The Turku City Board approved the Nature Positive Turku 2030 goal at its meeting on Monday, March 24th, in line with the Mayor's Program. Nature positivity by 2030 means that the activities of the City of Turku and all other activities in the Turku area as a whole will not degrade or reduce biodiversity, but rather strengthen it.
With this decision, Turku strengthens its position as one of the leading cities in climate and nature, whose goals are aligned with international biodiversity agreements and strategies. The goal of these international agreements is to halt decades of biodiversity decline by 2030 and turn the course towards the strengthening of biodiversity.
– Cities play a crucial role in the achievement of global nature goals, as a large portion of people and business activities are concentrated in urban areas. Turku aims to be a frontrunner, developing solutions for strengthening biodiversity and resource-efficient circular economy, says Mayor Minna Arve.
Nature Goal Also Supports Residents' Wellbeing
The nature goal ensures that nature areas on land and at sea remain ecologically high-quality, interconnected, and large enough to secure species and ecosystem functioning. It also strengthens the city's resilience, crisis preparedness, and adaptation to climate change.
The aim is for Turku's vitality to increase as Turku becomes known both nationally and internationally as a city where nature and recreational areas support residents' health and wellbeing.
– Nature is important to citizens It enhances wellbeing and health, and a green city encourages to move in an active and sustainable ways. The ability to contribute to biodiversity in one's own living environment, garden, or through nature volunteer work is often seen as very rewarding. The goal of a nature-positive city is to increase opportunities for everyone to participate in nature work and make the many benefits of biodiversity known, says Deputy Mayor Elina Rantanen.
Attraction Through Collaboration
The implementation of Turku's nature goal also requires even stronger cooperation with local universities, research organizations, and businesses. Cooperation supports the Turku region's attractiveness as an environment for sustainable business, a leader in biodiversity, and a vibrant area that attracts both residents and businesses.
– Many local businesses, communities, and universities have already set nature goals for their operations. Nature cooperation and solution development will accelerate the goal-oriented nature work of all stakeholders and also increase the expertise in nature work in our region, Mayor Arve notes.
To achieve the nature goal, Turku will initiate the Nature Positive Turku roadmap work. Research and expert organizations, residents, businesses, and communities from the region will be invited to participate in the planning and implementation of measures leading to nature positivity. The roadmap is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Read more about Turku's climate and nature goals: