Metsä Group funds biodiversity management and restoration projects with a total of 600,000 euros in 2024. This year, 26 new projects were approved for the funding programme for nature projects. With this year's selections, the themes of the projects are increasingly diverse and their geographical coverage is expanding.
The themes of the funded projects include, for example, condition of water bodies, restoration of flowing waters, removal of invasive species and predators, pollinator services, management of traditional habitats and restoration of bird wetlands.
"In the funding programme for nature projects, expert networks focusing on different nature themes have started implementing projects that improve the state of nature regionally. Our goal is to mainstream the operating culture, where Finnish nature is the force that unites us. We invite all companies to participate, regardless of industry”, says Metsä Group's leading nature expert Timo Lehesvirta.
The expansion of the funding base for nature projects was discussed at the beginning of June at an event organized by Metsä Group and the Association for the Management and Protection of Archipelago Nature. The experience and knowledge shared at the event create a basis for the development of a more diverse and stable funding base than before in projects that strengthen the state of nature.
"We are a small but active association that promotes and supports nationally set nature goals through voluntary activities. We welcome the fact that the private sector is getting involved in financing the well-being of Finnish nature", says Tommy Arfman from the Association for the Management and Protection of the Archipelago Nature.
"Metsä Group's funding channel is an example and a welcome opening for the environmental work of the private and public sector to play towards the same goal. The expansion of the funding base in the direction of companies is a welcome message. There is potential in the projects selected now. Personally I especially like the nature initiatives from schools", commented Pekka Pesonen, head of the office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and chairman of the expert council.
Metsä Group has set the goal of strengthening the state of nature in its operations by 2030. In order to achieve the goal, action programmes for regenerative forestry and land use are implemented, recognizing the nature effects of the company's own operations.
The funding programme for nature projects is the company's free additional contribution to support Finland's national nature goals. A total of 67 different projects have been financed within the framework of the program since 2022. An independent panel of experts from organizations in the natural resources sector participates in the evaluation of the projects.
Read more about the projects and funding programme from Metsä Group's website.