On 31 August 2024, His Excellency Mr. Takashi Okada, the Japanese Ambassador to Finland, and Mr. Markus Hirvonen, North Karelia Region Mayor, planted an Ezo-Yama Sakura cherry blossom seedling at Kirkkopuisto (Church Park) in Joensuu, the capital of North Karelia, as well as Forest Capital of Europe.  

The Sakura tree is Hokkaido Finland Association’s gift to the BIOSYS North Karelia International Growth Ecosystem as a public, growing symbol of the collaborations between Nagano Prefecture, Ina City, Hokkaido Prefecture of Japan, and North Karelia.
Ambassador Okada remarked, “I would like to congratulate all those involved in this BIOSYS project for the excellent cooperation they have established between Finland and Japan. I also like to thank the Hokkaido-Finland Society for donating the cherry tree.” And he continued, “I hope the Sakura tree we have just planted will put down roots, grow tall to carry many cherry blossoms every year here in Joensuu, as a sign of the friendship between Finland and Japan.”

The Ecosystem is run by Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) as a project lead, Regional Council of North Karelia, University of Eastern Finland, and ProAgria Eastern Finland / MKN Eastern Finland. BIOSYS Ecosystem is grateful for the precious gift of a living tree – a visual reminder of the region-to-region cooperations among public/governmental organizations, commercial endeavors, and research development and innovation institutions.
Representatives from the strategic partners and Joensuu City Council members planted three Sakura seedlings near the Ezo-yama Sakura to keep company. 

Mr. Hirvonen said: ”The planting of the Sakura tree is a very important sign of cooperation between Finland and Japan. In the Province of Wood, wood represents a good future and continuity of life for us. Now we have a concrete place in Joensuu to demonstrate good cooperation with Japan”.

Many residents of Joensuu and task force members of the BIOSYS Ecosystem attended the event and celebrated the very special occasion.

• The BIOSYS North Karelia International Growth Ecosystem fosters collaboration in forest bioeconomy and sustainable innovation, linking North Karelia, Nagano Prefecture, Ina City and Hokkaido Prefecture to enhance regional economies and improve resident well-being through co-creation of smart forestry and unique food solutions.

Source: Regional Council of North Karelia