Cross-sectoral VYYHTI network aims at increasing the number of restoration measures implemented in both watersheds and water bodies in Northern Ostrobothnia. Restoration measures are especially needed in catchment areas, which consist largely of drained peatlands.
The challenge of drained peatlands
In North Ostrobothnia, there are hundreds of thousands of hectares of low productive drained peatlands. Peatland drainage for forest management, peat production, and agriculture has resulted in adverse climate and aquatic effects, biodiversity loss, and harm to recreational use. Drainage of peatlands releases suspended solids, dissolved organic matter, carbon and nutrients stored in peat into water bodies, leading to water darkening and eutrophication,
Network as a solution
Restoring drained peatlands can greatly improve the water quality of rivers and lakes, fish populations, increase biodiversity, bird breeding habitats, and generate climate benefits. Restoration requires extensive expertise as well as significant amount of interaction with private landowners and other stakeholders.
VYYHTI -network is working to solve the challenge of drained peatlands through broad-based co-operation. Multi-stakeholder network is coordinated by ProAgria Northern Finland and has a Core Group, which represents regional government, key experts, researchers, and stakeholders in the fields of water management and restoration:
- ProAgria Northern Finland (coordinator)
- River coordinators and their organisations (6 across the region)
- Finnish Forest Centre
- Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK)
- Representatives of municipalities
- Economic Development Centre
- Natural Resources Institute Finland
- Finnish Environment Institute
- Council of Oulu Region
- Metsähallitus (the Finnish state forest and park service)
- Geological Survey of Finland
- University of Oulu
- Oulu University of Applied Sciences
In addition, VYYHTI-network also has peer support network members, which implement different measures at different restoration sites locally:
- Associations of private water owners (osakaskunnat)
- Village associations, lake restoration associations etc. (local, small, non-profit) (järvikunnostusyhdistykset, kyläyhdistykset ym.)
- Fisheries management areas (kalatalousalueet)
River coordinators as an asset
The active work of river coordinators is a key component of restoration efforts in Northern Ostrobothnia. Coordinators promoting restoration and water management activities in the six major river basin areas (rivers Iijoki, Oulujoki, Kiiminkijoki, Siikajoki, Pyhäjoki and Kalajoki) are in constant communication with local municipalities, other stakeholders, and landowners. These coordinators and their networks also operate as part of the VYYHTI network, strengthening its activities.
Results and impacts
The results of networking efforts are evident at many different levels. The VYYHTI network, which operates at the regional level, primarily promotes projects of regional significance but also guides local actors in building partnerships and taking advantage of various funding opportunities. In addition, the network also seeks out actors who could promote various restoration projects as part of their own activities. River coordinators work effectively in their own areas, promoting various restoration projects, often initiated by landowners or local associations or municipalities.
Restoration projects and sites
During years 2016-2025 approximately 40 restoration projects of different types and scales have progressed through the funding and implementation phases thanks to VYYHTI network and in addition at least 150 different restoration sites have received expert guidance via the network.
In addition, a large number of peatland restoration, waterbody restoration, and migratory fish restoration measures have been carried out by the state, non-profit organisations, development companies, businesses, and foundations.
Impact assessment of VYYHTI Restoration Network
VYYHTI network has in February 2026 published an impact assessment report of its activities. The conclusions of the report are, that the effectiveness of networks activities is based above all on everyday support for local restoration actors and on mutual trust and shared learning within the extensive network. The network's activities produce high-quality water management measures that promote the achievement of the strategic goal of improving the ecological status of water bodies in Northern Ostrobothnia.
In 2026, the VYYHTI network is expanding, strengthening cooperation, and seeking new partnerships. The aim is to scale up peatland restoration work across the region
