South Ostrobothnia is a province that lives strongly in villages. The change in the economic structure and the centralization of services have increased the need for villages to be renewed so that they can adapt their operations and invent new operating models in changing conditions. Agile villages develop.
Leader groups from Etelä Pohja have applied to the Ely center for the Älykäs kylä cooperation project, which will pilot the future of the villages in three themes:
Energy villages - The village can aim for self-sufficiency and sustainability through, for example, energy surveys and renewable energy. The village can map and utilize the possibilities of renewable energy, reduce waste, strengthen the circular economy and recycling, favor local production and test new energy technologies. The village can also plan sustainable consumption trainings and community projects.
Villages of digital services - Digitality brings the world to every home. The village can develop its own digital services, use health and wellness services electronically, or create communal digital platforms. The village can also promote the residents' digital skills and combine it with the smoothness of everyday life.
Imago villages - Let's create stories from the villages that invite and inspire. The village can create a strong brand and identity that makes the village attractive. The village can shape a visual identity, implement marketing campaigns, organize community events and strengthen digital visibility.
In each theme, six villages or groups of villages are taken to pilot new operating models. Ideas are taken forward with the help of experts in the field. Experts will present the themes and the villages' possibilities at the opening ceremony of the project on Valentine's Day in Seinäjoki. More information about the event and registration from here.
With the help of previous Kylille projects, work covering the entire province has been done from June 2015 until the end of last year. Funding for the continuation of the three projects has been received through the Ely Center in Southern Ostrobothnia from the Rural Development Fund.
Kylille projects have increased the know-how, well-being and safety of rural residents. In addition, the circular economy has been promoted and efforts have been made to utilize all the strengths of the villages.
- The measures of the Kylille projects have been carried out in more than 200 villages, and similar activity is also expected in the context of the Future Village project, hope the village experts of the Leader groups Tuija Takamäki, Jaana Sippola, Anne Palohuhta and Päivi Kultalahti.
