The restoration of small water bodies, such as streams, ponds and springs, is part of the national Pearl Programme. Many of these are threatened habitats.
The South Savo Environment Centre is looking for small water bodies in need of restoration in the region. These include streams, ponds and springs.
Landowners can propose sites on their land for restoration. The Agency will plan and carry out the restoration in cooperation with the landowner.
The restoration of small waters is part of the joint Helmi programme of the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Under the programme, restoration is voluntary and free of charge for landowners.
Restoring small bodies of water can include, for example, restoring the flow of dredged streambeds to a more natural state than before, raising the water in ponds or springs to the level that preceded the impact of human activity, and rehabilitating fish streams.
Many small bodies of water are sensitive and endangered habitats, so even small disturbances in their vicinity can weaken their condition. Few small lakes are natural anymore.
According to the Ely Center, renovating small bodies of water can, among other things, improve the diversity and cleanliness of the environment. The renovation can also have a positive effect on the condition of the surrounding water bodies, local fish and crab populations, and recreational use of the area.