Nature and Water

The Ministry of the Environment aims to halt the decline in biodiversity in Finland, achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for species and habitats, and ensure well-functioning ecosystems and at least a good status of rivers, lakes, groundwater and the Baltic Sea.

A diverse natural environment and viable waters are the foundation for the wellbeing of humans and ecosystems and a prerequisite for all activities in society.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity must be protected and maintained in order to safeguard the conditions which support life on the planet. Safeguarding biodiversity requires an effort from the whole of society.

Biodiversity and nature protection

Reform of the nature conservation legislation

The reform of the nature conservation legislation includes updates to the Nature Conservation Act and Decree, a new act on compensations for damages caused by protected species, and a project to test and develop ecological compensation.

Reform of the nature conservation legislation

International biodiversity policy

Finland has long been participating in international cooperation on nature conservation, and is also bound by several international agreements whose aim is to protect biodiversity.

International biodiversity policy

Helmi habitats programme

Helmi habitats programme aims to strengthen Finland’s biodiversity and safeguard the vital ecosystem services that nature provides for us.

Helmi habitats programme

Water resources and marine protection

The aim is that the status of the Baltic Sea, rivers and lakes and groundwater is at least good.

Water resources and marine protection

Forest Biodiversity Programme for Southern Finland (METSO)

METSO combines forest biodiversity conservation and maintenance with commercial use. The programme is aimed at halting the decline in forest species and habitats, and establishing favourable trends in forest biodiversity.

Forest Biodiversity Programme for Southern Finland (METSO)