Leader Länsi-Saimaa promotes Local development work in a climate-friendly way

Leader Länsi-Saimaa advises and encourages residents, associations and businesses in developing their living or operating conditions. Its area of operation includes the city of Lappeenranta, and the municipalities of Savitaipale, Luumäki, Taipalsaari and Lemi. The association supports residents in developing their local communities, enhancing the area’s attractiveness and increasing employment and entrepreneurship. Leader Länsi-Saimaa also connects and encourages local actors to collaborate.

Executive Director Terhi Ojanen explains that the association grants Leader funding from the European Union’s Development Fund for investment and development projects by small rural businesses and associations.

“We guide and advise companies and associations, for example, in preparing applications and implementing projects.”

As a Greenreality partner, Leader Länsi-Saimaa is committed to encouraging, inspiring and engaging rural actors in climate action by sharing climate-related knowledge, tips and expertise.

“It is important for us to consider climate-friendliness, biodiversity and resource wisdom in our operations. We also encourage our clients to take these into account” Ojanen describes.

In line with its climate commitment, the association includes climate and environmental criteria in the evaluation of applications and supports climate-related development projects and investments. Leader Länsi-Saimaa is also committed to changing its working methods to be more low-carbon by saving energy, focusing on material efficiency and promoting sustainable mobility. The association organizes remote-events, sorts office waste for recycling and arranges environmentally friendly campaigns for its staff, members and local residents.

(Picture: Saija Räty)