Despite the rainy weather, there was plenty of atmosphere and interested visitors in Sanginjoki river area on Sunday, June 8th, as the ALFAwetlands project, in collaboration with Metsähallitus (state enterprise managing and developing Finland’s state-owned land and water areas), the City of Oulu, BusinessOulu and several local nature organizations, hosted the ALFAwetlands Living Lab Open Day “Together in Sanginjoki”.
During the day, participants learned about wetland restoration, enjoyed guided nature excursions, and explored the area’s diverse nature. Over a hundred participants attended the event.
Three wetlands targeted for restoration
ALFAwetlands is an EU-funded international research and development project that studies and pilots wetland restoration across Europe – including the Sanginjoki in Oulu. Three wetlands built by Metsähallitus are under scrutiny in the area: Latvakorpi, Santerinräme and Taivalkoskensuo.
“The aim is to improve water protection, increase biodiversity and reduce greenhouse gases,” said Liisa Ukonmaanaho, project coordinator at the Natural Resources Institute Finland.
Measurements support the success of the restoration work: for example, at Santerinräme, the concentration of suspended solids in the water is already lower downstream of the wetland than upstream – an indication that the wetland is acting as a filter.
However, restoration is a long process. Ditches will continue to be blocked or converted into streams in the coming years.
“In ten years, the landscape will already look noticeably different,” Ukonmaanaho estimated.
Metsähallitus promotes regenerative tourism
Metsähallitus is a key partner in the ALFAwetlands project in Sanginjoki. Recreation use specialist Ulla Matturi presented the area’s comprehensive restoration plan and a regenerative nature tourism development initiative that combines conservation with tourism.
“For example, converting ditches into streams will be done manually with the help of tourists. The first pilot activities will begin in September,” Matturi explained.
Nature experiences for all ages
The day’s program offered diverse activities for the whole family. The Oulu Insect Club organized two guided walks that explored Sanginjoki’s insects in the water and along the riverbanks. The North Ostrobothnia Ornithological Society led a birdwatching trip, though the area’s signature bird, the three-toed woodpecker, remained hidden. Meanwhile, the Oulu Mycological Society introduced common edible mushrooms – the Sanginjoki area is known for its excellent mushroom spots.
On the accessible nature trail, visitors were guided by Ulla Matturi through educational stops along the path, all the way to a scenic viewing platform.
Collaboration is at the core
During the spring, the ALFAwetlands project and Metsähallitus organized several workshops where local stakeholders – neighborhood associations, organizations, authorities, and businesses – developed ideas to safeguard biodiversity.
Sanginjoki is widely recognized as a significant area: it serves as a site for nature, recreation, nature education, as well as a residential environment and a tourism asset. Based on the workshops, a set of action proposals has been compiled to support the development of the nature reserve and regional planning.
Images: Luonnonvarakeskus / Natural Resources Institute Finland