The measures, revealed in the pilot stage of the Forest Biodiversity Programme for Southern Finland (Metso), should be earmarked for sufficient funds in the state budget, said Anders Portin, senior vice-president at the Finnish Forest Industries Federation, which has been in charge of monitoring the system.
“Forest biodiversity in Southern Finland can be protected mainly through the natural management of commercial forests and voluntary protection measures,” he said. “Increasing protection significantly would probably weaken the supply of wood.”
Planning for a new action and financing programme to improve forest biodiversity in 2007 is now being discussed, which is expected to be put forward for government approval later this year.
