In a time when environmental sustainability has become a global priority, the EU Horizon-funded Eco2Adapt project stands out for its efforts in both research and education. One of the project’s aims is to work with a variety of local stakeholders to take a more holistic approach, connecting forest and climate research with education. This is where Eco2Adapt collaborates with Environment Online (ENO)—a global network of schools for sustainable development. The two initiatives have joined forces to better connect the project with the local school environment in North Karelia.
A powerful example of this fruitful collaboration was a student tree planting event organized jointly to celebrate the UN’s International Day for Biological Diversity, which was also featured in the local newspaper Karjalan Heili
In the Eco2Adapt project, North Karelia serves as one of the “Living Labs.” The Forest Centre plays a threefold role in this extensive initiative. First, the purpose of the Living Lab activities is to facilitate dialogue between practical forestry professionals and climate researchers. Second, a local objective in North Karelia is to develop a shared action model for combating bark beetle damage. The Forest Centre also contributes to the development of bark beetle detection methods. Third—related to the tree planting event—the project implements and develops ways to engage children and young people in learning about climate change adaptation. It also produces educational materials on forest ecology and climate change, aimed at children and youth. Additionally, the project encourages young people to express their views on forests, for example, by organizing video competitions.
The tree planting event was facilitated by the City of Joensuu, also known as the Forest Capital of Europe. The city provided a planting site—a noise barrier near the Karhunmäki district—as well as personnel, including a city lumberjack and a forester, to guide students on how to plant trees. A nearby primary school, Reijola School, was invited to participate, and about 300 pine tree seedlings were waiting for the students at the site, along with Sisu-putki planting tubes.
Left: City lumberjack Pauli Saarelainen watching over the students during the tree planting process. Right: A Forester Joona Soini how to use the Sisu-putki planting tube.
Here, forester Joona Soini explains in the video how to use the Sisu-putki planting tube.
According to Principal of Reijola school Mr. Jyri Martiskainen, the spring bike trip to the planting site fit well into the school’s curriculum. “Nature values are very important at our school. Before this trip, we discussed tree planting issues with students,” he noted. The event was hosted by city personnel, ENO and Forest Center experts, as well as researchers from the University of Eastern Finland. The 44 Reijola school students, consisting of 2nd and 6th graders, gained valuable knowledge about forests and climate and, of course, learned how to plant trees.
Right: Plant ecology professor Frank Berninger from the University of Eastern Finland explains to the journalist why working with students is important.
The importance of forest and climate education cannot be overstated. It plays a vital role for children and young people, as it lays the foundation for environmental awareness, responsibility, and action. First, it helps students understand ecosystems, biodiversity, and the critical role forests play in maintaining planetary health. This awareness fosters a deeper respect for nature and an understanding of the interconnectedness between people and the environment.
By learning about forest management, conservation, and climate change, children begin to grasp the long-term impact of human actions. This can shape more sustainable attitudes and behaviors, such as reducing waste, supporting biodiversity, and using natural resources wisely. Forest education often includes hands-on, inquiry-based learning—just like this tree planting event demonstrated. Today’s children are tomorrow’s decision-makers. Forest education equips them with the knowledge and values needed to build a sustainable future.
Right: Forest Centre expert Juha Tuononen from the Eco2Adapt project held an outdoor educational session for the students waiting for their turn to plant trees. For example, tree growth was demonstrated using a simple observational image.
Text: Maire Turunen
Photos & videos: Marjaana Sivonen
More images of the tree planting event 20.5.2025:
ENO will continue its contribution to the Eco2Adapt project during the 2025–2026 school year. Field trips to North Karelian forests are being organized for students, experts, and researchers. Educational materials are also being developed for publication.
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Read the Karjalan Heili newspaper article about the tree planting event here (in Finnish)
Check ENO Global Network’s updates on the event on social media: #enoprogramme #enotreeplanting. The schools’ and community journeys are also being shared on the ENO Teachers Facebook page.