen local collaboration. A vacant lot was agreed with the city to be transformed into an urban meadow fostering biodiversity and community engagement.

The arena participants established a “Biodiversity Circle” and a Facebook group to attract more people and facilitate low-level engagement with minimal commitment. An annual Biodiversity Forum event was also started to follow the progress and enable development of further activities.

Read more about the process and results here:
Nature in my Neighbourhood, Uusikaupunki, Finland

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