Nature work by the city

Turku is doing long-term work to promote biodiversity and halt biodiversity loss. The city aims to be one of the world’s leading nature cities in 2030.

Turku not only strives to stop biodiversity loss but to enrich and promote biodiversity. The city wants to improve the living conditions of species in the city, forests and the archipelago. Nature is also a factor in land use.

The hardwood forests of Ruissalo and the birdlife of lush woodlands, the archipelago with its rocky pine forests, meadows, reed fields and endangered butterflies: the list of natural wonders in Turku goes on and on. 

The nature of Turku can only be conserved in Turku. This is why Turku is investing more and more in nature management and conservation. 

The work is promoted by the Biodiversity Programme (LUMO) and its six themes, whose implementation is monitored.

The first biodiversity park in Europe, which is being developed on the Skanssi ridge and its surroundings, is a good example of ambitious nature work. 

» Read more about LUMO programme

Nature work by Turku is steered by strategy, plans and national and international agreements. Examples include:

• The Turku City Strategy aims to make Turku one of the world’s leading climate and nature cities in the 2030s.
• The Turku Biodiversity Programme (LUMO) safeguards local nature and helps Turku become a pioneer in nature management and the creation of new habitats.
• The Climate Plan (2029) identifies biodiversity and safeguarding carbon sinks as important measures in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• The Forest Plan (2019–2029) aims to safeguard biodiversity, mitigate climate change, improve the recreational use of forests and promote the economic productivity of forest management.  
• The Baltic Sea Action Plan for Turku and Helsinki (2024–28) focuses on reducing stormwater loading and promoting biodiversity.
• The 10 cities’ nature declaration strengthens the role of Finnish cities in safeguarding biodiversity and in implementing the Kunming-Montreal biodiversity framework and the EU biodiversity strategy.
• The Green City Accord is an initiative where Turku has committed to improving air quality, water quality, biodiversity, noise abatement and waste management.
• Cities With Nature is a global city initiative. By joining it, Turku is committed to protecting nature and supporting global biodiversity goals.  

Progressive nature work would not be possible without close cooperation with local companies, communities, higher education institutions and city residents. Reaching goals requires closer cooperation within the city organization. Biodiversity has to be a factor in all city activities and resourcing.