Aura River Foundation – For a Vibrant Aura River
The Aura River Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1993, working to preserve the ecological health and cultural-historical value of the Aura River. The foundation was established by the municipalities and cities along the river (Oripää, Pöytyä, Aura, Lieto, Kaarina, and Turku), MTK-Varsinais-Suomi (Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners in Southwestern Finland), and the Southwest Finland Fisheries Area (formerly the Aura River Fishing Area).
Our Goals and Activities
The goal of the Aura River Foundation is to ensure an ecologically healthy river that is valuable in terms of landscape and recreational opportunities. The foundation supports and promotes the preservation and management of Aura River’s cultural landscape, river-related research activities, actions to improve water quality, fish and crayfish management, as well as recreational use.
Our work is based on cooperation with local residents, municipalities, businesses, and other stakeholders. We advance these goals by organizing projects, events, and initiatives that benefit the entire Aura River watershed.
Office and Sites
The Aura River Foundation office is located in Turku at Halistenkoski rapids, in the historic Myllärintalo building. In the same building, we manage the Aura River Visitor Center Myllärintalo in collaboration with the City of Turku’s Environmental Protection Department. We also manage the Turku Waterworks Museum located across the river, in collaboration with Turun Vesihuolto Oy.
Click here to visit Myllarintalo.fi.
Strategy and Operational Model
Water Protection and Improving Water Quality:
We encourage landowners, farmers, and forest owners in the Aura River watershed area to implement the best available water protection measures and explore new solutions while sharing knowledge and best practices.
Strengthening Biodiversity:
We enhance the biodiversity of Aura River through long-term cooperation with local residents, communities, businesses, and experts.
Recreational Use:
We promote access to Aura River’s trails for everyone. We emphasize accessibility, barrier-free design, and inclusion of all people. We also support swimming opportunities through coordination, financial advice, and communication.
We collaborate with organizations promoting fishing as both an occupation and leisure activity, supporting responsible fishing in the Aura River watershed.
We make responsible hiking and riverside recreation visible and easier for those visiting the area, through communication and dissemination of information. We maintain structures that support outdoor recreation in collaboration with landowners, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
Cultural Landscape:
We create networks and opportunities that support the growth and development of cultural life in the Aura River region.Environmental Education:
We help protect the Aura River ecosystem, strengthen the responsibility of communities, and raise awareness, especially about the importance of water protection. We also collaborate with environmental education organizations.
Climate Resilience:
Our activities support the UN Sustainable Development Goals locally, particularly in water protection, climate resilience, and community well-being.International Collaboration:
We develop international networks and utilize international funding sources to strengthen our activities.
Leadership and Board
The foundation is led by a board consisting of representatives from the founding municipalities and organizations, as well as other experts. The board is responsible for planning the foundation’s activities and achieving its goals.
Join Us!
We are open to anyone interested in Aura River. Join our activities, learn about our projects, or visit Myllärintalo and the Waterworks Museum.
The best way to contact us is via email: info@aurajoki.net
Also, follow our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.