22 new projects focusing on biodiversity management and restoration were selected for Metsä Group’s Nature Projects funding programme. A total of EUR 600,000 was granted. A new focus in this year’s funding was on increasing school cooperation.
The aim of the funding programme for nature projects is to strengthen biodiversity outside commercial forests. A diverse range of projects received funding, including restoring stream waters, fighting against alien species, and strengthening of wetland nature and the status of bird waters.
The new goal this year was to increase school cooperation. Funding was granted, for example, to the The Finnish Association of Nature and Environment Schools, Salo Upper Secondary School and Lastu School of Architecture and Environmental Culture, whose projects implement concrete measures that increase diversity and strengthen the nature relationship and understanding of biodiversity among children and young people.
“The funding programme for nature projects is progressing strongly. A wide and diverse range of actors and projects across Finland are involved. In the background, there is a common goal of improving the state of Finnish nature. When best practices are shared, the quality and effectiveness of projects will further develop,” says Timo Lehesvirta, Senior Nature Specialist at Metsä Group.
An external expert panel representing organisations in the natural resources sector, such as the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, participates in the evaluation of the projects.
“Participating in the work of the expert panel has been rewarding. It is encouraging to see how motivated Finns are to strengthen the state of nature. The funding provided by Metsä Group is a welcome contribution from the private sector. It is important that the funding base for promoting diversity in Finland expands,” says Laura Höijer, Research Director at the Ministry of the Environment, the vice-chairman of the expert panel.
Metsä Group has set itself the goal of strengthening the state of nature in its operations by 2030. In order to achieve the goal, renewable forestry and land use programmes are implemented. As a new measure in 2025, Metsä Group decided to establish a forest protection foundation.
Metsä Group’s funding programme for nature projects funds development projects that promote biodiversity outside commercial forests in Finland. The terms of the funding to be implemented include that the project has been proven to have a positive impact on biodiversity. In 2021–2025, funding has been granted for a total of almost EUR 2.4 million for 89 projects.
Photo: Metsä
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