Residents in Fiskars voice concerns over forestry practices of Fiskars Group in Raasepori

Residents of the village of Fiskars in Raasepori are expressing dissatisfaction with the forestry practices of the Fiskars Group, one of the largest forest owners in the region with 14,000 hectares of forest land. Locals believe the beauty of the village and its biodiversity are at risk, as reported by Svenska Yle.

The village association and its environmental committee particularly criticize the company’s management of its commercial forests, deeming it too harsh. There is also concern regarding the felling of many old broadleaf trees in the area. Locals are urging Fiskars, known for its production of functional items and ownership of various design brands, to consider more environmentally friendly forestry practices.

Jan Oker-Blom, head of public relations at Fiskars, defended the company’s actions, assuring residents that they need not worry about environmental impacts. He stated that the company manages its forests sustainably and collaborates with local communities.

However, locals feel that discussions with the company have not yielded meaningful results. They specifically hope for an end to clear-cutting practices and a shift toward continuous cover forestry, which would help preserve forest biodiversity and recreational value. Additionally, they demand that the company protect at least 30% of its forests in accordance with the UN biodiversity agreement.

Fiskars emphasizes its commitment to continuous improvements and protective measures in its forests, noting that 7% of its woodlands are already protected and 20% are outside forest management. While residents do not claim that Fiskars is violating any laws or certification standards, they believe the company could set an example for innovative forestry thinking, especially since forestry contributes only 0.2% to its revenue. Fiskars has roots dating back to the 17th century and is now recognized for its iconic orange-handled scissors and other design brands.