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RELEASE 25 AUGUST 2008, UPDATED 2 FEBRUARY 2009
Archipelago project Stepping Stones startsThere is a new archipelago project starting in Finland at the beginning of September. The project is called Stepping Stones and it aims to develop the archipelago with a special emphasis on small islands that are without a permanent road connection with the mainland. Among the pilot islands of the project are Vänö in Dragsfjärd (Kimitoön from 1 January 2009), Nötö in Nagu (Väståboland) and small islands from the archipelagos of Rymättylä and Velkua (Naantali). The project will try to increase the islander's possibilities to influence and develop their environment. Networks between islanders are going to be built in order to strengthen the archipelago identity. The basic idea is that islanders in different parts of Finland could benefit from networking with each other in their work of keeping the islands attractive to live and work in. Stepping Stones is also going to establish a centre where islanders get support in developing the archipelago. This work is especially important now because of ongoing structural changes, e.g. incorporations of municipalities. The project is managed by FÖSS. The Leader Action Group Sameboat (I samma båt – Samassa veneessä rf ry) is supporting the funding application. www.foss.fi/steppingstones/en/ Additional informationFÖSS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FINNISH ISLANDS
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Secretary