Beetles LIFE.

Beetles LIFE project aims to improve the forest habitats and level of protection for eight endangered insect species. Helping these species also helps hundreds of other forest species and protects all-important biodiversity. Nearly half of all our species are insects – they are crucial in maintaining the food chain and the functioning of the ecosystem. The role of Humak University of Applied Sciences in the project is to produce new forms of story-based communication.

The eight insect species are cucujus cinnaberinus, pytho kolwensis, boros schneideri, phryganophilus ruficollis, stephanopachys linearis, stephanopachys substriatus, xyletinus tremulicola and aradus angularis. They are all indicator species, who indicate the state of nature in forests and also show the need and effects of nature conservation.

Objectives

Beetles LIFE aims to improve the living conditions of eight endangered beetles. This will be done by restoring the target species’ environments and developing comprehensive conservation plans for them. The aim is also to raise awareness of the issue
– by monitoring the socio-economic impact of the project
– combining art and science to communicate about species conservation and biodiversity
– organising storytelling events for young people and families with children
– upgrading the hiking infrastructure in Koli National Park
– educating forestry operators and forest owners about biodiversity.

Duration (päivämäärinä):	01.08.2018 – 31.07.2023
Project manager:	Tanja Hakoluoto
Email:	tanja.hakoluoto@humak.fi
Partners:	Metsähallitus Metsähallitus Forestry Ltd Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment University of Helsinki
Funder:	EU: Life
Budget:	>50 000 – 100 000 euroa