The Finnish Forest Association (FFA) has moved to set the record straight on the country’s forestry practices following an attack by columnist Jeff Howell in the Sunday Telegraph.
Mr Howell said Finland’s “ancient” forests are being felled at a “frightening” rate, fuelled by big timber import markets such as Britain. He questioned whether sustainable management is really being operated and said felling practices are affecting the Sami people of Northern Lapland, whose reindeer rely on the forests for food.
In response, the FFA said Finland tops the list on European forest protection, with 95% of its forests independently certified. It said use of the word “ancient” is misleading since nearly all the country’s forests have been utilised for economic activities for centuries.
The FFA said current forestry methods and wood production volumes do not hinder reindeer husbandry to any great extent, adding that the majority of herding co-operatives have approved forest operations.
