Nature conservation
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River Kitkajoki, Oulanka National park.
Photo: Tapio Heikkilä
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Finland is justifiably renowned for its forests and lakes. About a tenth of Finland's total area is covered by inland waters.
Most of the country lies within the boreal coniferous forest natural vegetation zone, where the dominant tree species are Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris); but there are also some deciduous woodlands, particularly in the south.
National Biodiversity Strategy
The Council of State approved the national strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Finland in its decision-in-principle in 2006. The strategy covers the years 2006-2016.
The National Strategy accompanied by an Action Plan for the conservation of biodiversity represent Finland´s vision of and commitment for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
At present, the national strategy is being revised to adapt to the descisions of COP 10 of the Convention of Biological Diversity and the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy.
A long history of conservation
Finland has a long tradition of nature conservation. The first species were protected here in 1923, and the first nature reserves were designated in 1932.
Tourism and outdoor recreational activities are greatly facilitated even in most protected areas by everyman’s right. It means the traditional and extensive right to roam in the countryside, no matter who owns the land. These rights come together with the responsibility not to disturb or harm natural surroundings or other people’s property. Everyman's rights apply to foreigners as well as Finnish citizens.
More information
Counsellor Ilkka Heikkinen, Ministry of the Environment,
tel. +358 40 506 1172, firstname.lastname@ymparisto.fi
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