What happens when green infrastructure isn’t just a design project, but a shared mission across professions?

In this episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett shares conversations recorded at the Green Days 2025 Congress and Expo in Jyväskylä, Finland. The event brought together professionals from planning, design, research, and industry who are all working to create greener cities through collaboration.

From landscape ecology and soil networks to garden coaching and cross-industry standards, this episode highlights what becomes possible when we stop working in silos and start creating shared solutions.

Highlights include:

• Soil as the hidden foundation of urban green networks
• How private gardens can support public environmental goals
• Designing for seasonal extremes in Nordic cities
• Turning academic research into community change
• Creating shared standards for long-term success

Featured Conversations

🧑‍🏫 Marina Cervera – Barcelona Architectural School

Lecturer and practitioner focused on landscape architecture, urbanism, and bridging theory with practice

🔗 LinkedIn | Website

🧑‍🔬 Outi Tahvonen – HAMK University of Applied Sciences

Research scientist exploring the role of soil, gardens, and community engagement in ecological planning

🔗 LinkedIn | X/Twitter

👷‍♂️ Taavi Forssell – Finnish Association of Landscape Industries

Executive director leading cross-sector collaboration in the Finnish green industry

🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Referenced in this episode:

• Green Days Congress – annual gathering of Europe’s landscape and planning professionals
• Finnish Association of Landscape Industries – collaboration across the green industry value chain in Finland
• HAMK University of Applied Sciences – research and applied learning for ecological and community solutions

Interested in attending Green Days 2026?

Learn more and stay connected with future events at Green Days Congress

About PodParks

PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.

Meet the PodParks Team

Alongside Maria, the podcast is brought to life by a passionate and creative team working together to share stories from around the world:

Luis Romahn

Vitoria Martín Delgado

Vladimir Yañez Huehpa

Cynthia Hernández Martínez

Boris Solis

Learn more about World Urban Parks

World Urban Parks is the global network for urban park professionals, advocates, and city leaders working to shape greener, healthier, and more inclusive cities.

🌐 worldurbanparks.org

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