Sustainable tourism park

The City of Lappeenranta's sustainable tourism strategy involves, on the one hand, reducing the tourists' carbon footprint and, on the other, enhancing the regeneration of the ecosystem by increasing urban greenery. In the first tree planting event in the summer of 2024, 15 large tree saplings were planted in the Ruutikellarinpuisto Park of the fortress, following the Sustainable Tourism Park concept. Planting will continue annually throughout the city, including in the fortress park areas of Vallipuisto, Maaherranpuisto, and Vanhapuisto.

City of lindens

The trees to be planted include lindens, maples, and birches, which are familiar from the streetscape of Lappeenranta. The species selection takes into account the current tree inventory and the city’s urban forestry guidelines. The plantings will replace trees removed due to poor condition and supplement the existing tree population. This also responds to the impacts of climate change. The plantings aim to preserve the wooded silhouette of the upper part of the fortress and create shade for the lawn area used for recreation and various events.

Participation in planting events and seedling acquisition

Companies and private individuals are warmly welcome to participate in planting events and the acquisition of seedlings. The parties planting the trees will be mentioned in the city’s tree registry and below. More information about the plantings can be obtained from Lappeenranta Tourist Information.

 

Named trees planted

Ruutikellarinpuisto, 2024: Fysioeskola, café Majurska ja goSaimaa.

 

Promoting sustainable travel to the area

Lappeenranta’s roadmap for sustainable tourism has been developed as part of VisitFinland’s Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme, which is implemented regionally by goSaimaa, the regional tourism marketing and development company. The roadmap is also linked to goSaimaa and the City of Lappeenranta’s development plan as well as the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, to which Lappeenranta is committed. The goal is to halve the carbon footprint of tourists by 2030 through climate and NetZero Cities action programs. The focus of regional cooperation is to promote sustainable travel to the area, thereby reducing emissions.

Read more about Lappeenranta's roadmap to sustainable tourism