Metla - The Finnish Forest Research Institute - is a specialist organization running nine Research Units in locations spread over Finland and owning a network of research forests covering almost the entire country. Metla’s mission is to support research measures that will enhance economically, ecologically and socially sustainable forestry. As an organization under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Metla is the biggest forest research organization in Europe. Metla has collected information on forests and forestry since 1917. Metla has a large number of permanent test sites and extensive banks of data collected from them. In addition to research and the related information reserve management, Metla creates forecasts relating, for example, to the health status of forests, harvesting prospects, and timber trade. Additionally, Metla administrates the Koli national park, the Malla and Vesijako nature parks, and tens of smaller nature reserves.
| |
 |
KOLARI
The Kolari Research Unit promotes sustainable use of the northern timberline forests and the integration of alternative forms of forest use through means of research. The number of permanent staff is 21.
ROVANIEMI
The Rovaniemi Research Unit specializes in research into forest management methods applicable at the northern zone, research into forest ecosystems and their material and non-material values to promote the integration of the different forms of forest use. The number of permanent staff is 74.
MUHOS
The Muhos Research Unit specializes in research on the ecology of forest regeneration, changes in the condition of the forest environment, and the development of forest management methods for use in the Ostrobothnia-Kainuu region. The number of permanent staff is 47.
KANNUS
The Kannus Research Unit focuses on wood energy, forest management planning, coastal forests, afforestation of agricultural land, and the utilization of peatland forests. The number of permanent staff is 23.
JOENSUU
Through means of research, the Joensuu Research Unit promotes regional economic, social and ecological development related to woodworking and forestry. The number of permanent staff at the end of 2005 was 79.
SUONENJOKI
The Suonenjoki Research Unit specializes in research into forest tree nurseries and studies of forest regeneration, ecophysiology of forest trees, as well as forestry planning. The number of permanent staff is 47.
PARKANO
The Parkano Research Unit promotes sustainable forestry by producing information on forest health conditions and on forestry, with the focus on peatlands. The number of permanent staff is 43.
PUNKAHARJU
The Punkaharju Research Unit performs research on forest genetics, especially in biotechnology and resistance breeding; research results are applied to the practical needs of forest improvement. The number of permanent staff is 38.
VANTAA
The Vantaa Research Unit produces basic information about ecologically, socially and economically sustainable forest use. Metla has assigned Vantaa with principal responsibility for creating national policies for forest management and forestry and for serving the related interest groups. The number of permanent staff is 282.
