The Jukajoki river restoration project has received another award, “Energy Globe Finland 2015”.
The jury reports that “This year’s National Winner of the Energy Globe Award in Finland launched a wetland restoration plan involving local villagers and scientists in order to restore wetlands and stop the fish kill in the river Jukajoki.”
With more than 170 participating countries and over 1500 project submissions annually the Energy Globe Award is today’s most prestigious environmental prize worldwide. It distinguishes projects regionally, nationally and globally that conserve resources such as energy or utilize renewable or emission-free sources. Award ceremonies are held all over the world. Prominent personalities as well as Energy Globe Ambassadors in 90 countries support the mission of Energy Globe. The activities of Energy Globe attract worldwide media attention – international TV stations report each year with approximately 1,000 hours of broadcasting time. The aim of the Energy Globe is to raise global attention on sustainable, everywhere applicable environmental solutions and to motivate people to also become active in this area.
The project has received significant international attention in previous years and has been referred to as a model for boreal catchment area restoration. An US film crew returns to film in the basin in mid-June and in 2014 the UNEP recognized Jukajoki as a best practice. All in all, close to three million euros have been invested on the restoration, research and revitalisation of culture, knowledge and eco-systems in the villages of Selkie and Alavi.
The Jukajoki Prize pages are available here.