Agricultural Watershed Trail in Southwestern Finland for Climate Change Adaptation

Key Learnings

• Accessible knowledge: A unique approach makes water-related knowledge and water management measures accessible to everyone.
• Tangible and accessible examples: Small-scale demonstrations and larger field-scale implementations showcase a range of alternative water management measures. Measurement data supports assessing their effectiveness.
• Collaboration opens new pathways: Collaboration between the vocational school Livia College and universities created new learning pathways for students and professionals in the field nationwide.
• Replicable results: Lessons learned at the pilot sites form the basis for replication and adapting the measures to local circumstances for broader application.

Summary

The Agricultural Watershed Pathway in Southwest Finland showcases nature-based solutions for water management on farmland, enhancing biodiversity and supporting climate change adaptation. Located near the unique and sensitive Archipelago Sea, the trail demonstrates practical methods to reduce nutrient runoff and retain water in agricultural fields. Through various field demo sites and an open-access learning route, soon also available in virtual form, the Pathway supports environmental education from early childhood to higher education. It raises awareness among farmers and the wider public, promoting water quality and biodiversity improvements.

Contact

Valonia/Regional Council of Southwest Finland

Jarkko Leka jarkko [dot] lekavalonia [dot] fi (jarkko[dot]leka[at]valonia[dot]fi) water and biodiversity specialist