Safeguarding and increasing services and
non-wood products (B.5)
National programmes
The National Natural Resources Strategy (2009), headed by
the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra) and compiled by an extensive
group of experts, looks at the big picture in the use of natural
resources and seeks to find new operating models for business,
politics and everyday life. A report entitled Building an Intelligent
and Responsible Natural Resource Economy, based on the National
Natural Resources Strategy, was published in 2010.
The Natural Resources Strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry includes objectives pertaining to the use of
game animal populations, products collected from forests and
forest landscapes in the development of business activities and
by households.
The National Forest Programme 2015 also addresses nonwood
forest products and envisages growing opportunities for
economic activity in nature tourism and natural products, among
other things. The commercialisation of intangible commodities
available from forests as well as research and development
initiatives relating to wellness and health benefits will be promoted.
The Rural Policy Programme 2009–2013 rests on the diverse
use of natural resources in the development of rural areas, placing
a special emphasis on the networking of different actors,
such as natural resources entrepreneurs. Under the Rural Policy
Committee composed of representatives of the various administrative
sectors, there are several theme groups which also
promote the multiple use of forests.
The purpose of the Sitra Landmarks Programme in 2010–
2014 is to identify interest in the countryside and changes
therein, and to conduct local experiments to generate new business.
Legislation
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| Cross-country skiing is a
popular winter sport in
Finland. It also provides an
opportunity to develop
nature tourism, especially
in Lapland. |
The freedom to move in forests and to collect berries and mushrooms
in Finland derives from what are known as Everyman’s
Rights. Everyman’s Rights are an established and accepted practice, even though not provided for by law. The Off-Road Traffic
Act governs motorised vehicle traffic in forests. The Outdoor
Recreation Act governs the setting up and management of recreational
routes, State hiking areas and camping areas.
Under the Forest Act, forests that are valuable in terms of scenery,
multiple use or scientific research can be managed in a way
that suits the particular characteristics of the site. The various
uses of forests are reconciled in zoning based on the Land Use
and Building Act. Recreational areas as well as primarily agricultural
and forestry areas in need of recreational supervision
are indicated in the land use plans, as well as the needs for
transportation between areas.
The Hunting Act specifies the times for the hunting seasons
for game animals and the procedure for granting hunting permits.
Hunters are required to pass a hunting examination. Hunting
rights belong to the landowner. However, inhabitants in the
Lapland region and in certain municipalities in the Province of
Oulu have free hunting rights on State land within their municipality
of residence.
With certain restrictions, reindeer herding in the reindeer herding
area defined in the Reindeer Husbandry Act is permitted
on all land regardless of the ownership of the land. The Act also
includes provisions on the prevention of and compensation
for damage done by reindeer, and on the maximum permitted
number of reindeer. Rights relating to reindeer husbandry are
also addressed in the Skolt Act. The Act on the Financing of
Reindeer Husbandry and Natural Economy Industries supports
the livelihoods and living conditions of persons engaged
in reindeer husbandry and natural economy industries.
Economic incentives
The collecting of wild berries and mushrooms is encouraged
by exempting income from their sales from tax. The further
processing of products collected from forests is supported
through many funding channels.
The agri-environmental support scheme compensates farmers
for costs and loss of income incurred through environmental
protection and landscape management measures. Measures
qualifying for compensation include the management of filter
strips and riparian zones. Special support is available for establishing
wetlands, filter strips and sedimentation ponds and for
preserving traditional biotopes and landscapes.
In granting business support for setting up enterprises based on
natural produce and nature tourism, related investments and
product development are considered on a par with those of
other small and medium enterprises. Various funding channels
are available for educational and network development
projects, as well as village development projects. Funding is
granted primarily by the regional Centre for Economic Development,
Transport and the Environment. Other major funding
bodies include the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and
Innovation (TEKES); Regional Councils, which have an interest
in emphasising regional development; and the Rural Policy
Committee.
Forest planning
Non-wood products and services are covered in all national
and regional programmes and action plans on forests, and also in the natural resources plans of Metsähallitus (see Indicator
B.4). The multiple uses of forests are coordinated not only in
forest planning but also in zoning. The certification criteria for
forests also promote the multiple use of forests and facilitate
reindeer husbandry.
Monitoring, research and advisory services
The Finnish Forest Research Institute studies non-wood forest
products in several of its projects and also monitors the supply
and demand of recreational use and nature tourism. An extensive
inventory, the National inventory of recreational use of nature
(LVVI) , was conducted in 1998–2002 and again in 2008–
2011. Regional forecasts for berry and mushroom harvests are
prepared by the Finnish Forest Research Institute in the summer
in cooperation with 4-H organisations and trained berry and
mushroom consultants. Metsähallitus monitors the recreational
use of state lands and keeps relevant statistics.
The Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute and the Finnish
Museum of Natural History study questions relating to game
management, compile nationwide statistics on game bags, and
evaluate the development of game populations together with
the National Game Management Centre. Elk and reindeer husbandry
are studied at the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research
Institute and the Finnish Forest Research Institute.
Sustainable management of game in Finland is the responsibility
of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Hunting licences
are also granted and monitored by State Provincial Offices and
on State land by Metsähallitus. The National Game Management
Centre and the 15 game management districts under it
are also statutory authorities in this field. Local game management
associations provide education and advisory services regarding
hunting and game management. Their work is funded
by the game management fees paid by hunters. Matters relating
to hunting and game management are also dealt with in
hunting associations and national hunting organisations, whose
membership is voluntary.
Many educational institutions and voluntary organisations promote
the use of natural resources by organising training events
and courses and by producing educational material. Increasing
nature tourism has also increased training in this area. There
are numerous trained wilderness guides who work as private
entrepreneurs and in the growing tourism businesses.
Links
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