The River Project, a joint initiative of Rotary clubs within the Vantaa River catchment area, was launched in spring 2025 at the initiative of the Nurmijärvi-Klaukkala Rotary Club. In cooperation with the Vantaa River and Helsinki Region Water Protection Association (VHVSY), the project promotes the protection of waterways. The goal is a 3 to 5-year programme in which Rotarians contribute through practical actions to improve the well-being of the Vantaa River and its tributaries.
A key component of the project is the construction of water pockets, or water retention sites. These are designed to slow water flow within the catchment area, reduce flooding caused by heavy rainfall, and decrease the amount of nutrients and sediment entering waterways. At the same time, they help improve conditions for river ecosystems and fish populations. Approximately 20 water pockets have already been completed or are under construction, and additional sites have been identified.
Working together achieves more. Five Rotary clubs participated in raising the initial funding for the project: Nurmijärvi-Klaukkala, Järvenpää, Nurmijärvi, Vantaa-Myyrmäki and Tikkurila. By summer 2025, the clubs had raised approximately €3,260 in seed funding. Combined with other funding sources, this created a total funding package of about €16,300, enabling support for the implementation of new sites. During autumn 2025, the Hyvinkää and North-East Helsinki Rotary Clubs also joined the initiative.
In 2026, VHVSY’s work focuses on identifying new water retention sites, finalizing projects already under way, and monitoring the performance of completed sites. VHVSY has recruited a university student for the project, who is preparing a master’s thesis related to the project themes. New sites are being sought in the catchment areas of the Lepsämänjoki, Palojoki and Ohkolanjoki rivers, among others. However, finding suitable locations alone is not enough; obtaining landowners’ consent is essential for progress. Here, the local knowledge and networks of Rotarians can play a valuable role.
From 2027 onwards, the aim is to identify new water retention and restoration sites while strengthening cooperation with landowners, parishes, educational institutions and other environmental stakeholders. For Rotary clubs, the objective is to continue joint funding efforts and develop club-specific environmental activities, such as volunteer work projects and opportunities for youth participation.
Jyrki Kaija, Järvenpää Rotary Club
Jaripekka Turtiainen, Vihti Rotary Club
Photo: Kari Stenholm
