The Interreg Aurora funded project CLAP – Climate Change Communication and Adaptation of Arctic Protected Areas organized a trilateral Climate Smart Trail Building workshop in Finland, at Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
On the 26–28 August 2025, 16 participants from Norway (Statens Naturoppsyn, Reisa National Park, Ånderdalen National Park, Statskog), Sweden (Länsstyrelsen Norrbotten), and Finland (Parks & Wildlife Finland) gathered for an experience exchange and discussions on shared challenges related to climate change and trail management.
Participants explored Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and examined how climate change is expected to affect trail building in the area. For example, projections show that by 2050, the region will have one month less of snow cover each year, which will impact trail construction and maintenance. Ultimately, it all boils down to one key issue: water management.
Stiskulen, represented by Statens Naturoppsyn (SNO), shared tested practices and solutions for managing water on trails—insights that can be adapted and implemented in Finland and Sweden.
Looking toward the future, participants collaborated with Mitta Oy, which had laser-scanned the Varkaankuru gorge and created a 3D model of the area. This model enables simulation of extreme weather events—such as heavy rainfall—and allows planners to assess how much of the gorge would be submerged. This data can inform more resilient trail planning, including trail location, construction materials, and technical solutions.
This innovative planning approach was then compared with current trail planning practices. The workshop also included a field trip to Varkaankuru gorge.
Learn more about the CLAP project
