Nature Positivity Seminar Highlights the Role of Nature in Shaping the Future City

The City of Kuopio hosted its first City Planning Seminar on 16 September 2026 at the Kuopio City Library. Focusing on nature-positivity, the event explored how nature has a strong role in shaping the future of cities.

Event brought together experts, city officials and decision makers. The seminar provided a forum for discussing how sustainable urban development can contribute to strengthening biodiversity and creating healthier living environments. As societies undergo a major sustainability transition, there is a growing need for new approaches that place nature at the heart of planning and decision-making.

Throughout the day, speakers shared insights, examples and perspectives on nature-positive urban development. The presentations sparked lively discussion on a topic that cuts across all areas of city planning and development. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion examining how nature can be better integrated into planning processes and everyday decision-making.
The event demonstrated a strong interest in nature-positive solutions and established a solid foundation for what is intended to become an annual tradition. The next City Planning Seminar is planned for autumn 2027.

The first City Planning Seminar was an invitation-only event organiced by the Strategic Land Use (strateginen maankäyttö) of the City of Kuopio. Presentation materials (in Finnish) from the seminar are available below.

“The sustainability transition calls for a new way of working”

Mika Uolamo, Master Planning Manager

In his final remarks, Mika Uolamo, Master Planning Manager, highlighted the need for a new operating culture that recognizes the value of nature more effectively in urban development and decision-making.

The panel discussion featured Mika Uolamo, Master Planning Manager; Saija Pöntinen, Environmental Manager; Annika Korhonen, City Planning Manager; and Anne Sahrio, Wellbeing Coordinator. The discussion explored the role of nature positivity in urban planning and considered practical ways to promote biodiversity, nature-based wellbeing and sustainable development within the city.