in content lists or on the content page.Everyone has their own individual recipe for well-being, and they all involve taking pleasure in the countryside and the city in unique ways. The programme aims to strengthen the role of the countryside in these recipes for well-being. In this way, the countryside itself benefits.
“In order for the countryside to be seen not only as a recipient of welfare but increasingly as a facilitator of well-being, social structures as well as processes must be reformed in addition to the thinking on the countryside,” says Eeva Hellström. Welfare services offered by the countryside will be developed based on people’s needs and to meet demand, while consideration will also be given to regional differences.
Eco-efficient solutions can be decentralised
In Finland, it is possible to simultaneously operate both locally and globally, and bear responsibility. As a result of eco-efficiency requirements, social and business activities have been strongly centralised in recent years. New eco-efficient solutions aiming at sustainable development can also be decentralised using modern technology.
“We assessed the opportunities as to when it is ecologically and economically most sensible to operate in a decentralised way. I believe that Finland, with its large area, would have space for innovative, decentralised business models that would have international demand,” states Hellström. New sustainable solutions are required in areas such as housing, energy production and logistics.
Natural resources as new business solutions
Finland’s unique natural resources also offer new business opportunities that combine thinking on sustainable development with environmental responsibility.
“In accordance with the National Natural Resources Strategy published in 2009, the Landmarks Programme seeks new business opportunities that are based on the innovative use of natural resources and intangible values, as well as the local bio-economy,” explains Hellström.
More information on the Landmarks Programme
More information on the Landmarks Programme is available on Sitra’s website at www.sitra.fi/maamerkit, and at maamerkit.fi. The website also contains a Landmarks Barometer, which measures Finns’ conception of the countryside and which has been undertaken for the first time.
For more information, please contact:
Eva Hellström, Executive Director, Landmarks Programme
Tel. +358 9 6189 9276, firstname.lastname@sitra.fi
Kirsi Mäki, Communications Manager
Tel. +358 400 978 578, firstname.lastname@sitra.fi