Metsä Group's funding programme for nature projects supports projects that promote biodiversity outside commercial forests in Finland. Established in 2021, the programme aims to create a new culture of action and local cooperation for nature. The Nature Network consists of people who participate in activities to enhance the state of nature in different projects.
The funding programme for nature project is part of Metsä Group's commitment to biodiversity - without compensating for the company's own environmental impacts. "This does not replace Metsä Group's own environmental responsibility, but complements it," says Timo Lehesvirta, Senior Nature Specialist.
The programme has funded, among other things, the restoration of wetlands, the improvement of stream habitats and support for pollinator habitats.
Mirka Nyman, project manager from Valkeakoski, and Antti Syvänen, ICT planner from the Education Services, were pleased with the event. They work on the School Meadows project, which develops environmental education together with young people.
"It's great to be able to implement something completely new. The cooperation has been clear and resources have been allocated directly to the activities without unnecessary bureaucracy," says Syvänen.
Tomi Salo, Director of Community Relations, highlights the wider potential of the School Meadows project: "Operational environmental education has strengthened local networks. There could be potential for other municipalities and cities to benefit from such activities."
Mikko Toivola from the Finnish Game Centre works as a consultant for the project "Stability in the Archipelago Sea invasive predators", which aims to improve the living conditions of waterfowl fledglings in the archipelago by removing invasive predators.
"Normally, the work is largely a volunteer effort by hunters, but thanks to this form of support we have been able to move to a more professional approach," says Toivola.
Removing invasive species requires professional skills, and flexible resources have made this possible. "It is usually difficult to get financial support for this kind of activity, so this opportunity has been very valuable for us," Toivola continues.
The day concluded with a panel discussion on the importance of nature networks for different projects - effective nature work requires broad collaboration, new practices and innovation.
"We need more meetings like this, where operators from all over Finland can exchange experiences and find new solutions," says Salo.
Community was a strong theme in the discussions. "Trust comes from encounters - when we stop, exchange ideas and get to know each other. That is the basis of all cooperation," Salo recalls.
The funding round of the programme is open, apply before 30th April.