Nature Step to Health Programme 2022-2032
Nature Step to Health Programme is a Lahti Regional Health and Environment Programme for 2022-2032. The 10-year-programme integrates health and environmental goals of the region of Päijät-Häme in Southern Finland.
The Nature Step to Health Programme supports sustainable livestyles and wellbeing
The Nature Step to Health programme is coordinated by the Wellbeing Services County of Päijät-Häme and realised in cooperation with the City of Lahti and Lahti University Consortium. Expert cooperation enables improvements in both health and the environment in the Päijät-Häme region.
The programme is motivated by major interconnected societal challenges.
These challenges include a range of public health challenges, such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and health risks, like asthma, diabetes, obesity, and depression, as well as environmental challenges, such as the accelerating rate of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Nature Step to Health 2022-2032 programme includes the following activities by:
Nature Step to Health 2022-2032 programme includes the following activities by:
- providing educational and communicational programme to implement the best practices of public health and environmental care in the spirit of Planetary Health
- combining the public health and environmental goals towards a more sustainable way of life at the grassroot level
- creating a model, which can be scaled up for other EU cities in the spirit of healthy and sustainable city development
- integrating multidisciplinary research and education
Highlights
Nature Step to Health Programme – Cooperation for sustainable and healthy living
The Nature Step to Health programme is built on multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral cooperation between various actors.
The European Commission appointed the City of Lahti as the European Green Capital in 2021 in recognition of city’s persistent environmental efforts. By combining these efforts with scientific knowledge, public health work, and the regional health and wellbeing service structure, we obtain a system that serves citizens better now and in the future.
The aim of the Nature Step to Health programme is to alter habits and behaviours of individuals according to planetary health principles.
These principles include plant-based nutrition, enhanced low carbon mobility, healthy living environment, and strengthened contacts to nature. To reach this objective, support for citizens for the use of nature-based services is required. The programme seeks for learning opportunities and exchange of practices to develop green care models and other nature-based services further.
You can read more about the implementation of the Nature Step to Health programme on the websites of the City of Lahti and Lahti University Consortium.
You can discuss the themes and current topics of the Nature’s Step to Health programme and planetary health in the programme’s LinkedIn group.
Also you can learn about the environmental work of the City of Lahti and the research and education related to the health and well-being effects of nature conducted at the Lahti University Consortium. You can read about the work related to sustainable development conducted in the Wellbeing Services County of Päijät-Häme’s webpage on sustainable development.
Implementation of the Nature Step to Health programme
The Nature Step to Health programme develops healthy, socially equal, and environmentally sustainable practices and mechanisms that support our daily lives.
The programme has five goals, which are monitored by indicators:
- Prevention of public health challenges, such as NCDs
- Enhancement of biodiversity
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Cooperation between health and environmental actors in education, research, and communication
- Economic impact on health, social, and wellbeing services and environment
The program has four tasks that cut across the programme’s goals. The goals can be reached by:
- Promoting healthier and more sustainable nutrition
- Promoting active mobility and physical activity
- Creating more healthy and sustainable living environments
- Increasing exposure to nature and improving the connection with nature
Implementation is driven by new projects, and the efficacy of the programme is monitored using statistical data, surveys, questionnaires, and multidisciplinary studies. The effectivity is assessed during feedback and interim evaluations.
Programme partners
The Nature Step to Health Programme is realised in cooperation with the Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme, the City of Lahti and Lahti University Consortium.
The programme is supported by researchers and experts from the University of Helsinki, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finnish Environment Institute, Natural Resources Institute Finland, LAB University of Applied Sciences, and WWF Finland.
Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme is a public authority providing government funded health, social, and rescue services for about 220 000 inhabitants in the Päijät-Häme region in Southern Finland.
The city of Lahti is the capital of the Päijät-Häme region. The city has set ambitious environmental and climate goals. Lahti was named European Green Capital of 2021 by the European Commission.
Lahti University Consortium is a science community comprising of experts from the University of Helsinki and LUT University located in the city of Lahti. It engages in multidisciplinary research and promotes the development of the Lahti region with its activities through interaction with the surrounding society.
