City of the Environment to City of Landlocked Salmon

The city of Lieksa is part of the natural environment as well as a city of services, boasting success in export and other industries but also in the co-operation of talented people and in many development projects.

The Project of Landlocked Salmon has been at the centre of our attention for over a decade in various task groups and as a Leader Project. As a result of long-term co-operation we have launched the Landlocked Salmon to the Lieksanjoki River Interreg Project that will be carried out over the years 2002 to 2005. The return of the landlocked salmon into the river looks promising.

The declaration of Lieksa as the City of Landlocked Salmon in 2000 indicated the will of the City to support the measures to bring the landlocked salmon of Lake Pielinen  back to its home waters, into the Lieksanjoki River.

The City of Lieksa and the Fishing Co-Operatives have made an effort to make the area fishing and tourist friendly. As a very recent example, a free-of-charge fishing area right at the centre of the city has been established. The Ruunaa Hiking Area is a well-known and popular place among eco-tourists and fishermen. The project that is underway aims at bringing the salmon back into the river and at the same time it reflects our will to turn the city of Lieksa upwards in its development.

The City of Lieksa