Landscape management areas cherish cultural and nature values in rural areas

Under the nature Conservation Act, national and county landscape management areas may be established. They help to preserve, for example, the beauty of natural or cultural landscapes and the historical characteristics of the regions. Landscape management areas will be established in close cooperation with local actors, such as village associations and municipalities.

Landscape management areas correspond to the objectives set out in the European landscape Convention concerning interactive landscape management and positive communality built through the landscape. The European landscape Convention entered into force in Finland on 1.4.2006.

The Ministry of the Environment decides on the establishment and purpose of a national landscape management area on the proposal of the Regional Council or the national Supervisory Authority. The decision on the establishment and purpose of a county landscape management area is made by the Finnish Supervisory Authority on the proposal of a registered local or regional association, municipality or Regional Council. The centre for vitality may draw up a management and use plan for the landscape management area.