Nature programme

The projects may relate to bird waters and wetlands, watercourse routes, small waters and coastal environments, pollinator habitats or new technical solutions that enhance nature.

Positive impacts on biodiversity

For funding to be granted, the project must have proven positive impacts on biodiversity, the applicant must have provided Metsä Group with accurate and adequate information about the funded project, an analysis must have been carried out on different sources of funding, the project must be launched in accordance with the application, and the applicant must meet the monitoring and reporting requirements.

In project assessments, Metsä Group cooperates with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of the Environment, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the University of Eastern Finland and the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK).

Companies have an important role to play in increasing diversity

Nature management projects are an excellent complement to our ecological sustainability programme, which we are implementing as part of our management of commercial forests, wood procurement and the sale of forest services.

By channelling money wisely, we are also making an indirect impact by promoting a new culture in which companies play an important role in combating biodiversity loss and protecting biodiversity.

So far, we have funded 41 different projects under the Nature programme with EUR 1.2 million.

New projects are selected for the programme anually

The following projects received funding in the 2023 call for proposals:

• Sandy beach project in Etelä-Saimaa
• Management of traditional landscapes in Salo, Taivassalo and the Archipelago Sea
• Restoring sun-lit habitats in Kankaanpää
• Invasive predator trapping in the Archipelago Sea and a national invasive predator project
• Invasive species projects in Uusimaa and Loimaa
• Restoration of flowing waters and migratory fish projects in Lieksa, Kuusamo, Äänekoski, Viitasaari, Lapland, South Savo and South Karelia
• Projects related to the condition of water bodies in Mänttä-Vilppula, Central Finland, Ikaalinen, Southern Lapland, South Karelia and Kukkiajärvi

For further information about the programme, please send an e-mail to: luonto.ohjelma[at]metsagroup.com