Policy instruments for forest-based public goods

Forest owners and private citizens approve of voluntary conservation means

An interview addressed to the public revealed that 75% of Finns are in favour of additional forest conservation in southern Finland. A majority of the respondents felt that forest owners should have a full compensation for the costs caused by conservation and supported the forest owners' sovereignty in decision-making. Two thirds of the respondents favoured voluntary methods, such as contracts and counselling, as a means to increase forest conservation.

Two interview surveys were made to clarify forest owners' attitudes and knowledge level on biodiversity. More flexible, trade-off solutions were accepted more frequently than the conventional conservation measures to guarantee biodiversity. Forest owners' willingness to accept the biodiversity conservation contracts depended strongly on the terms of the contracts. Retaining the ownership rights was considered especially important.

Forest owners are not well aware of the norms and recommendations relating to biodiversity conservation of commercial forests. In particular, they lacked information on forest certification and conservation. They were best informed on the requirements and recommendations relating to forest management in the neighbourhood of small waters and wetlands.

Additional information on the project: www.metla.fi/hanke/3276/index-en.htm