Contact information
Riitta-Maija Hämäläinen, PhD, MPH, MSc, Head of Sustainable Development
email: riitta-maija.hamalainen(a)paijatha.fi
Hanna Haveri, MD PhD, specialist in neurology, Planetary Health -physician
email: hanna.haveri(a)paijatha.fi
Taru Pietilä, M. Soc. Sc. (sustainability studies), Project coordinator
email: taru.pietila(a)paijatha.fi
Päivi Sieppi, M.Sc. (environmental protection), Environmental Advisory Manager
paivi.sieppi(a)lahti.fi
Minna-Maija Salomaa, MAT, Secretary General
minna-maija.salomaa(a)helsinki.fi
Marju Prass, FM (environmental ecology), Specialist
marju.prass(a)helsinki.fi
Projects under the programme
1.4.2024 – 30.6.2028
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Kirsi Kiiskinen, kirsi.kiiskinen(a)lab.fi
Description of the project
This project aims to strengthen sports & leisure innovation ecosystems and to facilitate digital and green upskilling to ensure competitiveness and adaptability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Sports & leisure is a broad industry encompassing such sectors as sports, tourism, and recreation. It has a promise of creating a wide societal and economic impact by improving citizens’ well-being and EU regions’ vitality. To be able to do so in full force, the field’s industry needs to adapt to the structural and behavioral changes brought about by Covid-19 and climate change.
This requires embracing strong orientation for cross-sectoral innovation, supported by data-driven approach and sustainability principles, as well as creating enabling environments for companies to adopt the innovation mindset.
Partners of cooperation
The consortium covers five EU regions and seven partners of varying levels of regional development, incl. the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme. The project is led by LAB University of Applied Sciences and is funded by Interreg Europe.
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Aki Sinkkonen, aki.sinkkonen(a)luke.fi
Niina Malinen, niina.malinen(a)luke.fi
Description of the project
Biodiversity is essential for nature and human well-being. Land use has reduced biodiversity in cities, which weakens the functionality of the urban ecosystems and the well-being of citizens. This also increases the risk of immune-mediated disorders among urban dwellers. In Biodiversity interventions for well-being (BIWE), microbial biodiversity interventions are performed to increase biodiversity in urban built areas. Results from the intervention trials are combined with publicly available land cover and ecological data. These are analyzed from the viewpoint of shifts in ecosystems and human well-being and health, ecological quality, and urban planning. The social impact of the project is based on interdisciplinarity and broad interaction: BIWE combines environmental, medical, psychological, and technical knowledge. As biodiversity supports ecosystems and human well-being, there is a huge need to rewild urban ecosystems. BIWE is carried out in Lahti, Tampere and Turku as well in the metropolitan area of Helsinki in 2021 to 2027. This project is included in the BIOD strategic research program of the Research Council of Finland.
1.4.2024 – 30.6.2028
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Marjut Villanen, marjut.villanen(a)lab.fi
Description of the project
With climate change, it has become important to both curb its effects and adapt to them. Although climate-wise decision-making is recognized as necessary and urgent, the decisions made often do not support it. The long-term effects of many decisions are even negative in terms of the climate. This challenge is common to several European regions.
The goal of the ClimateGO project (2024-2028) is to help cities and counties make the necessary climate-wise decisions. The project focuses on improving the ability of the administration and political decision-makers to plan efficient and sustainable activities, which at the same time support climate change mitigation and adaptation. In addition, the project promotes understanding of climate change and ensures that decision-making is proactive, so that mitigation and adaptation measures support each other.
Partners of cooperation
LAB University of Applied Sciences (lead partner) and ClimateGO brings together seven partners from six European cities and regions committed to enhancing climate resilience in line with EU goals. ClimateGo is funded through Interreg Europe.
1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Riitta-Maija Hämäläinen, Head of Sustainable Development, riitta-maija.hamalainen(a)paijatha.fi
Anni Toivanen, project planner, anni.toivanen(a)paijatha.fi
Professor Helinä Melkas, LUT University, helina.melkas(a)lut.fi
Description of the project
Healthcare sector is responsible for 6,5 % of the total Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in hospitals and in other healthcare entities. In Finland social and health services are responsible for 6.5% of the total GHG of which social services cover 2.3 % and health services 4.2 %. If no action is taken, the projected annual GHG emissions of the healthcare sector will dramatically increase by 2050. Therefore, health and care providers should pay more attention to the operational costs and energy saving without risking safety of the patient care.
