Open dialogue between authorities and organisations could resolve environmental confrontations

When the environmental movement in Finland emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, it often focused on concrete places and clearly defined environmental threats. One well-known example is the 1979 Koijärvi movement, where activists sought to prevent the draining of a valuable bird lake. Terhi Raikas’s dissertation in public law indicates that current environmental organisations operate in a completely different reality.

– Environmental organisations now face challenges that are broader and more complex than before due to the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. The development of participatory and deliberative democracy has opened new channels of influence for them, says Raikas.

In public debate, the activities of environmental organisations are highlighted mainly through civil disobedience. The road blockades by Elokapina (Extinction Rebellion Finland) in particular have shaped the perception of what environmental activism is.

– Extinction Rebellion receives a lot of media attention, but it is just one form of influence among others. It is important that civil disobedience does not obscure the organisations’ other expert work and official influence, Raikas points out.

Attitudes of officials vary

For her research, Raikas interviewed both activists and authorities. The practical opportunities for participation available to organisations often still depend on local practices and the attitudes of officials. In some municipalities, organisations are seen as a nuisance, whereas elsewhere they are viewed as partners.

– In one case, municipal decision-makers did not interrupt an illegal demonstration held in front of the government office building but went to listen to the activists’ message instead. Such dialogue can dismantle confrontations and streamline decision-making, Raikas states.

The research is primarily based on legal source material from both Finland and reference countries. According to Raikas, updating legislation to correspond with current civic activity would benefit authorities, organisations, and citizens alike.

– In Finland, interpretations of civil disobedience have long relied on the 1980s Koijärvi case. In Sweden and Switzerland, different solutions have already been reached, recognising that civil disobedience may be justified in a state of necessity. Recent Finnish case law also indicates a shift in this direction, Raikas estimates.

Dissertation

Raikas, Terhi (2026). Ympäristöjärjestöjen asema yhteiskunnallisen ja oikeudellisen muutoksen ilmentäjänä. Acta Wasaensia 577. Doctoral dissertation. University of Vaasa.

Publication PDF

Public defence

The public examination of LL.M., MA, M.Soc.Sc. Terhi Raikas’s doctoral dissertation ”Ympäristöjärjestöjen asema yhteiskunnallisen ja oikeudellisen muutoksen ilmentäjänä” will be held on Thursday 22 January 2026 at 12 at the University of Vaasa, auditorium Nissi.

It is possible to participate in the defence also online: 
https://uwasa.zoom.us/j/68055369971?pwd=tCag5NhbdTeQJRg52fHqQsQXxltapM.1
Password: 179446

Professor (emer.) Anne Kumpula (University of Turku) will act as opponent and Professor Niina Mäntylä as custos.

The defence will be held in Finnish.