This year's funding application period for nature restoration and management projects aimed at strengthening the state of Finnish nature is open from February 1 to April 30, 2026.
The funding programme for nature projects, established by Metsä Group in 2021, supports development projects in Finland that promote biodiversity outside commercial forests.
Funding can be applied for during the period February 1–April 30, 2026 via a web form.
Eligible projects may involve, for example, nature-based solutions in built environments, restoration of bird waters and wetlands, river routes, small water bodies, or improving the living conditions of selected species groups such as pollinators. Entirely new types of applications, such as those concerning innovations, are also very welcome. Initiatives from as many regions of Finland as possible are encouraged. The aim is also to involve a diverse range of actors such as organizations, schools, and municipalities.
To date, a total of 88 projects have been funded in various parts of Finland with approximately 2.4 million euros.
“The funding programme for nature projects provides a concrete and impactful way to strengthen Finnish nature outside commercial forests. It is inspiring to see such a wide and diverse group of actors from across Finland engaging in restoration and nature management. The projects funded through the programme not only enhance the state of nature, but also create new models of cooperation and examples of how local and national actors can build a more diverse future with the support of the private sector,” says Shaheena Turak, Metsä Group’s Nature Expert.
The selection of projects is guided by an independent panel of experts, which includes representatives from the University of Eastern Finland, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK), and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.
“The funding programme for nature projects makes it possible to build expertise as well as spread best practices for improving natural habitats. It is also a good example of how a company can support nature restoration. I am particularly pleased that environmental education is one of the focus areas in this year's application round, as it supports the development of nature knowledge among children and young people,” says Tatu Torniainen, Senior Lead at the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.
This year, €300,000 has been allocated for funding. The goal of the programme is to create, over the years, a diverse portfolio where the best operating models are shared among different stakeholders.
More information is available on website of the nature project funding programme