New ways of utilizing green spaces were tested in the Baltic Sea region

The Interactive Gardens project has developed methods for using green spaces to support well-being, learning, and rehabilitation in collaboration with local networks and residents. Experiences from pilot projects will be presented at the project's final seminar in Helsinki. 

According to researchers Anja Yli-Viikari and Marja Honkasalo from the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), maintaining health depends on the everyday choices and activities that shape people’s daily lives.

"Nature can enrich our life through multiple interactions with other people and nearby nature. It is worth going out all year round. By moving familiar indoor activities outside, we can discover new experiences and perspectives," says Yli-Viikari.

"We need many more nature-based activities and services as an alternative to increasing screen time and the growing amount of time people spend indoors across all age groups. Expanding opportunities for nature contact could help prevent many chronic health conditions associated with modern lifestyles," says Honkasalo.

Endless potential of green activities 

In Finland, the project’s pilot sites included Elonkierto Park in Jokioinen and the Loue Garden in Tervola.

During their visits to Elonkierto, schoolchildren learned about topics such as food production and the rural environment. In addition, they developed important social skills and engaged in plenty of physical activity. Both of these are areas in which modern, technology-oriented lifestyles can present significant challenges. 

At the Loue Garden, nature-based activities were piloted with groups requiring additional support. Collaborative gardening and outdoor activities provided opportunities for social interaction and generated multiple wellbeing benefits. 

In Rakvere Estonia, nature-friendly solutions for urban park maintenance were developed. In Latvia, several initiatives were implemented to enhance the use of parks for recreation, community activities, and events. For instance, in the Tukums theme park, the stories of the nation's own writer Imants Ziedonis were brought to life.

In Lithuania, gardens have been developed alongside hospitals and rehabilitation centres. Denmark, meanwhile, has focused on food education and public awareness activities. 

Boost Yourself in Local Nature Day

During the final year of the project, a joint campaign called "Boost Yourself in Local Nature" was organized. Hundreds of people across Finland and Latvia participated in local events that were arranged in cooperation with community organizations and associations. People had the opportunity to try new nature-based activities and experience wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.

"The event demonstrated how municipalities can easily implement nature-based health and wellbeing activities in public parks. Municipalities already have many attractive gardens, parks, and other green spaces that can serve as venues for such activities," says Honkasalo. 

The final seminar will showcase these project experiences. An international seminar will be held in Helsinki on September 22–23, 2026. The seminar feature examples of green exercise activities, nature-based rehabilitation programs, and wellbeing events. It will also showcase a virtual learning game and a 3D park design tool that can be explored using a virtual reality headset. 

Register to participate online by 16 September 2026 via the link below.