In the border regions—South Karelia in Finland and the northern part of Lake Peipsi in northeastern Estonia—young people face high unemployment rates and challenging employment situations. These areas offer fewer job opportunities and activities, making it difficult for youth to realize their potential and often leading to migration away from the region. This project addresses the lack of employment and self-realization opportunities by providing entrepreneurship training to 72 young participants. It equips them with the skills and resources to start businesses rooted in local nature and cultural heritage. This approach promotes sustainable economic growth, encourages young people to remain in their communities, and helps preserve local identity and traditions.

The project strengthens the position of young people in the border regions of South Karelia and northeastern Estonia (Lake Peipsi area) by offering entrepreneurship training that leverages local nature and cultural heritage. The goal is to reduce youth unemployment, prevent migration, and foster sustainable, culturally rooted economic development.

The aim of the training program is to provide participants with the skills, knowledge, and resources to develop business ideas that utilize the unique assets of the regions—landscapes, biodiversity, historical sites, traditions, and artistic heritage. This approach not only supports sustainable economic development but also promotes the preservation of local identity and cultural heritage in both Estonia and Finland.

The Finnish Wilderness Heritage Museum Foundation integrates cultural and natural heritage into the project, co-designs training modules, and explores heritage-based entrepreneurial opportunities through its interpretive expertise.

The project is implemented by Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation, Viljandi Culture Academy, the City of Imatra, and the Finnish Wilderness Heritage Museum Foundation.