Caring Nature (Climate Neutral Initiatives for Growing Health and Care Unmet Initiatives) is a three year project, which aims to validate a set of ten results to reduce environmental impact of building, waste, and patient travel and to increase governance capability and staff engagement to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Greener health and care systems can be obtained only if the solutions are environmentally effective, economically affordable and acceptable by patients, workers, and citizens. The objectives are to increase the governance capability of the health care providers, policy makers and investors for green transformation, to reduce the environmental impacts of construction and energy consumption of buildings with Artificial Intelligence-based software, to reduce the medical, food and water waste, to reduce the environmental impact of patient travel with telemedicine and to obtain staff engagement in the green transition.
Partners of cooperation
The Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme will play the role of pilot testing, validator and end user in co-operation with five international social and health care services organizations, five in-novative companies, one standardization institute, two construction companies and five universities including LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology). LUT University oversees the development of the ENGAGE : Participatory Staff Engagement Model solution. In the pilot project the Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme will co-develop a Decision Support System (DSS) for evaluating the environmental, social and economic return of investments and a reporting model (Knowledge Sharing System=KSS) compliant with EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis method (LCA, LCC, S-LCA).
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Riitta-Maija Hämäläinen, Head of Sustainable Development, riitta-maija.hamalainen(a)paijatha.fi
Taru Pietilä, project planner, taru.pietila(a)paijatha.fi
Description of the project
GoGreenNext will deliver a comprehensive evidence-based policy-oriented approach and model to communicate how ecosystem wellbeing and human health are connected. The risks of climate change are currently predicted to escalate beyond planetary boundaries and pass critical tipping points with irreversible changes to our climate with commensurate negative impacts on health, ecosystems, and landscapes. Nature-based solutions (NBS) and actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems have emerged to reverse the degradation of nature, notably in urban areas where changes are amplified. Cities offer an opportunity to accelerate a just green transition in at-risk communities. GoGreenNext will address the biodiversity-climate-planetary health nexus, delivering positive policy and city/region pilot outcomes in four biogeographic regions across Europe and with input from best practice globally.
Partners of cooperation
17 partners of cooperation. Maynooth University, Ireland leads the consortium. The Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme and the University of Helsinki are involved in the project.
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Dr. Ilari Sääksjärvi, ilari.saaksjarvi(a)utu.fi
In Lahti, Dr. Ville Uusitalo, ville.uusitalo(a)lut.fi
Description of the project
BIODIFUL is a movement with a heart of an interdisciplinary research project. It aims at creating a network of change agents who want to seed the urgently needed environmental transformation, and to equip them with knowhow, courage and faith – biodiversity respectful leadership. The objective is to facilitate the transformation towards biodiversity-respectful activity via individual (i.e. consumer-level), organisational (i.e. business-level), and societal (i.e. institutional) leadership. As societal outcomes, BIODIFUL develops a multilevel leadership framework, an engaging movement, and a Leadership Forum.
BIODIFUL focuses on biodiversity-respectful leadership in food system and nature-based recreation.
BIODIFUL operates in an inter- and transdisciplinary consortium combining natural and human sciences (biodiversity research, sustainability science, management, leadership, consumer research and marketing, futures studies and food science) across four Finnish universities/research institutes with an engaged societal co-creation network.
The main goal of the project is to create a systemic change in the society.
Partners of cooperation
The project team is comprised of researchers from the University of Turku, Natural Resources Institute Finland, University of Jyväskylä and LUT University. In addition, the project includes a large network of partner organisations and other stakeholders. The research project is funded by the Strategic Research Council within the Academy of Finland.
1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Riikka Puhakka, riikka.puhakka(a)lab.fi
Description of the project
The aim of this project is to develop business opportunities in relation to urban and other close by nature in Päijät-Häme region. New nature-based services and products will be innovated together with businesses. This innovation process would be based on customer needs and researched knowledge on the health and well-being effects of nature. The new products will be developed and piloted in selected environments, and customer experience would be studied for further developing. This project strengthens the development and innovation capacities of companies.
