12. Save Bothian Bay initiative: Increasing awareness among a broad stakeholder group
The idea for Save Bothnian Bay (Rädda Bottenviken) was first introduced in 2022, with implementation starting the following year. The initiative aims to increase awareness of Bothnian Bay’s ecological state among citizens, the public sector and businesses, and thereby spotlight the possibilities offered by the sea environment to those living along the bay’s northern coastline.
In 2024, the Save the Bothnian Bay initiative was included in the Sea City Oulu Action plan (Merikaupunki Oulu | Oulun kaupunki) as an action that could help improve the ecological state and quality of the area’s sea water.
That same year, a Save the Bothnian Bay event was organised in Oulu for Baltic Sea Day, bringing together 1,800 school children and approximately 25 NGOs and organisations around the theme of ‘Save Bothnian Bay’. Finnish and international students, musicians, dancers and writers also participated.
The event, which received considerable coverage in the local media and also had its own Instagram account, received excellent feedback from teachers, students and organisations. Overall, it served to:
- increase children’s and teachers knowledge on Bothnian Bay;
- deepen the school curriculum by giving practical examples on protecting the maritime nature;
- increase knowledge on what possibilities the sea can offer citizens;
- increase knowledge on sea-related safety matters;
- offer NGOs and other relevant organisations a platform to present their work and activities;
- give international students of education an opportunity to learn by doing through organising the event;
- give Finnish and international students a chance to volunteer and learn;
- give artists and performers a platform;
- bring together the city of Oulu and a range of organisations; and
- build capacity in the Bothnian Arc with a view to ensuring the theme continues to receive attention.
The successful event will be repeated yearly, also in 2025, and is being included in Oulu’s European Capital of Culture Oulu programme for 2026.
More generally, Save the Bothnian Bay features in the Bothnian Arc action plan. The aim is for the initiative to expand into member municipalities across the border, increasing cross-border cooperation between youth and citizens. Envisaged activities include camps, gatherings and other events.
