Akordi mapped disputes over the steel plant in Inkoo and paved the way for a constructive dialogue.

The planning of the steel factory has generated disagreements and concerns in the municipality of Inkoo. Akordi produced a situation report for the municipality. Next the municipality aims to strengthen the dialogue.

For the mapping, Akordi interviewed Inkoo municipal decision-makers, municipal officials, companies operating in the Joddböle area and Inkoo residents who had organised to oppose the steel mill. We discussed the situation that emerged from the mapping exercise and proposed measures among the interviewees.

Discussion with interviewees

Participants expected the event to allow them to have a substantive discussion, during which each on of them could feel that he or she was entitled to his or her own opinion. Many expressed that they were there to hear the reasoning behind different opinions and to better understand where they were coming from. The event for interviewees was held in 3.9.2024.

Based on the feedback we received, expectations were met. The discussion was perceived as constructive and respectful. Important issues were discussed without the atmosphere of the discussion becoming negative. Also new ideas and perspectives came to the fore.

Recommendations for organising cooperation

Our recommendations emphasise the importance of strengthening the shared knowledge base. It is not enough simply to increase knowledge: the reliability and comprehensibility of information must also be improved. On the basis of the interviews, we propose a municipal impact assessment, monitoring of noise and air quality on a collaborative basis and improving the reliability of the assessment data.

We also encourage dialogue on what kind of Inkoo people want and how the steel mill plans help or hinder this, as well as on how to ensure that Inkoo people can react in case of deviations in the steel mill’s operations.

The work was funded by the Uusimaa Regional Council and the TAH Foundation.

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