Partner
City of Uusikaupunki
Sustainable urban planning
Urban impact to coastal waters is a matter of high importance and great complexity. Expansion of built areas and impact of human activities affect the natural ecosystems as well as the life quality of people living in coastal cities. The key to sustainable use of coastal areas is planning, which balances between economic, social and environmental goals. At a practical level this means land use planning processes and choosing the best locations for industry, leisure or living. This planning should be based on reliable and up-to-date information on the state of the water quality. Availability of such information supports also the participation of local citizens.
City of Uusikaupunki is interested in solutions for water quality monitoring in the Matalanpuhti and the Kasarmilahti water areas. In those areas water quality is affected by typical problems to the Baltic Sea, especially nutrient emissions originated from urban and rural sources. In marine environment, environmental impacts are resulted from historical and current emissions. Visible problems e.g. blooming of hazardous algaes may vary and it is not always easy to point out the original sources or see the results of actions like the removal of nutrients.
Satellite data can provide a plenty of information on water quality variables and help to track the development of the situation as well as variation between years. Key is to get a continuous source of local data, with understanding the limits of satellite-based information. When combined with other sources of information e.g. sampling and public research, it can be a powerful tool for urban planners in all coastal areas.
Challenge assignment
City of Uusikaupunki is interested in a prototype or a concept addressing one or several of the following topics:
- Monitoring the water quality in selected coastal areas
- Information feeds for land use and planning
- Sharing the information with citizens and other stakeholders.
Propose how they would be applied in the Matalapuhti or the Kasarminlahti areas. Remember to explain, how satellite data or information products derived from such data are used in your proposal.
Useful infomation
Take your time to study the following resources to find inspiration. The solution will take place as a supportive tool at a very practical level, not as a juridical or scientific instrument. Try not to reinvent the wheel, but propose a tangible solution that utilizes what is already being available.
https://www.copernicus.eu/en/services/marine
https://paikkatieto.ymparisto.fi/velmu/
https://www.merialuesuunnittelu.fi/en/msp-in-finland/
Prize
The winning proposal will receive a cash prize of 2000 euros. The winner is invited to the City of Uusikaupunki, to meet with the City Administration and to present the solution to them.
Contact person
Annakaarina Lamminpää, City planning, City of Uusikaupunki, Finland
annakaarina.lamminpaa@uusikaupunki.fi
+358 50 370 5771