Tóchar Project Embarks on Peer-Exchange with Finland in 2025

In an exciting collaboration, Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration – an EU Just Transition Funded project run by NPWS – will engage with a Just Transition territory in Finland in 2025, exchanging knowledge and best practices for restoring peatlands in areas transitioning away from peat extraction. This initiative is part of the European Commission’s Just Transition Platform peer-exchange programme.

The journey began with a conversation at the Just Transition Platform conference in Brussels earlier this year, where Irish and Finnish representatives discussed common challenges and opportunities for communities and landowners. These discussions inspired the successful application to the peer-exchange programme.

Planning for the exchange is underway, with a strong focus on involving as many Irish stakeholders as possible. Finnish participants will include representatives from South and Central Ostrobothnia and the subregion of Kaustinen, home to many peatlands in Finland’s Just Transition region. The delegation will also feature regional councils, university researchers, and members of Finland’s sustainable peatland use competence cluster.

A fascinating connection exists between Finland’s landscape and culture. The Finnish word for Finland, Suomi, shares its root with suo, meaning swamp or mire, a fitting reflection for a country where one-third of the land is covered by mires and peat. Kaustinen, renowned for its raised bogs, mires, and vibrant cultural heritage, is also famous for its fiddle music and folk festival, with the region’s music inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Recognising the deep bond between culture and nature, Tóchar is committed to exploring how cultural identity influences our relationship with peatlands and wetlands. The team eagerly anticipates building this cultural and environmental partnership with Finland throughout the coming year.