Polar Magnets – International Opportunities of Northern Attraction

Think Global, Act Local

The Polar Magnets – International Opportunities of Northern Attraction project brings together young people, rural communities and organisations from Lapland and Koillismaa in Northern Finland to explore new possibilities through international cooperation.

Our goal is simple:
to make rural areas more vibrant by connecting local ideas with international networks.

Through cooperation we can create new opportunities for communities, strengthen rural vitality and build partnerships that benefit both local and international partners.

Why Polar Magnets?

Many rural regions in Northern Finland face a common challenge:
young people often move away for studies or work.

At the same time, rural areas offer unique opportunities connected to nature, community and sustainable lifestyles.

The Polar Magnets project helps young people and local communities:

  • discover the opportunities of rural areas

  • connect with international partners

  • gain new skills and experiences

  • develop ideas that strengthen their home regions

International cooperation is seen as a key way to bring new ideas, networks and inspiration to rural development.

Our main theme: Environment

Environmental sustainability is the core theme of the project.

Young people in the region are strongly interested in environmental issues and the future of nature. Many livelihoods and hobbies in rural areas are also closely connected to nature, such as outdoor recreation, nature tourism, forestry and fishing.

We explore questions like:

How can local and international collaboration improve the state of nature and the environment in Lapland and Koillismaa?

Possible topics include:

  • environmental awareness

  • biodiversity

  • nature-based activities

  • environmental art and culture

  • sustainable rural lifestyles

The project operates in:

  • rural areas of Lapland

  • Kuusamo

  • Taivalkoski

The project is implemented by Koillismaan Leader together with partners in the region.

Funding is provided through the Finnish Rural Development Programme and the Economic Development Centre.

Project duration: May 2024 – December 2026

What we do?

The project focuses on building networks and enabling cooperation.

Main activities include:

Networking and community events

  • workshops, webinars and networking meetings

  • activities for young people and rural communities

  • idea development around environmental themes

International cooperation

  • finding international partners

  • organising partnership visits

  • supporting new international project ideas

Practical support

  • guidance on planning international projects

  • sharing information on funding opportunities and cooperation channels

Who can participate?

We welcome collaboration with:

  • youth organisations

  • rural associations and NGOs

  • educational institutions

  • community organisations

  • environmental initiatives

  • rural development actors

We are especially interested in creative and unexpected partnerships that can bring fresh perspectives to rural development.

Interested in cooperation?

We are always open to new international partners who share our interest in:

  • rural development

  • youth engagement

  • environmental themes

  • community-driven innovation

If you would like to explore cooperation opportunities, feel free to contact us.

Contact

Pinja Moilanen
Project Manager – Polar Magnets
Koillismaan Leader

📧 pinja.moilanen@koillismaanleader.fi
📞 +358 44 235 2322

International Cooperation