Voluntary forest protection under METSO Programme reached its target ahead of time - next period starting in 2026 prepared

10.3.2025 14.01
In 2024, about 3,200 hectares of forest habitats were protected under the Forest Biodiversity Programme for Southern Finland METSO. Last year Finnish forest owners protected about 2,900 hectares of forest on a permanent basis and concluded ten-year environmental aid contracts that covered about 260 hectares. About 20 hectares of forest was protected for 20 years and nature managements works were carried out on about 200 hectares. The process is under way to prepare the next period of the METSO Programme and new targets for it.

Latest releases

Voluntary forest protection under METSO Programme reached its target ahead of time - next period starting in 2026 prepared

10.3.2025 14.01
In 2024, about 3,200 hectares of forest habitats were protected under the Forest Biodiversity Programme for Southern Finland METSO. Last year Finnish forest owners protected about 2,900 hectares of forest on a permanent basis and concluded ten-year environmental aid contracts that covered about 260 hectares. About 20 hectares of forest was protected for 20 years and nature managements works were carried out on about 200 hectares. The process is under way to prepare the next period of the METSO Programme and new targets for it.

Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction starts operating on 1 March – Interim Director appointed

28.2.2025 12.30
The operations of the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland Ara as an independent agency will end. Its tasks will be transferred to the Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction established in connection with the Ministry of the Environment, which starts operating on 1 March.

UN Biodiversity Conference agrees on steps towards more effective financing – “Victory of multilateral cooperation”

28.2.2025 0.38
The resumed session of the UN Biodiversity Conference in Rome reached an understanding on developing the financial architecture for biodiversity and on the monitoring and common review of biodiversity work.

See also

  • Circular Economy »

    Finland is preparing a strategic programme to promote a circular economy. The aim is to transform the economy into one that is based on the principles of circular economy by 2035.

  • Helmi Habitats Programme »

    Helmi habitats programme, led by the Ministry of the Environment, aims to strengthen Finland’s biodiversity and safeguard the vital ecosystem services that nature provides for us.

  • Government Programme: A strong and committed Finland »

    The Government is seeking to make Finland a strong and committed country that can withstand global storms.

Ministry

  • Minister of Climate and the Environment »

    Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala is the head of the Ministry of the Environment.

  • Organisation and management »

    The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for preparing matters to be submitted for consideration by the Government and Parliament, such as matters concerning communities, the built environment, housing, biodiversity, sustainable use of natural resources, climate change and environmental protection.

  • Ministry of the Environment as a workplace »

    We at the Ministry of the Environment want to ensure a better environment for future generations. At the Ministry of the Environment, you can have an impact on environmental matters, building, housing and biodiversity.