Authors: Tiina Gyllenberg, Hanna Keinänen, Hanna Laine & Petra Väisänen
Evo is a small village located in the Häme region. The Evo area is one of the largest forest areas in Southern Finland. Usually, people know Evo just as a hiking area and a place for forest education. However, Evo has much more potential: a long and unique history of forest management and forest education, varied nature and old primeval forests and a wealth of significant research activities in several research institutes. In the international scientific community Evo is known for studies of climate change, carbon cycle and biodiversity.
Finnish forest knowledge is constantly being created in Evo. In this project with the Regional Council of Häme, we wanted to develop a way to tell people about Evo’s unique opportunities and local forest expertise.
Evo Forest Hub
We created a vision of the Evo Forest Hub. The Forest Hub would be a gateway to the Evo area bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds sharing curiosity for science and nature. Exhibitions, events, services and guidance could be found under the same roof. Guided excursions and science trails could extend the experience beyond the building as well. Nature school would offer environmental education for schools and kindergartens.
Researchers on the stage
In exhibitions of Evo Forest Hub, we would talk about local nature and history and especially bring the researchers on the stage. Interactivity and learning by doing methods would narrow the gap between audience and researchers: offering a place for the audience to meet and communicate with scientists, learn about the latest research and participate in on-going research. We would take advantage of virtual elements to provide a comprehensive and memorable experience for the visitors.
Goals and values
In our vision, the Forest Hub has five main goals and values: cultural heritage protection, science popularization, nature education, recreation and health and the overall vitality of the region. We want to protect and publicize Evo’s forestry history and help people to understand historical ties between communities and forests. By popularization of science, we would spark interest and encourage curiosity about science and local research, promote critical thinking and support science-based decision-making. We want to help future generations to develop a personal connection with nature environment and build awareness of ecosystems and biodiversity. Beyond being educational, the Forest Hub could also provide opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities, which could produce positive health effects.
Evo Forest Hub could produce a positive impact on economic development and increase nature tourism in the region. It could attract funding and investments for local research and education and promote community development by bringing locals together.
Stakeholder network
The success of Evo Forest Hub would call for wide-ranging stakeholder network. The basis of cooperation would consist of Metsähallitus, City of Hämeenlinna, Häme university of applied sciences and Lammi biological station and other research institutes. Local entrepreneurs could offer their services for accommodation and nature activities, for example.
Vision of broad-minded forest discussion
In our vision, Evo Forest Hub could reduce the polarization of the forest debate and bring people together for broad-minded forest discussion. Raising awareness and visibility of local research, protecting cultural and natural heritage, creating opportunities for local economic productivity and encouraging society, especially the youth, for better actions in the future, we could develop the vitality of the region and build up the brand of Evo.
Take a closer look at the concept of Evo Forest Hub by watching the video below.
