About the project
The Inkluderande byar (Inclusive Villages) project is implemented by the faculty of Bioeconomy at Novia University of Applied Sciences and the collaborative forum for rural development in Swedish-speaking areas of Finland Svenskfinlands Byar at The Association of Rural Advisory Centres (SLF). The purpose of the project is to arrange integrating and inclusive activities in Swdish-speaking villages. The goal is to promote the integration of people moving in from other places in Finland and from other countries at the village level and to increase the visibility and attractiveness of the villages, especially when it comes to villages outside the city center that easily become unknown to newcomers. The activities are locally anchored, through activities that are designed according to the interests and needs of the participants. Environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability as well as the local economy are consistent themes for all activities. The project is carried out in Uusimaa, Southwest Finland and Ostrobothnia in cooperation with municipalities and local associations and companies. Network meetings between participating municipalities and villages are arranged to facilitate the exchange of experiences.Project goal
The project's objectives are:• that visitors who have not previously participated in the village associations' activities or other local activities join the activities
• new networks within the villages, between the participating villages and between the participating municipalities arise
• new events and more efficient use of the village association buildings
• more people moving in/actively participating in activities in the villages
• knowledge of local services, local associations, companies and places with cultural and natural values
• increased entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial spirit
• more activities at the grassroots level, which relate to sustainability, circular economy and benefit the local economy
• increased environmental awareness and active citizenship/increased opportunities for everyone to influence activities at the local level
• cooperation between different actors (e.g. companies and associations) in the villages and their surrounding areas
• increased activity on the municipalities' various platforms (exchange of services, events, communication).
UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Ulrika Dahlberg
Project Leader