Get to Know Kuopio’s Nature and Biodiversity!
The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) arranges courses on biodiversity. Biodiversity.now B -course, offered by the UEF Open University, deepens understanding about biodiversity. As a group project for the course, three students wrote an inspiring blog article about biodiversity in Kuopio.
Biodiversity, understood as the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic variation within species, is an inherent part of nature. Kuopio is a city rich in biodiversity — surrounded by lakes, forests, and wildlife, where nature is an important part of its identity.
Here, nature is everywhere: from the clear, vast waters of Lake Kallavesi and the green hills of Puijo Nature Reserve to the shores of Neulaniemi and the beautiful forests of Kolmisoppi-Neulamäki. The region’s variety of habitats hosts a great richness of life — including the protected Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans), red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), and the Finnish national birds, whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus). You can also occasionally spot elks wandering through the forests. In the summer, colourful butterflies such as the small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) and common blue (Polyommatus icarus) can be seen in the meadows.
Across the seasons, the landscape transforms — lakes freeze in winter, forests bloom in spring, and wildlife adapts to the changing environment. For example, mountain hares (Lepus Timidus) change the color of their fur according to the seasons: in the winter they are white, whereas in summer they are greyish brown. Kuopio offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and birdwatching, all while experiencing these seasonal changes up close. As an additional highlight, during the dark part of the year you can sometimes see the aurora borealis dancing across the sky, so you don’t have to travel all the way to Lapland to enjoy this spectacular natural phenomenon!
According to the Kuopio Biodiversity Report, forests are the largest habitat type in Finland: they provide a home for over 40% of all species. Nearly one third of all endangered species live in forests. Birds and mosses represent the most threatened groups, with around 35% of species at risk. Among reptiles and amphibians, 20% of species are considered endangered. Among other groups, roughly 14% of mammals, 12% of fish, and 10% of insects are classified as threatened.
Furthermore, a 2018 study by the Finnish Environment Institute found that as much as 48% of habitat types in Finland are endangered, with the proportion rising to 59% in southern Finland, including Kuopio and the Northern Savo region. Of the 57 habitat types classified as extremely endangered, the majority are traditional environments, such as meadows, pastures, and forest pastures, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in these areas.
In response to these challenges, the city of Kuopio launched a new Biodiversity Program in 2024 to protect its rich natural heritage for the future. The program builds on previous goals while introducing more specific and measurable targets. It aims to protect native species, restore habitats, and ensure that urban development and nature conservation go hand in hand. The program is part of Kuopio’s broader sustainability objectives — improving green spaces, supporting pollinators, and maintaining the ecological balance in forests, lakes, and wetlands.
The program focuses on seven main targets:
- Increase urban green spaces and strengthen ecological networks
- Preserve valuable species, habitats, and natural sites
- Improve the condition and biodiversity of aquatic environments
- Enhance the diversity of natural, cultural, and urban environments
- Maintain and improve the diversity and functionality of forests
- Effectively control harmful invasive species
- Strengthen Kuopio residents’ relationship with nature, encouraging awareness, appreciation, and responsible action
You can read about the program here (unfortunately only in Finnish):
LUMO-ohjelma. Kuopion luonnon monimuotoisuuden turvaamisen toimintaohjelma 2024–2030
But protecting biodiversity isn’t only the city’s job — it’s something everyone can help with!
As international students, we’ve noticed how much people in Kuopio value nature and take care of their environment. But we also wondered: how can we, as students or residents, take part in this effort?
Here are a few fun and easy ways to approach Kuopio’s nature:
- Join a nature excursion!
The city organizes guided trips from May to September about topics like pollinators, wildflowers, meadows, and invasive species — and yes, there are options in English!
Nature excursions in Kuopio
- Visit Kuopio’s 26 nature reserves.
Did you know the city manages 26 beautiful, protected areas? Learn where they are and how to explore them responsibly here:
Nature reserves in Kuopio
- Help pollinators!
You can make a big difference by planting native wildflowers on your balcony or garden. Avoiding harmful chemicals is always a good idea, and by mowing less you can provide shelter and food for bumblebees and other insects. Those who are handy can also build and set up a small insect hotel.
Learn more about pollinators
- Join volunteer activities!
The city regularly organizes events for invasive species removal and nature restoration — a great way to meet like-minded people and make a positive impact. You can also contribute with observations of birds, butterflies, bees, or other species through platforms like iNaturalist, laji.fi or BirdLife Finland’s reporting tools.
- Keep an eye on Kuopio’s social media for event updates and calls for volunteers:
- Instagram: @kuopiointernational, @hellokuopio, @kuopionkaupunki, @ilovekuopio
If you are interested in learning more about the environment and biodiversity, and you are part of the student community, you can access a variety of courses from different universities through platforms like Climate University, the Biodiversity Education Network, and the Sustainable Studies Network. These platforms offer courses focused on sustainability, natural resources, biodiversity, and nature conservation, such as Biodiversity.now A and B. These courses can help you understand the causes and consequences of the biodiversity crisis, reflect on your personal relationship with nature, and explore ways to contribute to biodiversity conservation through different approaches.
Let’s get to know and enjoy Kuopio’s nature — while helping to protect it!
For more info about the program, visit:
Kuopio Biodiversity Program
Authors: Wendy Moya, Silja Kaasinen and Arash Hendukolae
Pictures: Wendy Moya
The Biodiversity now A course in English is offered in UEF Open University every spring: https://www.uef.fi/en/continuous-learning/biodiversitynow-a-spring-2026 and in Finnish almost all the year round.
The Biodiversity now B course in English is offered in UEF Open University every autumn and the Biodiversiteetti nyt B course in Finnish every spring. Check the course site for the spring 2026: https://www.uef.fi/fi/jatkuva-oppiminen/biodiversiteettinyt-b-kevat-2026
