Finland faces conservation funding crisis as demand for forest protection surges
In the murky wetlands, Mikko Saarela and I search for a spring at the base of a rugged rock face. A lifelong forestry worker in his family’s woodlands, Saarela has considered the protection of the area beneath the rock. “This is also a site protected by forest law, meaning a certain portion must be left outside of forestry practices,” he notes. However, he believes this spot may be too small to qualify as part of the Metso conservation program, established 16 years ago to safeguard biodiversity in Southern Finland.
Finnish forest owners are keen on conservation initiatives. An inquiry to regional environmental authorities reveals a staggering backlog for Metso protections, with demand reaching ten times the area the government has allocated funding for. This year, €20 million has been set aside for permanent Metso conservation. In contrast, compensation for fur producers could exceed €50 million.
“Forests are valuable assets, so it makes sense to receive compensation for permanent protection,” Saarela explains. Henri Mommo, sales manager of the Päijänne Forestry Association, emphasizes that compensation for permanent conservation is a crucial incentive. He warns that even if a current owner is willing to protect valuable land for free, the ownership may change in the future, potentially leading to clear-cutting if financial needs arise.
Currently, due to a lack of available funds, forestry associations are directing landowners to apply for a ten-year environmental compensation under the Metso program. After this period, owners can manage their forests as they wish. Recent compensation figures in Central Finland have reached up to €15,000 per hectare for permanent protection, while environmental compensation has been approximately €3,000 per hectare. Mommo suggests that installment payments could facilitate these protections, allowing gradual income for landowners without the state needing to pay large sums upfront.