Nature initiatives planned together with local communities
What kind of nature initiatives would make a genuine difference in Ilomantsi? This question was explored at Endomines’ autumn stakeholder cooperation group meeting, where representatives from local associations, authorities, landowners, and nature conservation, hunting and fishing organisations came together for a joint brainstorming session. The discussions covered both the company’s operations and ways to best protect and enhance the local natural environment.
The aim of the meeting was to gather local residents’ ideas and views on where Endomines could direct its future nature initiatives to create the greatest possible benefits for both the environment and the local community.
“Local people have extensive knowledge of the area’s natural environment, waterways and wildlife. We want to listen to these perspectives and plan nature initiatives that have a genuine positive impact in the area. The discussion was lively, and we received many concrete ideas to develop further,” says Hanne Mäkelä, Chief Sustainability Officer at Endomines.
From waterways to wildlife management
The discussions highlighted several areas where opportunities were identified to improve the state of the natural environment and enhance biodiversity in Ilomantsi.
One of the topics discussed was the restoration of lakes, rivers and other waterways. Participants suggested, among other things, exploring options for restoring the water level of Lake Hattujärvi, developing wetland solutions for Rämepuro, and carrying out various restoration projects for rivers and streams.
Wildlife management also generated many ideas. The discussion focused on supporting viable game populations, improving feeding and breeding habitats, and increasing cooperation with local wildlife management organisations.
Other topics included peatland restoration, opportunities for ecological compensation, taking endangered species into account in operational planning, and ways to make better use of local knowledge about nature in practical work.
A long-term approach to nature
Endomines’ work to protect and enhance nature is based on the internationally established mitigation hierarchy. Under this approach, environmental impacts are first avoided wherever possible, then minimised and restored, with compensation used only as a last resort.
“I believe that the importance of nature-related work will continue to grow in the coming years. Promoting biodiversity is becoming one of the key themes of corporate responsibility, much in the same way that climate action has in recent years,” Mäkelä says.
Turning ideas into action
The ideas raised at the meeting will now be carefully considered by Endomines. The aim is to select for further development the projects and measures that have the greatest potential to create a positive impact on both nature and the vitality of Ilomantsi.
The stakeholder cooperation group will continue its discussions and brainstorming around nature-related themes at future meetings. The topics selected for the early winter meeting include water management at the Pampalo mine and the results achieved so far. The group will also consider how Ilomantsi’s attractiveness could be strengthened and how the area could attract new residents and employees in the future.
