#10 Interview with Suvi SOJAMO and Antti RAUTAVAARA – Finland

In this interview, Suvi SOJAMO, Senior Researcher at the Finnish Environment Institute, and Antti RAUTAVAARA, Special Envoy for Water at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, discuss the distinction between transboundary water cooperation and water diplomacy, Finland’s coordinated water governance strategy, and the GOVAQUA project’s role in promoting sustainable and equitable water management across Europe.

What are the roles of the Finnish Environment Institute and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland?

The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) plays a crucial role in water management by providing scientific expertise and technical support for sustainable water governance. It coordinates research and innovation projects, such as GOVAQUA, which focuses on governance transitions toward equitable water management. SYKE collaborates with European and international partners to develop solutions addressing water scarcity, pollution, and ecosystem resilience, ensuring that scientific knowledge informs policy and practical water management strategies.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland leads Finland’s water diplomacy efforts, facilitating dialogue between countries that have not yet established transboundary water agreements. It integrates water-related issues into Finland’s foreign policy and development cooperation, supporting international initiatives for sustainable water management. By representing Finland in global negotiations and forums, the ministry ensures a coordinated approach that aligns diplomatic efforts with scientific and governance expertise to promote peaceful and equitable water resource management.

Who are Suvi SOJAMO and Antti RAUTAVAARA?

Suvi Sojamo is a Senior researcher at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), as a leading expert in water governance, water stewardship, and water diplomacy. She is currently involved in the GOVAQUA project, a collaborative initiative that unites 12 research and water management organizations across Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom. This project focuses on improving water governance and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing water-related challenges.

Her work emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-border cooperation in addressing complex water issues.

As Special Envoy for Water, Antti Rautavaara leads the implementation of Finland’s International Water Strategy (the Finnish Water Way). This role enhances the coherence of Finland’s international water policy. The Special Envoy brings together the Finnish water community and foreign partners to promote a water-secure world by 2030, coordinating the activities of the five ministries implementing the Finnish Water Way strategy and representing them in international contexts.

Mr. Rautavaara is a international water expert with extensive experience in political, peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian contexts. He has held long-term positions in Sweden, China, Ethiopia, and Nepal. He holds an MSc from Aalto University (Helsinki) and a Certificate from the Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm).