Finland is a land of forests, and Finns have always had a deep connection with these vast woodlands. Historically, forests have been a crucial source of livelihood, providing timber, tar, food, and materials for building homes and crafting tools. Culturally, the forest is a place of inspiration and tranquility, often featured in Finnish folklore, literature, and art. It symbolizes safety and refuge, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Socially, forests play a significant role in Finnish identity, fostering a sense of community through shared activities like hiking, berry picking, and hunting. The forest is not just a natural resource; it is an integral part of Finnish heritage and everyday life.

The significance of the forest to Finns is encapsulated in the word savotta. Originally, it referred to logging sites where heavy manual labor was done in the forests. It has also become synonymous with more mundane tasks like clearing out young trees and bushes or chopping firewood for storage, for example, for the winter. Over time, savotta has evolved into a metaphor for any demanding task or large-scale effort that requires persistence, teamwork, and grit. In modern Finnish, it can describe anything from a major work project to an ambitious challenge that will demand dedication, cooperation and time.

Our savotta focuses on three core themes:

• Sense of Safety and Resilience: Understanding the key elements that foster a safe, secure, and adaptable academic environment;
• Applied Learning: Engaging in experience-driven methods such as design-based education and collaborative problem-solving to develop and implement safety solutions.
• Collaborative Solutions: Enhancing inter-institutional cooperation on matters related to HEI safety and resilience, as well as security and preparedness issues across Europe.

The Savotta week features interactive workshops and outdoor experiences designed to inspire new perspectives and practical ideas:

• Insight Sessions: Sharing expertise through presentations and discussions on building community-based safety policies and leveraging professional competencies for resilience
• Co-Creation Sprints: Environmental exploration examining intrinsic safety, natural intelligence, and Finland’s deep-rooted connection to nature through design-based approaches
• Synergy Building: collaborative sessions encouraging European cooperation, fostering new professional relationships, and strengthening collegial networks that will extend beyond the event, supporting HEI safety and resilience in the future.