Partners of cooperation
The project is led by LAB University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the University of Helsinki.
1.1.2024 – 31.10.2026
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Contact person in Lahti: Päivi Sieppi, paivi.sieppi(a)lahti.fi
Description of the project
The Nature Prescription project intend to increase the use of effective nature-based practices in health promotion in municipalities. With the help of trainings, nature prescription pilots and their evaluation, new information is produced on the benefits of nature and the possibilities for its application in municipalities. The project engages in regional, national, and international research and development cooperation with other actors, programmes and projects of the same theme.
A Health Forest linked specifically to social welfare and health care has been built in the pilot cities. The objective of the pilot cities is to expand the use of both the Health Forests and other nature recreation areas in the promotion of well-being and health and to strengthen the knowledge base on the benefits of natural environments.
The results of the project and communication materials will be available to all Finnish municipalities. The project is funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health from the appropriation for health promotion in 2024-2026. The pilot cities and co-financiers are the cities of Kajaani and Lahti.
1.5.2025 – 31.7.2029
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Marju Prass, marju.prass@helsinki.fi
Description of the project
Covid-19 and its economic burden highlighted the need to rethink how societies address well-being and health in relation to environment and animals. One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. One Health Gov focuses on integrating the One Health approach into governance to address interconnected health, environmental and economic challenges. Integrating One Health approach into policies is the most comprehensive and effective way to ensure economic sustainability while dealing with health-climate-nature issues, i.e. tackling multicriteria policy challenges. Thus, One Health is imperative for various regional tasks, incl. healthcare, civil engineering and environmental monitoring.
One Health Gov aims to support One Health governance and policy improvements such that these are more cost-effective and in line with complex interconnected challenges of One Health. Through the interregional exchange of experience, partners will: 1. increase their understanding of One Health, 2. improve policies, and 3. strengthening capacities for holistic cross-sectoral governance
Partners of cooperation
University of Helsinki (lead partner) and One Health Gov brings together seven partners from six European cities and regions committed to holistic solutions and One Health. One of the partner regions is Lahti City. One Health Gov is co-funded by the EU through the Interreg Europe.
1.4.2024 – 30.6.2028
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Harri Kuusela, harri.kuusela(a)paijat-hame.fi
Description of the project
This project aims to develop regional walking policies. Walking is the only truly carbon-neutral transportation mode but has been often underrated in traditional transportation planning. There is a Europe-wide need to understand which processes, actions, indicators and resources are required for more effective walking policies – for a safer, healthier, cleaner and more sustainable Europe.
The project (2024-2028) utilises a common approach (Walk21) to systematically analyse current walking policies, commitments and targets, strengths and weaknesses, development needs and possibilities.
Partners of cooperation
The consortium consists of eight European city and regional partners. The project is funded by Interreg Europe.
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Prof. Arto O. Salonen, University of Eastern Finland, arto.salonen(a)uef.fi
In Lahti, prof. Lassi Linnanen LUT University, lassi.linnanen(a)lut.fi
Description of the project
SISU started in autumn 2023 as part of the 2023-2029 JUST TRANSITION program funded by the Strategic Research Council of Finland.
The SISU research project identifies widely acceptable sufficiency solutions that will ensure that green transition and basic welfare state promises can be realized even in conditions where the economy does not grow or where growth is minimal. Sustainability guided by sufficiency principles can lead to the renewal of businesses and the economy, and, at the same time, improve various other aspects affecting our wellbeing. By finding solutions that reach vulnerable people, it can also result in a better quality of life – for everyone.
The multidisciplinary research team of the SISU project models the macroeconomic impacts of new solutions to help people recognize different future scenarios, and the effects and experiences related to them. SISU provides spaces where people can create heritage futures – meanings, practices, and skills – based on sufficiency, which will leave future generations a sustainable world where people can thrive.
Partners of cooperation
The SISU consortium consists of research teams from the University of Eastern Finland (lead), Demos Helsinki, LUT University, University of Turku and XAMK (South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences).
