Reviving South Savo: First Steps Towards Regional Cohesion
On August 23, 2023, the South Savo Regional Council hosted their first Local Stakeholder Workshop. The event aimed to engage local stakeholders in an active dialogue to address the challenges faced by rural areas, with a focus on integrated territorial development and regional resilience.
The event saw active participation from political decision-makers and officials from municipalities across the South Savo region, including Juva, Pertunmaa, Mäntyharju, Hirvensalmi, and Kangasniemi.
Two main questions were posed to the participants:
- How do you understand the term ‘integrated territorial development’ from a local perspective?
- What is the current situation in your area, do you have specific measures and policies to promote regional development and the involvement of residents?
Population Decline and Geographical Divides
South Savo faces a wide range of issues common to shrinking rural areas. The region is seeing a population decline as young, working individuals move away to pursue better opportunities, leaving behind an aging population with high needs for healthcare services. This trend is further exacerbated by South Savo’s wide geographic coverage, which hinder cohesive regional development and identity. In addition, the region's strong reliance on seasonal housing makes it difficult to foster a sense of vibrant, year-round community among its residents.
Although cooperation exists among neighbouring municipalities, there is a need for more widespread regional cooperation. The vast distances and mental divides between areas like Puumala and Pertunmaa – situated on opposite sides of the region – illustrate the challenges of creating cohesive regional policies and initiatives. While some sectors like tourism have seen successful collaborative efforts, areas like education and public services are still seeking more effective regional integration.
Future Directions and Building on Good Practices
Recognising these challenges, workshop participants proposed several innovative solutions aimed at revitalising the region and encouraging population stability. Promoting free daycare and early childhood education across municipalities was suggested to attract and retain young families. Additionally, the creation of a joint regional mobile app was proposed to enhance job visibility, address labour shortages, and foster a sense of community among residents. These solutions, along with enhanced dialogue between educational institutions, municipalities, and companies, are seen as vital steps towards creating a more connected and resilient South Savo.
The workshop also highlighted several good practices already in place within the South Savo municipalities. Among them are:
- Organising workshops and open discussions for seasonal and leisure residents.
- Establishing advisory boards for seasonal residents and enterprises.
- Implementing a mobile application in Juva, which residents can use to suggest ideas, find jobs, and more.
- Actively using the Partnership Table model to shape interaction culture and encourage community engagement.