Everyman's right working well

Commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment, Suomen Latu and Ulkoilufoorumi conducted a survey on the use of everyman's right. The target groups for the survey included landowners, persons engaging in outdoor recreational activities and authorities. A total of 362 questionnaires were sent and the response rate was 68 percent. The survey was conducted in October/November 2006.

The survey focused on gathering information on the problems related to the use of everyman's right, asking respondents for proposals on how to promote the use of everyman's right. In addition, proposals were collected to develop the education and communication activities concerning everyman's right.

The greatest problems include unpermitted and wild off-road driving

Respondents believe that everyman's right works quite well in Finland. Almost all respondents thought that everyman's right works either very well or quite well. Only one percent of all respondents considered everyman's right to be working poorly. No significant differences existed between the different groups of respondents.

Based on the results, only a few conflicts or problems are related to the use of everyman's right when taking into account the extent to which it is used. Most problems arise when the limitations of everyman's right are exceeded either through ignorance or indifference. The largest problems related to everyman's right are unpermitted or wild off-road driving, especially the use of snowmobiles, littering and letting dogs off the leash.

Fairly often, landowners considered unpermitted campfires, the use of private roads, long-term camping and passing too close to residential buildings to be major problems. Particular problems for the reindeer herding areas were dog sledding and snowmobile traffic outside of designated routes.

Hikers considered major problems to include illegal prohibitory signs and barriers intended to limit the freedom of movement, parking problems and occasionally the land owner's negative stance on everyman's right. In addition, crowding in outdoor recreational areas and disturbances caused by forestry to outdoor paths were mentioned. In addition to unpermitted cross-country traffic, unpermitted campfires, fishing, the use of private roads and unpermitted hunting were the main concerns for the authorities.

All groups of respondents believe they are reasonably well aware of everyman's right. Shortcomings were nevertheless found in terms of people's knowledge. Landowners demand more education for hikers, while hikers want the same for landowners. The responses of all groups highlighted the importance of regular communication concerning the contents of everyman's right. Communication should clarify which issues are encompassed by everyman's right and which issues fall outside of its scope. According to many respondents, communication should be used to appeal to people's sense of responsibility and to focus on responsible behaviour when taking advantage of everyman's right.

Everyman's right

Everyman's right is a generally accepted custom. It guarantees everyone staying in Finland the basic right to roam freely in the countryside, without the need to obtain permission, no matter who owns or occupies the land. There is no cost related to taking advantage of everyman's right and no permission from the land owner is required. The use of the right may not cause damage or disturbance. Everyman's right is based on various laws, including the Penal Code, the Water Act and the Nature Conservation Act.

Everyman's right is most extensive in the Nordic countries where moving about freely in nature picking berries and mushrooms is an important part of the culture. Within the European Union, everyman's right varies greatly by country. In each country, it is an integral part of the country's cultural history and is based on local conditions.

Further information:

Senior Adviser Pekka Tuunanen, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 20 490 7129