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Sari Horn, sari.horn(a)lut.fi
Kaisa Vuorivirta, kaisa.vuorivirta(a)helsinki.fi
Description of the project
This two-week international summer school has been arranged every June from 2022 onwards. The summer school is aimed for students interested in environmental issues with either technical, business, design, social or healthcare background. During the summer school, students will learn how human health and the health of the planet are closely connected and what can be done to protect and enhance both. Study topics include planetary boundaries, environmental impacts of human societies, climate change and biodiversity loss, and their impact on human wellbeing and healthcare systems. Importantly, the summer school focuses on finding solutions across disciplinary boundaries. Every year, about 60 students participate from across the world.
Partners of cooperation
The summer school is organized in collaboration between all academic bodies operating in Lahti, including LAB University of Applied Sciences, LUT University, University of Helsinki, and Lahti University Campus. The City of Lahti and the Wellbeing Services County of Päijät-Häme are also involved.
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Christopher Raymond, christopher.raymond(a)helsinki.fi
Anna Ahdekivi, anna.ahdekivi(a)helsinki.fi
Description of the project
This project supports cities to rapidly transform toward urban sustainability. The project develops and tests new methods and interventions that support carbon neutrality, biodiversity conservation and sustainable lifestyles in cities by 2030. Transformative Cities is seeking to support the shift towards more sustainable and respectful lifestyles, through zero-emission transport, the conservation of biodiversity and prioritisation of human well-being.
To achieve project goals, they will carry out an integrated suite of active sensing approaches, investigating people’s lifestyle patterns with tools such as participatory mapping and serious gaming. In addition, the project combines these with a set of passive sensing techniques, using big data analytics that provides key information about mobility. Finally, the knowledge will be transferred to policymaking to facilitate the adaptation of transformative governance methods. The project focuses its activity in Helsinki, Espoo, Lahti and Oulu. In Lahti, the main aim is to support active mobility alongside the biodiversity and climate goals.
This project has received funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU instrument and is funded by the Research Council of Finland.
Partners of cooperation
The research team is comprised of researchers from the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Turku, University of Oulu, University of Eastern Finland and ETH Zürich. In addition, the research team works together with companies, cities and other organisations to enable sustainable urban transformations.
Past projects
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Jenni Rahkonen, jenni.rahkonen(a)lahti.fi
Ville Uusitalo, ville.uusitalo(a)lut.fi
Anna Claudelin, anna.claudelin(a)lut.fi
Description of the project
In the international Climate Campaigners research project, a climate application is being developed, which offers the people of Lahti to control their own personal carbon footprint and to do everyday climate actions. The free climate app monitors greenhouse gas emissions caused by everyday choices. The application offers its users daily challenges, and by completing the challenges the user gets information in real time about the impact of climate change on one’s own carbon footprint. For example, promoting everyday exercise can have a positive effect on both well-being and the environment.
The purpose of the project is to share information with residents and involve them in climate work. The project also collects research data, which is taken for decision-making at different levels after the project. Measures to curb CO2 emissions are tailored for each city participating in the project. In Lahti, sustainable transportation and energy consumption are particularly important.
- Climate Campaigners Apple App Store link for iOs devices
- Climate Campaigners Android App link for Android devices
Partners of cooperation
In Lahti the City of Lahti and LUT University
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Päivi Viitanen, paivi.viitanen(a)lab.fi
Iira Tiitta, iira.tiitta(a)lab.fi
Description of the project
This 20-credit continuing vocational specialist training on health effects of climate change was developed to respond to the need of improving awareness on the risks climate change poses to public health, and to the need to integrate these aspects into healthcare education.
This course was targeted towards healthcare specialists, and it integrated theoretical knowledge into practical implementation. The training was developed by the LAB University of Applied Sciences. The training course aimed to improve awareness of climate change health effects and to integrate that knowledge into healthcare practices. More information on this pilot-stage training in the figure below.
Partners of cooperation
The training was developed and coordinated by LAB University of Applied Sciences. The following organisations were involved in the planning of the training as partners in working life: THL, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the South Karelia Association, SPR, the South Karelia Welfare Area, the Wellbeing Services County of Päijät-Häme, and Climate Health Solution Oy. The training course was funded by the Continuing Learning and Employment Service Center (JOTPA) (Piloting of small competence packages).
