Tervo, Riina Active Trilateral Cooperation in the northernmost part of Green Belt Fennoscandia

The existing nature protection areas along the national borders of Finland, Norway and Russia form the physical core areas and base of the Green Belt of Fennoscandia (GBF). Natural, cultural and geological values of a certain area go hand in hand and give the holistic picture of our common arctic heritage. Transboundary Parks, like Pasvik-Inari Trilateral Park, having long-lasting, certified and active cross-border cooperation, are at the core of the GBF development.
Harmonized transboundary monitoring of border-crossing species produces valuable data for nature conservation and management of populations. Joint brown bear monitoring is carried out every 4th year and annual water bird registration are considered as some of the best practices in Pasvik-Inari Trilateral Park.
Children are our future. Trilateral network of schools, teachers and pupils exists under the Phenology of North Calotte –project. A common database containing phenological observations from three countries can be used not only during biology and geography lessons but in arts and English lessons too. Annual camps bring children and their teachers together for interaction and learning across cultures, languages and national borders. Learning by doing, learning through game mechanics and learning through senses have been used as best practices in environmental and cultural education. New educational products serving needs of teachers and nature-tourism entrepreneurs have been made for promotion of Green Belt of Fennoscandia.
Socially sustainable development is enhanced in trilateral workshops arranged for local people. Workshops have promoted sustainable gathering and usage of local natural ingredients, development of small-scale production and networking. Communication about scientific results and traditional knowledge has been highlighted.
People make the difference and a cooperation work! Open and transparent communication increase mutual understanding of different cultures and working environments that again contributes to solving many of the numerous common challenges.