Local Action Group (LAG) Kalakukko ry is a local action group of the region of Kuopio and Northeast Savo and it has functioned since 1996. The region of operation of Kalakukko ry is situated in East Finland and consists of seven municipalities. The total population of the area is 35 985 persons (31.12.2006) and the surface area is 6258 km2, of which 20 % is covered with water. The area is very sparsely populated. Its population density is under 6 persons per square kilometer. The area of the action group is a traditional Finnish hillside area with abundant forests and numerous waterways.
The main themes of the development plan of Kalakukko ry for the years 2007-2013 are making the best use of the natural and cultural resources of the area, living in rural areas, co-operation and education. The emphases of the program are on the development of natural and cultural tourism in the area, the fabrication of locally available natural recources into new products, the stimulation of young people to develop their native area, the improving of village activity and pleasantness of the village environment. It is also very important in the activities of Kalakukko ry to increase the interaction of countryside and city. With the help of the development plan it is intended to increase competitiveness of the area and improve the know-how and skills of the inhabitants and the products and services of the area. The intention is to create new enterprises and jobs, increase the profitability of the local enterprises and the spiritual capital of the inhabitants.
Contact address of Development Association Kalakukko ry:
Hietapohjantie 926
73460 Muuruvesi
Finland
Chairman of the board Juha-Pekka Okulov
tel. +358 (0) 40 596 3959 e-mail: j-p.okulov(at)elinakoti.fi
Executive manager Jaana Paananen
tel. +358 (0) 40 510 3258 email: jaana.paananen(at)kalakukkory.fi
Project producer Matti Rahunen
tel. +358 (0) 40 519 7393 email: matti.rahunen(at)kalakukkory.fi
Project secretary Laura Tuunanen
tel. +358 (0) 40 519 6046 email: laura.tuunanen(at)kalakukkory.fi
International activator Päivi Puustinen
tel. +358 (0) 40 172 2726 email: paivi.puustinen(at)kalakukkory.fi
