A shared initiative rooted in Joensuu’s forest identity

The artwork project was launched as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the North Karelia Chamber of Commerce. In autumn 2024, an open competition invited artists across Finland to propose a concept representing Joensuu’s status as Europe’s Forest Capital.

The competition drew strong interest, receiving 73 proposals. The winning design was created by sculptors Pertti Kukkonen and Johanna Ilvessalo together with architect Pekka Ojalammi. The jury described the work as captivating and a dignified tribute to the significance of forests.

Why Joensuu is the European Forest Capital

Joensuu is not just symbolically connected to forests, but it is one of the leading forest bioeconomy hubs globally.

Over the past decades, the region has evolved into a uniquely integrated ecosystem where education, research, and business operate side by side. Today, Joensuu is home to around 600 forest-related companies, 6,000 jobs, and a turnover exceeding €2 billion in the forest bioeconomy sector.

As a result, the city attracts international attention. Delegations from around the world visit Joensuu to explore its approach to sustainable forestry, digitalization, and the bioeconomy, reinforcing its position as a global reference point for forest innovation.

“The European Capital of Forestry concept really puts Joensuu on the map as a leading hub for forest innovation and helps attract new partnerships to the region. For companies like Arbonaut, it strengthens the local ecosystem and visibility - giving us a great platform to showcase our expertise and build strategic collaborations. The concept truly deserves a permanent monument right in the heart of the city, marking the city’s central role in European forestry.” — Jari Kinnunen, the CEO of Arbonaut.

A collective effort to shape the city

The realization of the artwork has been made possible through broad collaboration across the region. The project has been supported by a diverse group of companies, institutions, and foundations representing the full breadth of the local ecosystem: technology, machinery, education, finance, and culture.

Arbonaut is proud to be one of the 21 supporting partners behind the initiative.

As a Joensuu-based company, our contribution is rooted in the same ecosystem that the artwork will represent. For over 30 years, we have developed digital solutions that help organizations worldwide understand forests through data, from large-scale forest inventories to climate risk and biodiversity insights.

Opening event

The artwork will be officially unveiled on June 12, 2026, at 12:00 at Joensuu Market Square. The event is open to everyone.

The new landmark will stand as a visible expression of Joensuu’s identity where forests continue to shape innovation, collaboration, and the future of the region.

In addition to the North Karelia Chamber of Commerce, the artwork the artwork was made possible with support from: