Demonstration demands forest protection outside Parliament House in Finland

Today, a demonstration called the “Forest March” is taking place at the Parliament House in Finland, demanding that the government protect ancient and natural forests. According to the environmental organizations organizing the protest, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government proposal for forest protection criteria is expected to result in further decline of old and natural state forests.

The demonstration is scheduled to start in front of the Parliament at 2 PM. The march will proceed along Mannerheimintie and Aleksanterinkatu towards Senate Square. Authorities anticipate that the event may cause temporary traffic disruptions between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, as stated by Juuso Metsälä from the Helsinki police communications department.

The police will be present to guide traffic, and tram routes will be redirected, according to Vilma Aho from Helsinki Regional Transport (HSL). Aho noted that there will likely be impacts on trams operating along Mannerheimintie and Aleksanterinkatu.

Similar forest marches are being organized today in Kuopio and Inari. Further updates on the event will follow.