Why will villages be a more attractive and sustainable living environment in the future?
Welcome to the Green Village Gate event on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM at Rytmikorjaamo (Vaasantie 11, Seinäjoki). Come hear, discuss and be inspired by how villages are made more vibrant, sustainable and comfortable. How to create a representative and easy-to-maintain green village environment?
Emeritus Professor Esko Valtaoja opens up the vistas opening from the gate, what the future of villages could look like in a changing world. Regional Architect Annukka Kuoppala gives practical tips for designing a beautiful and low-maintenance village environment.
Growth centers are the past, villages are the future
Esko Valtaoja, Professor Emeritus
Evolution has shaped us into social herd animals, village dwellers. Through ever-improving technology, the village of the future will be able to offer people everything that a city offers – and even more, peace, life, nature, ecology, culture and all the services we crave in our natural habitat.
Work is no longer the center of our lives as it once was. Our wealth and freedom are increasing, while we work less and less. We are also increasingly free to choose where we live based on where we really want to live. The era of growth centers is coming to an end, as the population stops growing and fewer and fewer people are forced to live within walking or bus distance of their workplace.
What gems are hidden in the village environments of Southern Ostrobothnia?
Annukka Kuoppala, South Ostrobothnia Association
The talk will review the cultural environment and natural values of the villages of Southern Ostrobothnia, present ways to nurture and develop the landscape of the entire village in general and also individual sites such as the village hall yard. In addition, we will consider why development is worthwhile and where to start.
In addition, we hear three inspiring stories from the villages:
- A village shop that maintains the vitality of local services, Tiistenjoki village, Lapua
- Village association's experiences in combating invasive species, Perälä village, Teuva
- A history board trail that brings the village's history to life, Munakka village, Ilmajoki
Coffee will be served at the event — Please register no later than Friday, November 21, 2025.
The event is organized by the Leader Aisapari Sustainable Communities Streams project, the Leader Liiveri Eco-Acts Together project and the Leader Suupohja Environmentally Wise Communities project.