About 84% of the wood we procure comes from Finland, a significant part of it from the forests of our owner-members. We also purchase wood from Sweden and the Baltic countries. Over 90% of the wood we use is certified, and the origin of the wood is always known when we procure it.
In Finland, forest biodiversity is safeguarded through legislation such as the Forest Act and the Nature Conservation Act. In addition to legal requirements, Metsä Group complies with international forest certification standards and develops its own measures to protect biodiversity.
Legislation and regulations set the framework for forest operations
Forest use in Finland is governed by several laws and regulations. Both the Forest Act and the Nature Conservation Act define sites that are important to protect for biodiversity. These include, for example, springs and streams with their immediate surroundings, many types of wetlands, stands of noble hardwoods, and lush groves. Such legally protected sites are always taken into account in forest management. Forest certification also safeguards certain valuable habitats.
“We have comprehensive geographic information datasets on habitats valuable for biodiversity. In addition, we ensure our personnel are trained to identify and protect these sites, as not all valuable information can be found on maps,” says Silja Pitkänen-Arte, Metsä Group’s Sustainability Manager.
We also follow the official national criteria for old-growth and primary forests defined by the Finnish Government. These criteria are based on the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to protect the remaining old-growth and primary forests in Europe.
Forest biodiversity is also promoted nationally through the METSO programme, a voluntary forest conservation scheme. Metsä Group’s forest specialists recommend voluntary protection for suitable sites to forest owners.
