Funds shortage hindering forest conservation in Finland

Forest owners in Finland are showing a strong interest in protecting their forests through the state-funded Metso programme. YLE reported that there has been a surge in applications from forest owners in Southern Finland seeking permanent conservation under this program. The amount of land covered by these applications far exceeds the budgeted area allocated by the government.

The Director of Sales at the Forest Management Association highlighted the importance of compensation as an incentive for forest owners to opt for permanent protection. Without financial support, forest owners are advised to consider 10-year agreements under Metso, where they have more flexibility in the future management of their forests.

In 2023, nearly 10,000 hectares of forest habitats were protected in Southern Finland under Metso. Permanent protection offers higher compensation compared to environmental aid agreements, making it an attractive option for forest owners.

To address the funding issue, forest management associations suggest the government introduce payment plans to make conservation more accessible. With the government’s support, forest owners can ensure the long-term preservation of their valuable forest areas.