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© O.Wahlroos, University
Helsinki (Dpt. Forest Sciences)
As part of the UN year of biodiversity celebrations, the construction of the wetland was carried out as a collaboration
between the University of Helsinki, the municipality of Vihti, and the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport
and the Environment (UUDELY), with support from a range of local and regional stakeholders.
Participatory approaches
and engagement of stakeholders in the design and implementation of the process were found to be beneficial to long-term
success.
Collaboration
between environmental, planning and technical authorities was crucial. In addition, the local association
for the Lake Enäjärvi water protection (VESY ry) was an active partner in the project supporting several voluntary actions.
UUDELY participated in project management and monitoring from the beginning, providing
guidance and support
at the
regional level. Appropriate
technical expertise
(e.g. sustainable landscape design and monitoring) was secured by involving
experts from the University of Helsinki, Luode Consulting Oy, UUDELY, and Water Protection Association of the River Vantaa
and Helsinki Region. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL) has supported communication and
environmental
education
activities.
G
overnance
M
obilisingfinancialresources
The total initial cost of the Gateway Wetland Park project (which included creation of the clay-stream habitat and related
wetlands, as well establishing vegetation and constructing a nature path) was €52 000. The project was funded by Vihti
municipality (58%) and the regional authority of the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Envi-
ronment (42% or €25 000). Subsequently, a
LIFE+project
was then developed and implemented for 2012-2017 as follow
up and expansion with similar activities in the area.
Monitoring of the wetlands is carried out year round to elucidate the impact and to define ecosystem services provided
Nummela ‘gateway’
wetlandpark
