Climate expertise training collaboration in the land use sector, KOMIO

The project aims to strengthen climate expertise in the land use sector, particularly among the following target groups: agricultural and forestry entrepreneurs, advisors, teachers, students of natural resources, and other interested groups.

The project brings knowledge, skills, and concrete solutions to agricultural entrepreneurs, advisors, students, teachers, and everyone interested in climate issues to an open learning platform. This knowledge aims to address the sustainability, economic, and management skills challenges on farms in collaboration with the target groups. Professional network collaboration among universities of applied sciences in the project helps profile the natural resources sector and creates a comprehensive picture of the work done by different actors.

Results from R&D projects in sustainable agricultural production, especially those funded under the ‘Carbon Capture’ initiative, are compiled, deployed, and coordinated into AgriHubi and other communication channels used by the target groups. At the same time, the collaboration among natural resource sector universities is strengthened, and the profiling of the natural resources departments in universities of applied sciences is clarified. One sub-goal is also to strengthen AgriHub’s role in information sharing, particularly among R&D actors, teaching staff, and students linked to the natural resources sector in universities of applied sciences.

The project compiles study materials and modules from the R&D activities in the natural resources sector of universities of applied sciences, especially from projects funded under the ‘Carbon Capture’ initiative. The deployment of the project results is promoted so that information is available in the native language through channels and forums that the target group is accustomed to using. The materials are integrated into the universities’ educational offerings, such as the continuous learning platform. In addition, the results are communicated in wide networks and on the AgriHub platform as well as other communication channels. Furthermore, the network collaboration among universities of applied sciences and the compilation of teaching materials promote the profiling of the natural resource sectors in universities of applied sciences.

Deepening climate expertise in the target groups within the land use sector promotes climate actions in agriculture and forestry when integrated into education and considering the perspective of economic sustainability. The project brings verified practical examples into teaching and advising on how carbon sequestration in soil can be intensified. It motivates actions that enhance overall sustainability and are climate-smart in both agriculture and forestry. Effective and well-chosen actions improve the profitability of agriculture and forestry and promote climate actions.

The actions enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and forestry. The adaptation of agriculture and forestry to climate change also improves with increased expertise.

This project, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, involves Häme University of Applied Sciences, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Yrkeshögskolan Novia, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, and South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences.