Finland proposes narrowing definition of boreal natural forests to reduce EU restoration obligations

Finland’s agriculture and forestry ministry is pushing to redefine boreal natural forests in a way that would significantly reduce the area subject to EU-mandated restoration, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The proposed change, part of Finland’s national plan to implement the EU Nature Restoration Law, would cut the area classified as boreal natural forests by up to 65 percent. Under current definitions, these forests cover roughly 14,000 square kilometres, but the ministry’s new age-based criteria would exclude 78,100 hectares from restoration requirements.

The EU regulation, which entered into force in 2023, requires member states to restore degraded ecosystems, including boreal natural forests—a habitat type defined by the EU Habitats Directive since 1995. Finland has reported these areas to the EU since 2007, using qualitative criteria such as the presence of old-growth trees and typical species.

Critics, including Aija Kukkala, a senior specialist at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), argue the proposed definition is overly rigid, focusing narrowly on tree age rather than ecological characteristics. “The current definition is based on multiple criteria, but the ministry’s proposal reduces it almost solely to age,” Kukkala told Yle. She warned the change could undermine biodiversity goals and draw scrutiny from the European Commission, potentially damaging Finland’s reputation in sustainable forestry.

The ministry acknowledges the proposal but frames it as a national interpretation rather than an EU-level change. “The current definition restricts where and how forestry can be practiced,” said Katja Matveinen, the ministry’s lead specialist. She did not address concerns about ecological impacts.

The dispute mirrors a 2023 controversy over Finland’s definition of old-growth forests, where the same ministry successfully narrowed protection criteria. Both cases relate to the EU Biodiversity Strategy, though boreal natural forests cover a broader range of forest types than old-growth stands.

Most of Finland’s boreal natural forests are already in protected areas, but some exist on commercial forestland and Natura 2000 sites. The ministry’s plan would allow continued logging in areas currently slated for restoration.