The Metso programme for improving biodiversity of forests in southern Finland is reportedly “off to a good start”, with the first pilot project for nature value trading now under way.
The Finnish Forest Association says the project gives forest owners tax breaks on transactions if they make an agreement with the state to improve the natural value of their land.
Metso has 17 initiatives in total, carried out between the ministry of the environment and the ministry of agriculture and forestry.
A broad-based research programme costing €2m is being carried out this year, while a further €1m has been allocated for research of species which are insufficiently known or threatened.
Metso, which is looking for an additional €62m financing for 2003-2007, forms part of the goals of the National Forest Programme 2010. Metsähallitus, the organisation responsible for Finland’s state forests, plays an important role in carrying out and financing the programme.
