{"id":5960,"date":"2026-01-15T13:29:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T11:29:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uef.fi\/jatkuvaoppiminen\/?p=5960"},"modified":"2026-01-15T13:29:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T11:29:41","slug":"get-to-know-kuopios-nature-and-biodiversity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uef.fi\/jatkuvaoppiminen\/2026\/01\/15\/get-to-know-kuopios-nature-and-biodiversity\/","title":{"rendered":"Get to\u00a0Know\u00a0Kuopio\u2019s Nature and Biodiversity!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The\u00a0University of\u00a0Eastern\u00a0Finland\u00a0(UEF)\u00a0arranges\u00a0courses 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Biodiversity<\/strong>, 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 \u2014 surrounded by lakes, forests, and wildlife, where nature is an important part of its identity.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, nature is everywhere:\u00a0from the clear, vast waters of\u00a0Lake\u00a0Kallavesi<\/strong>\u00a0and the green hills of\u00a0Puijo\u00a0Nature Reserve<\/strong>\u00a0to the shores of\u00a0Neulaniemi\u00a0<\/strong>and the beautiful forests of\u00a0Kolmisoppi-Neulam\u00e4ki.<\/strong>\u00a0The region\u2019s variety of habitats hosts a great richness of life \u2014 including the protected\u00a0Siberian flying squirrel\u00a0<\/strong>(Pteromys\u00a0volans<\/em>),\u00a0red squirrels<\/strong>\u00a0(Sciurus vulgaris<\/em>), and\u00a0the Finnish national birds,\u00a0whooper swans<\/strong>\u00a0(Cygnus cygnus<\/em>). You can also occasionally spot elks<\/strong> wandering through the forests. In the summer, colourful butterflies<\/strong> such as the small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae<\/em>) and common blue (Polyommatus icarus<\/em>) can be seen in the meadows.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across the seasons, the landscape transforms \u2014 lakes freeze in\u00a0winter,\u00a0forests bloom in spring, and wildlife adapts to the changing environment.\u00a0For example, mountain hares (Lepus Timidus)<\/em> change the color of their fur according to the seasons: in the winter they are white,\u00a0whereas\u00a0in summer they are greyish brown.\u00a0Kuopio offers countless\u00a0opportunities for\u00a0outdoor activities<\/strong> like hiking, skiing, and birdwatching, all while experiencing these seasonal changes up close. As an\u00a0additional\u00a0highlight, during the\u00a0dark part of the\u00a0year you can sometimes see\u00a0the aurora borealis\u00a0<\/strong>dancing across the sky, so you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have to travel all the way to Lapland to enjoy this spectacular natural phenomenon!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the\u00a0Kuopio Biodiversity Report<\/strong>,\u00a0forests are the largest habitat type in Finland: they provide a home for over 40% of all species.\u00a0Nearly one\u00a0third of all endangered species live in forests. Birds and mosses\u00a0represent\u00a0the most threatened groups, with around 35% of species at risk.\u00a0\u00a0Among reptiles and amphibians,\u00a020% of\u00a0species\u00a0are considered endangered. Among other groups,\u00a0roughly 14%\u00a0of mammals, 12% of fish, and 10% of insects are classified as threatened.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, a 2018 study by the Finnish Environment Institute<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to these challenges, the city of Kuopio launched a new Biodiversity Program in 2024<\/strong> 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\u2019s broader sustainability objectives \u2014 improving green spaces, supporting pollinators, and maintaining the ecological balance in forests, lakes, and wetlands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program focuses on seven main targets<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Increase urban green spaces and strengthen ecological networks\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Preserve valuable species, habitats, and natural sites\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Improve the condition and biodiversity of aquatic environments\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Enhance the diversity of natural, cultural, and urban environments\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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          1. Maintain and improve the diversity and functionality of forests\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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            1. Effectively control harmful invasive species\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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              1. Strengthen Kuopio residents\u2019 relationship with nature, encouraging awareness, appreciation, and responsible action\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                You can read about the program here\u00a0(unfortunately only in Finnish):\u00a0
                LUMO-ohjelma. Kuopion luonnon monimuotoisuuden turvaamisen toimintaohjelma 2024\u20132030<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                But protecting biodiversity isn\u2019t only the city\u2019s job \u2014 it\u2019s something everyone can help with!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                As international students, we\u2019ve 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?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Here are a few fun and easy ways to approach Kuopio\u2019s nature: <\/p>\n\n\n\n