Nearly 50 Residents Join BALTFLOODS Climate Walk & Talk to Celebrate 15 Years of Interreg Cooperation in Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta, 23 September 2026 – Nearly 50 residents of Lappeenranta came together to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Interreg Cooperation Day by taking part in the BALTFLOODS Climate Walk & Talk, an outdoor event that combined learning, nature, and community engagement. The event was organized by LUT (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology) University in close cooperation with the City of Lappeenranta. 

The day began with an introduction to the BALTFLOODS project and a lively Climate Bingo activity designed to encourage participants to observe their surroundings and engage with environmental topics in a fun and interactive way. Participants were invited to consider questions such as what stormwater is, why it matters, and how climate change is affecting local communities. 

As the group walked between project sites, discussions naturally emerged around everyday experiences with heavy rainfall, urban flooding, and changes in weather patterns. The outdoor format encouraged open conversations and allowed participants to connect project concepts with real-life observations. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about CitySense.app and how digital tools can help residents report observations and contribute to local environmental monitoring. 

A key stop along the route was the BALTFLOODS pilot site in Sammonlahti, where participants explored how nature-based solutions help manage stormwater and reduce flood risks. The site visit was complemented by engaging outdoor panel discussions featuring Jarmo Kivi (ELY Centre), Simo Sihvo (City of Lappeenranta), Ishika Weerawardhana (LUT University), and Anu Hämäläinen (Western Regional Council), who shared insights on wetland restoration, water protection, biodiversity enhancement, and the long-term benefits these solutions provide for local waterways. Discussions highlighted how wetlands and other nature-based solutions can improve water quality while creating valuable habitats for wildlife. The discussions were moderated by Sanna Varis and Rozabela Singh (City of Lappeenranta), together with Liuliu Du-Ikonen and Júlia Vieira (LUT University).    

The event concluded with a discussion focused on citizen engagement and community action. Experts emphasized that building climate resilience is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation between municipalities, researchers, and residents alike.   

The BALTFLOODS Climate Walk & Talk demonstrated that some of the most meaningful conversations happen outdoors. By bringing citizens directly to project sites and creating opportunities for dialogue with experts, the event helped make climate adaptation, flood preparedness, and stormwater management more accessible and relevant to everyday life.   

As Lappeenranta celebrates 15 years of Interreg cooperation, the event served as a reminder of the value of cross-border collaboration and community involvement in addressing shared climate challenges and creating more resilient communities for the future.

Additional information: 

City of Lappeenranta 

Sanna Varis. Project Manager & Design Engineer 

Tel. 040 836 5038, [email protected] 

City of Lappeenranta 

Rozabela Singh, Project Planner & Communication Manager 

Tel. 040 544 6284, [email protected] 

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