Nature conservation

	Riisitunturi national park. © Eira Kuikka.

Finland is justifiably renowned for its forests and lakes. About a tenth of the total area of Finland 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 Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

The Council of State approved the new National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Finland 2006-2016 in its decision-in-principle of 21.12.2006. 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. Finland has become the first EU member state to renew its national biodiversity strategy. The link to the National Strategy and action plan - Saving nature for people - is on the right of this page.

A long history of conservation

Finland has a long tradition of nature conservation. The first species were protected here as long ago as 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 – 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. These rights apply to foreigners as well as Finnish citizens.