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Mikaela Grotenfelt-Enegren, mikaela.grotenfelt(a)helsinki.fi
Description of the project
A training package was organised for the health nurses and doctors of the counselling centres of Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme, which deals with sustainability thinking and the connections of sustainability topics to health promotion work. The training was organised by the University of Helsinki’s Kudelma network and LSV ry’s environmental and sustainability experts together with trainers from Tunne ry, which specializes in environmental feelings. The training package included lecture sections and workshop work, with the help of which the staff was offered new ways to bring up sustainability topics with the advice centre’s clients, as well as the readiness to face different emotions related to climate and environmental change.
Partners of cooperation
LSV ry, Tunne ry, City of Lahti
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Ulla Hoppu, ulla.hoppu(a)helsinki.fi
Description of the project
The project aims to improve knowledge and understanding of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on customer opinions to improve their product development processes. The target group of the project are food production SMEs in the Päijät-Häme region, incl. restaurants and food service providers.
As defined in collaboration with the SMEs, the project involves small-scale customer surveys and customer participation in the food development process. Through improving the understanding of customer opinions, this project supports the development of a sustainable food system in line with the green transition programme of Päijät-Häme.
Partners of cooperation
This project is led by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry of University of Helsinki. It is funded through the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme.
9/2020-12/2024
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Taru Suutari, taru.suutari(at)lahti.fi
Description of the project
The GoGreenRoutes project is an effort by an extensive network of partners to lay the foundations for European cities to act as ambassadors for sustainable development. In collaboration with forty partners, the project focuses on integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into a multidimensional 360° health approach, identifying the potential of nature as part of holistic health. The project is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.
In Lahti, the project will develop the Kintterö health forest concept and explore other opportunities for urban greenery in cooperation with LAB – University of Applied Sciences. Other important partners of the project are e.g., the Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme, Lahti Urban Planning and local nature-based-entrepreneurs.
The aim of the project is to foster a positive human-nature relationship, flourish nature connectedness and create opportunities for citizens to engage with nature through digital, educational, and behavioural innovations.
Partners of cooperation
40 partners of cooperation, the City of Lahti and LAB University of Applied Sciences in Finland
20.1.2023 – 12.5.2025
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Kirsi Lindqvist, kirsi.lindqvist(a)hyplus.fi
Description of the project
The aim of this course (2023-2025) was to strengthen the expertise of kindergarten pedagogical staff as food educators. It supported the implementation of national dietary recommendations, while taking into account the specific operational environments of different units and age groups.
One of the core themes in this course was sustainable food education and lifestyles, including novel topics and their application such as new dietary recommendations and planetary health. The course showcased practical examples from day cares in Lahti that utilise planetary health principles in their daily work.
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Riikka Puhakka, riikka.puhakka(a)lab.fi
Description of the project
Urbanization and modernization have led to changes in western ways of life, which has also resulted in negative impacts on health and well-being. First, our way of life has become physically less active. More and more young people suffer from obesity which may lead to chronic diseases. Second, allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases have increased. Diminishing contact with nature has reduced our exposure to microbes needed for the natural development of human immune systems.
The aim of this multidisciplinary project is to study how interacting with nature affects the health and well-being of young urban people. The project studies various outdoor activities to identify attractive and efficient solutions to increase the opportunities to gain health and well-being benefits from interaction with nature. The project integrates research on the perceived well-being and physical health in a novel way. The research questions are crucial since physical activity and obesity in childhood have a significant tendency to continue into adulthood, and exposure to microbes during childhood has a significant effect on the function of the immune system.
Partners of cooperation
The project is carried out in the University of Helsinki and led by Academy Research Fellow Riikka Puhakka. The project is funded by the Academy of Finland (2019–2024).
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Ulla Hoppu, ulla.hoppu(a)helsinki.fi
Marju Prass, marju.prass(a)helsinki.fi
Description of the project
This project brought together companies, researchers and other stakeholders to find solutions that support the transition towards sustainable and healthy diets. The project aimed to develop RDI-models that facilitate science-based innovations and solutions for food products and food systems in the Päijät-Häme region. The project included interest mapping and matching researchers with companies and other organisations that could benefit from the co-creation of knowledge. This one-year (2023) pilot was funded by the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme from the AKKE instrument.
