Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Jämsä River Flows!
Summary
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.
Background
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.
Objective
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.
Main activities
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.
Results & Benefits
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.
Lessons learnt
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.
Project location and other information
Jämsä.
Region
Keski-Suomi
RDP Territory
Mainland
Total project cost (€)
130 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
46 800
National contribution (€)
57 200
Private contribution (€)
26 000
Contact name
Jenni Tiainen
Languages for contact
English, Finnish
At a glance
Country
Finland
Final beneficiary type
Non-governmental organisations
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/07/2010
End Date:
31/07/2012
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Improving quality of life in rural areas
323. Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
Keywords:
Rural heritage, Citizen participation, Cultural heritage, Tourism, Environmental education
Last update
19/06/2014