2. LIVING LABS NORTH KARELIA, FINLAND

1. UNESCO North Karelia Biosphere Reserve 
 
Geographical Location: North Karelia, Finland
 
Short Description
The UNESCO North Karelia Biosphere Reserve INVEST Living Lab is located in the North Karelia region in eastern Finland. The area is part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme and serves as a model region for sustainable development.
This Living Lab focuses on balancing biodiversity conservation with socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable economic development. Within the INVEST framework, Karelia UAS integrates education, applied research, and stakeholder collaboration into the long-term activities of the Biosphere Reserve.
Key thematic areas include energy transition, renewable and decentralized energy systems, energy communities, and climate change mitigation. Students participate through degree programmes, INVEST specialization studies, intensive courses, and applied projects that address real challenges at community level. Activities are carried out in close cooperation with municipalities, regional authorities, NGOs, local communities, and businesses.
The Living Lab offers an authentic learning environment where students contribute to regional development by co-creating solutions, conducting applied research, and supporting sustainability initiatives that strengthen local capacity and resilience.

Responsible Person
Shammi Keya
shammi.keya@karelia.fi   

2. North Karelia Living Lab in Forestry 

Geographical Location: North Karelia, Finland
 
Short Description
The North Karelia Living Lab in Forestry is situated across forested areas of the North Karelia region, one of Finland’s most significant forestry areas. The Living Lab is built around real forest environments and long-standing cooperation with forestry stakeholders.
This Living Lab addresses sustainable forest management under changing environmental and climatic conditions. Its core focus is on forest resilience, adaptation, and mitigation, as well as the social acceptance and future-oriented development of forestry practices. 
Educational activities are integrated into Karelia UAS degree programmes and the INVEST specialization year Forestry Adaptation to a Changing Environment (FACE). Students engage in field-based learning, applied research projects, internships, and thesis work in collaboration with forest owners, companies, public authorities, and research organizations.
By combining hands-on learning with stakeholder-driven challenges, the Living Lab strengthens professional competences, supports regional forestry development, and connects education directly with the needs of working life and sustainable resource management.
 
Responsible Person
Shammi Keya