Partners of cooperation
This project was carried out by Lahti University Campus in collaboration with the University of Helsinki and other stakeholders.
1.9.2024 – 28.2.2026
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Hanna-Mari Suutari, hanna.suutari(a)lab.fi
Description of the project
The project supported the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) by promoting the identification and measurement of biodiversity impacts and the development of nature-positive business.
In the project (2024-2026), nature footprint calculation was piloted together with 1-2 SMEs from Päijät-Häme. The local Ilmastokumppanuus-model was updated to cover more broadly the biodiversity impact review of business. In addition, the target groups’ awareness of the project’s themes was increased through various events and active communication.
Partners of cooperation
The project was implemented by LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University and has been financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Emma Marjamäki, emma.marjamaki(at)lahti.fi
Description of the project
In a project implemented in 2022, effective measures were sought to increase young people’s walking and cycling. Existing information related to the movement habits of school-aged children was gathered, the knowledge base was updated by repeating the school trip survey, and the collected material was examined together with young people’s health data and the economic effects of active movement. The material was also supplemented by collecting experience information from young people about the obstacles and incentives for walking and cycling by having a total of ten skid dialogue discussions with the 8th graders of three schools.
The information was compiled into a report that presents different ways to influence the popularity of walking and cycling among young people. Three of the found measures were tested as experiments in Lahti’s secondary and comprehensive schools.
Partners of cooperation
The project received funding from state grants for The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom’s movement control. The city of Lahti was responsible for the project and the thesis was completed at LUT University.
Responsible person(s) and contact information
The project coordinator was Jani Sore
Description of the project
A project funded by the Päijät-Häme association AKKE, implemented by the city of Lahti. The project’s target group was the long-term unemployed over the age of 30. Project goals:
- Get a permanent change in people’s life management and doing things that support well-being.
- Reduces the participants’ need for social security services in the long term.
- Improves the position of the participants in the labour market.
- Finds and develops usable and permanent operating models for employment processes and cooperation between different organizations.
- Develops nature-based methods to increase empowerment, functional ability, and well-being.
1.6.2023 – 31.12.2025
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Päivi Sieppi, paivi.sieppi(at)lahti.fi
Description of the project
The project was a network project of the URBACT IV program, the implementation of which was from 1 June 2023 to 31 December 2025. A total of nine cities from different parts of Europe were involved in the project. The cities of Lahti and Kuopio were part of the project from Finland.
This network of cities wanted to develop best practices, tools and methods that enable a holistic One Health approach to be incorporated into city strategies and actions.
Partners of cooperation
Nine European cities, project coordinator was the City of Lyon, France.
1.1.2023 – 31.12.2025
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Mirka Råberg, mirka.raberg(a)forumvirium.fi
In Lahti, Essi Malinen-Lallukka, essi.malinen-lallukka(a)lab.fi
Description of the project
The project aimed to stimulate the business of green infrastructure companies and support the construction of an urban environment that is climate-resilient and delivers various ecosystem services, i.e., benefits from nature.
The project focused on novel and creative solutions for green infrastructure. These are necessary to adapt to climate change, enhance biodiversity and improve the comfort and wellbeing of residents in a dense urban environment.
The project brought ogether companies, technology operators, cities and residents to test and develop creative and open-minded solutions to shake up the sector. These experiments took place in Helsinki, Lahti, and Metropolia’s living lab facilities.
Partners of cooperation
The project was carried out by Forum Virium Helsinki (coordinator), Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and LAB University of Applied Sciences. The project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Sanna-Maija Nurminen, sports service manager, sanna-maija.nurminen(a)lahti.fi
Description of the project
The three-year project promoted exercise and well-being among children, young people, and families. The new resource complemented the city of Lahti’s already existing sports counselling service chain for working-aged people. In accordance with the city’s strategy, the goal was a sustainably prosperous Lahti resident.
