Nature

The biodiversity loss is global. In Finland, too, nature continues to become more and more impoverished. Twelve per cent of species in Finland are at risk of extinction. Almost half of Finland’s habitat types are considered to be endangered. When nature is impoverished, its ability to adapt for example to climate change is weakened. At the same time, humans lose the opportunities and products provided by nature. The natural capital is decreasing.

The biodiversity loss is mainly due to the use of land and water areas. Almost all areas are in efficient use, and the natural assets have not been sufficiently taken into account. Invasive alien species, chemical stress and climate change add the burden on nature.

A wide range of measures to halt the biodiversity loss

The biodiversity loss has been recognised and is being mitigated by various means. The aim is to stop the deterioration of nature by 2030. This is possible if the measures can be extended to all use of nature and natural resources. In addition, damaged nature must be restored, and climate change, eutrophication and invasive alien species must be combatted.

Protected areas play an important role in halting the biodiversity loss. The current network of protected areas in Finland is unbalanced: the areas are concentrated in the northern areas with no or few trees. Less than seven per cent of the woodland is protected, even less in southern Finland. The European Union’s objective is to protect 30 per cent of Europe’s land and sea area in a way that 10 per cent of this area is strictly protected.

Read more of the biodiversity