Wetland drainage in Toivakka raises concerns over biodiversity impact in Finland

In the Pahka-ahko area of Toivakka, a wetland has been drained, impacting a water source. Eila Penttinen, who is restoring her father’s farm in Central Finland, believes the drainage was originally done for forestry purposes. She recalls her father’s fond memories of the spring, describing it as a beautiful location.

After restoring the springs, there is no guarantee of official protection. Future actions by landowners could threaten the state of the restored springs. The Metso program provides a possibility for private forest protection, but limited resources and long waiting lists create uncertainty around obtaining protection.

Penttinen has dreamed of restoring the spring to its natural state. This autumn, her wish is being realized through the Helmi program, which addresses biodiversity loss by restoring various habitats across Finland. The program aims to restore around 700 springs outside of protected areas in the coming years.

Iina Eskelinen, a PhD student at the University of Jyväskylä focusing on spring restoration, emphasizes the importance of springs to biodiversity. She notes that climate change may amplify their role as surface waters warm and dry periods increase.

The condition of springs also affects surrounding areas, as demonstrated by the drained wetland in Pahka-ahko where water no longer flows to the adjacent swamp, leading to its drying and degradation.

Risks to small bodies of water include forestry activities nearby, which can alter the local ecosystem. The Helmi program seeks to minimize these risks by concentrating restoration efforts within geographical areas to maximize their impact on biodiversity.

While the Metso program offers opportunities for private forest conservation, the funding is insufficient for all interested parties, leaving the official protection of restored areas uncertain. Despite challenges, Penttinen hopes the spring will thrive without human interference in the future.