We are delighted to announce our support for a groundbreaking dam removal project in Finland: dismantling of the Palokki hydropower dam in Heinävesi, located within Finland’s most significant rapids area. This unique project represents one of the largest and most ambitious river connectivity restoration projects ever undertaken in Europe.
Heinävesi, Finland © Niko Jokinen
Constructed in 1961 to supply electricity for a local copper mine, the Palokki Dam blocked the spawning routes of the highly endangered Heinävesi lake trout and destroyed key rapids habitats within the Vuoksi Watershed. As a result, populations of lake trout and Saimaa Lake salmon have declined drastically and are now classified as highly or extremely endangered species.
The current demolition project builds on groundwork funded through a previous Open Rivers Programme grant, which enabled essential preparatory studies and planning for the removal. The project is led by Itä-Suomi Unioni ry in partnership with WWF Finland and the Municipality of Heinävesi, and aims to restore the natural flow of the river while bringing a wide range of ecological and economic benefits to the region.
The removal will free 33-40 hectares of spawning areas for lake trout and salmon and reconnect around 1,523 kilometers of waterway within the Vuoksi Basin – an extraordinary milestone for the free flow of rivers and the recovery of aquatic biodiversity across Europe. As upstream migration routes are reopened, connectivity will be restored between the Palokki rapids and Lake Saimaa – Finland’s largest lake system and one of Europe’s most significant freshwater reserves.
Heinävesi, Finland © Niko Jokinen
The Heinävesi route, where the Palokki Dam lies, is one of Finland’s 27 designated national landscapes. With its eleven-river rapids system, this region will not only regain ecological integrity but also become a model destination for nature-based tourism and sustainable local development.
Recognised within Finland’s national restoration plan under the current government, the Palokki dam removal stands as one of the country’s largest and most symbolic freshwater restoration efforts. The expected completion in the summer of 2029 will see Palokki rewilded, its rapids restored, and Finland setting a new standard for river restoration across Europe.
Gathering significant public and private funding, the Palokki Dam removal project is a prime example of how collaborative action between public entities, local communities, and committed funders can deliver lasting results for nature and people. The Open Rivers Programme is delighted to stand behind this initiative as it moves forward and looks forward to sharing updates and milestones along the way. This and all ORP-supported project are possible through the generous support of our donor, Arcadia.
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