Planetary health and the theme of sustainability were to be seen in e.g., in communication and in the exercise counselling service process. In exercise counselling, the client’s well-being is always considered individually and comprehensively. In addition to exercise, we discussed sleep, recovery, nutrition, and other factors related to well-being.
The sports department of the city of Lahti is responsible for the project. Funding for the project has been received from the Regional Administration.
Partners of cooperation
Päijät-Häme sports and sports association
Local sports clubs and associations
Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme
The municipal working group for exercise counselling
Youth services
School health care
The Finnish defence forces
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Päivi Tommola, paivi.tommola(a)lab.fi
Description of the project
The project focused on local tourism that takes into account the principles of sustainable development. Its goal was to strengthen the vitality of business related to ecological movement and local tourism and to create new business opportunities. In the project, actors interested in bicycle tourism in Päijät-Häme were brought together and a new kind of theme-based cooperation for bicycle tourism was developed.
Partners of cooperation
The project is managed by the LAB University of Applied Sciences, the partial implementer is Päijät-Hämeen Liikunta ja Urheilu ry. The project is financed by the Rural Development Fund 2014-2020 and will be implemented from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2023.
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Minna Aho, minna.aho(a)paijatha.fi
Riitta-Maija Hämäläinen, Sustainable Development, riitta-maija.hamalainen(a)paijatha.fi
Description of the project
In the project, five different ways of promoting the mobility of Päijät-Sote’s employees were tested:
- cycling in commuting on company bikes,
- the use of commuter tickets in public transport,
- work related commuting with shared city electric bikes (Mankeli),
- work related commuting with electric scooters, and
- leasing electric bikes for personnel in home care services.
In addition, the project used different means of communication to influence the change of behaviour and the transition to environmentally friendly modes of transportation in Päijät-Sote. User experiences and information were collected from those who participated in the experiment to support further planning in order to strengthen work well-being, recovery, promotion of movement and sustainable commuting. The project took place in 2022.
Partners of cooperation
LAB University of Applied Sciences, LUT University, City of Lahti, the Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme, service providers
1.6.2023 – 31.5.2025
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Katja Ojala, project manager, City of Lahti
Taru Pietilä, project planner, taru.pietila(a)paijatha.fi
Description of the project
Systemic change towards sustainable commuting in Lahti (Sycla) project aims to promote sustainable commuting in the city of Lahti. Sustainable commuting refers to work trips that are made mainly by walking, cycling, or public transport. The transition from transport in private cars to more sustainable modes of transportation not only reduces the environmental impact of commuting, but also promotes the health and well-being of employees.
The sustainable commuting project maps and develops structures and practices that support the means for sustainable commuting together with partners, employers, and employees. In the project, co-creation with employees encourages sustainable commuting. In addition, the project supports the transition to more sustainable forms of transport through means of communication within organisations and in the Päijät-Häme region.
The goals of the sustainable commuting project include:
- reducing the environmental impact of traffic by enhancing mobility by walking, biking, and public transport,
- improving the physical and psychological health and well-being of employees,
- improved cooperation and information flow between different stakeholders, as well as
- promoting the accessibility of workplaces
The project has received funding through NetZeroCities from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101036519. The project is part of the “100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030” EU mission.
Partners of cooperation
The city of Lahti, LUT University, LAB University of Applied Sciences, the Wellbeing services county of Päijät-Häme, companies and organisations located in the City of Lahti
Responsible person(s) and contact information
Päivi Sieppi, paivi.sieppi(a)lahti.fi
Description of the project
The goal of the Tasty climate food project was to soften young people’s preconceived notions and attitudes towards vegetarian food. Now, a lot of vegetarian food ends up to biowaste at schools just because of the name ”vegetarian food”. In the project, the young people prepared dishes from different plant proteins in home economics classes, tasted them and voted for the best-tasting dishes for further development for the Päijät-Häme Catering services. Participation of children and young people in the project was key. It was important that the Päijät-Häme Catering Services received direct feedback from young people so that they could develop vegetarian dishes which young people like. Through student councils, food participation is modelled for the entire school.
The duration of the project was 1 November 2023 – 15 September 2024. The Ministry of the Environment financed the project.
Partners of cooperation
City of Lahti, Päijät-Häme Catering services
Publications related to the Nature Step to Health Programme
