Espoo to join international effort to tackle biodiversity loss – cities play a crucial role
In its meeting on 9 October, the Espoo City Board decided that Espoo will sign the international Green City Accord and join the national Nature-wise municipalities (‘Luontoviisaat kunnat‘) network. These new steps will lead to actions that help to safeguard the well-being of Espoo residents and the good condition of the urban environment and biodiversity in Espoo.
The nature found in a built environment can be surprisingly diverse and rich in species. Therefore, cities play a major role in combatting biodiversity loss. Factors such as air quality and noise abatement also foster the well-being of both nature and people.
Even before this newest development, Espoo had in the Espoo Story, i.e. the city’s strategy, committed to developing the city into a comfortable, safe and nature-oriented place to live. Signing the Green City Accord and joining the Luontoviisaat kunnat network support the achievement of these goals.
“Espoo is a pioneer in combining a growing city and diverse nature. We take the challenges related to the growth of our city seriously. National and international networks offer us many opportunities to learn from other cities. At the same time, we can share our own best practices with others,” says Olli Isotalo, Director of Urban Environment.
European cities work together to find solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges
The Green City Accord is an initiative of the European Commission to promote greener, cleaner and healthier urban environments within the EU. By signing the commitment, Espoo undertakes to work with other European cities to find solutions to the most urgent environmental challenges and promote ecological sustainability. The network already includes more than 100 European cities.
The pledge addresses five areas: air quality, water conservation, promotion of biodiversity, the circular economy, and reduction of urban noise pollution. According to Director of Environmental Affairs Tarja Söderman, a lot of work is already being done in Espoo on these themes. “Nordic cities are among the healthiest in the world when it comes to air quality, noise and the state of the environment. Espoo also has a lot to offer to other European cities in terms of reconciling biodiversity and growth of the city,” says Söderman.
As part of the international network, Espoo will be able to make more extensive use of internationally proven, efficient practices. In 2024, Espoo will set itself ambitious goals and actions for each theme and it will report on the progress of the themes to the network.
Espoo – the first nature-wise large city in Finland
The municipalities of the Luontoviisaat kunnat network, which was established by the Finnish Environment Institute and the Association of Finnish Municipalities, promote measures to reduce adverse impacts on biodiversity. Espoo is the first of the large cities in Finland to join the network.
As a result of joining the network, Espoo will gain publicity for its actions to restore natural sites and promote the nature knowledge of operators based in Espoo. “The operations of the Luontoviisaat kunnat network are linked to the already ongoing Nature-wise Espoo project that aims to find out how we can protect biodiversity increasingly better,” says Tarja Söderman. A roadmap which defines biodiversity preservation goals and actions will be created as a result. This work will be carried out in close cooperation within the city organisation and together with residents and companies.
Residents and actors of Espoo can also participate in tackling biodiversity loss: Espoo already has, for example, grants for waterbody restoration projects intended for associations and communities. Once the network’s operations have been launched in Espoo, the city will provide more information about the opportunities for participation.
Reporting on the Green City Accord and coordinating the operations of the Luontoviisaat kunnat network is the responsibility of Environmental Protection.
Further information and questions:
The Luontoviisaat kunnat network(external link, opens in a new window) (Luontokunnat, in Finnish)
Green City Accord(external link, opens in a new window) (European Commission)
Anna Hakala
Environmental Specialist
anna.hakala@espoo.fi
Tarja Söderman
Director of Environmental Affairs
tarja.soderman@espoo.fi
Olli Isotalo
Director of Urban Environment
olli.isotalo@espoo.fi