Älvbyarna
Cluster of six smart villages in Ostrobothnia region benefitting from the Smart Rural 27 projec
Description
Älvbyarna, meaning "the River Villages", is a cluster of six smart villages – Veikars, Anixor, Voitby, Martois, Staversby and Miekka on the Kyrö River in Korsholm, Finland. Since 2023 the villages have been piloting local energy solutions under the Smart Rural 27 initiative with the long-term goal of creating a smart food hub that brings together, educates and inspires local people to follow a sustainable way of life.
Technology
Several digital technologies have been adopted under the smart village initiative, including a community website (https://alvbyarna.weebly.com/) that serves local people as a source of information, news, documentation and contact points. Sustainable energy solutions have also been pursued by the residents of the Älvbyarna villages, specifically the utilization of an old hydropower plant to generate local green energy. The initiative is part of a broader technology-driven approach to reduce the community's carbon footprint, and includes also the development of an online system to help residents and local associations identify the most efficient energy systems for their buildings. A local café has also been established, serving as an outlet for the promotion of local products and food quality and safety.
Target
The project's target audience includes anyone interested in small-scale cultivation, food processing and sustainable food transformation in Ostrobothnia, with particular focus on the employment of young people in local jobs, as well as food artisans, designers and small-scale farmers in the rural, post-pandemic world who can benefit from access to clean and renewable energy.
Business model
Impact
The Älvbyarna villages project aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the local area through the promotion of sustainable practices, while empowering the community, especially young people and small-scale farmers, in the adoption of green solutions.
Partners
European Union; Aktion Österbotten; Keskitien säätiö; SFV and Aktiastiftelsen
Four Betters
Better life
Better environment
Better production
