Regenerative Tourism in Action: REGENERATE Partners Meeting at Hawkhill Resort, Finland
On June 25–26, 2026, partners from the Interreg NPA project REGENERATE gathered at the beautiful Hawkhill Resort near Helsinki, Finland. Hosted by ProxyLab, this second project meeting was a major step forward in shaping the future of tourism across our northern regions.
What is the REGENERATE Project?
REGENERATE is an inspiring, EU-funded project under the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) program.
The main goal of the project is to shift tourism from being just "sustainable" to being regenerative. While sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing harm, regenerative tourism actively restores, improves, and heals local ecosystems, cultures, and economies.
By bringing together partners and public authorities from Finland, Iceland, Ireland, and Sweden, the project aims to build resilient communities, preserve unique regional heritage, and protect fragile northern environments before overtourism becomes an issue.
Hawkhill Resort: A Living Example of a Regenerative Pioneer
Hosting the meeting at Hawkhill Resort was the perfect choice. As an official pioneer in the field, Hawkhill is a true regenerative business, making it a living laboratory for the REGENERATE partners.
During the event, partners experienced firsthand how a tourism business can have a net-positive impact on nature and the community:
Peatland & Bog Restoration: Partners went on a guided forest hike to learn how Hawkhill is actively restoring nearby dried bog lands. Since bogs are Finland’s most vital carbon sinks, restoring them is a powerful way to fight climate change and restore local biodiversity.
The Circular Economy in Practice ("Lainaamo"): Partners observed Hawkhill's unique "Loan-It-Box" sharing system. Instead of buying new outdoor gear, guests can easily borrow boots, toys, and sports equipment during their stay. This simple, clever model significantly reduces consumption and waste.
Eco-Friendly Log Villas: Hawkhill’s traditional cottages are built using high-quality local wood designed to last over 100 years, storing carbon and minimizing energy waste through smart, eco-friendly systems.
Wild & Local Dining: At "The Wild Forest Restaurant Nuuksio," partners enjoyed a sustainable, seasonal menu featuring locally sourced venison, Finnish rainbow trout, and wild forest berries. This supports local food loops and avoids food waste.
Looking Ahead
The meeting was a fantastic success, proving that regenerative tourism is not just a theoretical idea, it is already happening in places like Hawkhill. By combining practical business models with strategic public-private partnerships, the REGENERATE project will continue to build tools that help northern communities thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates, training tools, and upcoming events from the REGENERATE team!