The Mallusjoki Youth Association is establishing cooperation with the Päijänne-LEADER project, to explore the habitability of the rural areas in Päijät-Häme in Finland, specifically in Mallusjoki region.

The two projects PoliRuralPlus and Habitability in Päijät-Häme have a lot of synergies that we want to use and develop further.

PoliRuralPlus and Mallusjoki pilot is also exploring the Smart Village concept, which is being promoted regionally by Päijänne-LEADER.

The first joint meeting was held on 2 October 2024 in the Mallusjoki Village Hall. The meeting was attended by Heidi Heikkilä (Mallusjoki Youth Association and PoliRuralPlus), Tuula Löytty (PoliRuralPlus, Smart & Lean Hub Oy), Lotta Mallinen Habitablity in Päijät-Häme project, Janne Ruokolainen and Janne Niemimäki regional Smart Villages project and Tiina Västilä Päijänne-LEADER action group. The Päijänne-LEADER is a key member of the Mallusjoki pilot stakeholder group.

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The aim of the Habitability in Päijät-Häme project is to organise a total of seven workshops in the Mallusjoki region in order to study the habitability, livability and attractiveness of the Mallusjoki region and its development together with its residents and entrepreneurs.

The Habitability in Päijät-Häme project places the analysis in the context of mainland Finland. Three pilot projects will be identified and implemented in cooperation with local actors such as the Mallusjoki Youth Association. The Mallusjoki region is one of the three pilot projects and areas.

The project will use a citizen science approach: data will be collected together with residents, part-time residents, entrepreneurs, municipalities and other actors in the area. This will allow the analysis to be based on local experience and thus develop solutions that meet the needs of the community.

PoliRuralPlus will use the findings, observations and results of the Habitability in Päijät-Häme project in the preparation of the Regional Action Plan (RAP).

More information about the Habitability in Päijät-Häme project is available at the website: https://paijanne-leader.fi/asuttavaph

Information of the Habitability concept can be found here: https://www.abo.fi/en/centre-for-lifelong-learning/habitability/habitability-handbook/the-habitability-handbook-an-assessment-tool-for-viable-island-communities/

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