Base de Datos de Proyectos de PDR

This project, implemented by the Arvenmäki–Asemanmäki residents' association, aimed to bring together people living along the Jämsä River and to promote its cultural and natural heritage among local residents and tourists.

The former towns of Jämsä and Jämsänkoski are located on the banks of the Jämsä river. For centuries, the river has been a source of livelihood, acted as a transport route to and from Lake Päijänne, and provided recreational activities. Over the past decades, the river had lost most of its importance in the everyday life of riparian inhabitants. In 2009, the Jämsänkoski municipality was consolidated with Jämsä: despite this fusion, the former borders still remained in people`s minds, making it difficult to develop the feeling of being part of the same community.

The main objective of the project was to turn the river valley into a dynamic area offering opportunities for recreation throughout the year and culture for all ages, through the direct involvement of local residents, associations, businesses and other organisations. Indeed, a second goal of the project was to build a stronger sense of community among the population of the two former towns.

The main activities consisted in the organisation of river-related events. These included sing-along and dancing evenings, community drives to mow and clear vegetation, markets, and also a regatta. Facilities for travellers (signs, billboards and information boards) were also installed. Information material on the services offered and on the history of the river, including the older generation’s memories, was also compiled and disseminated among schools, educational institutions and clubs.

Nearly 100 river-related events with almost 13 000 participants were organised. Active informing and new services on offer along the river have increased recreational activities (such as canoeing, fishing and swimming), making the river valley more pleasant and attractive to tourists and local people. The project contributed also to increase employment and business opportunities in the area, since new entrepreneurial activities (navigation services, bike renting, etc.) have been created.

The revitalisation of a natural area as the Jämsä river valley can play a catalyst role for the local economy, since it offers new business opportunities and attract potential new customers for local products and services. The project is a good example of how natural resources can be best optimised to develop a new, diversified rural economy.

Jämsä.

Keski-Suomi

Mainland

130 000

46 800

57 200

26 000

https://www.maaseutu.fi/fi/index/viestinta/uutiset/jamsanjoki_virtaa.html

Jenni Tiainen

jenni.tiainen@hotmail.com

English, Finnish