Funding programme for nature projects

In 2021, Metsä Group launched a ten-year funding programme for nature projects to finance regionally effective development projects that are carried out outside commercial Finnish forests and support biodiversity. The projects can be related, for example, to nature solutions for the built environment, rehabilitation of aquatic bird habitats and wetlands, watercourses and the living conditions of pollinators.

Positive impacts on biodiversity

For funding to be granted, the project must have proven positive impacts on biodiversity, the applicant must have provided Metsä Group with accurate and adequate information about the funded project, an analysis must have been carried out on different sources of funding, the project must be launched in accordance with the application, and the applicant must meet the monitoring and reporting requirements.

In project assessments, Metsä Group cooperates with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of the Environment, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the University of Eastern Finland and the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK).

More information

Companies have an important role to play in increasing diversity

Nature management projects are an excellent complement to our ecological sustainability programme, which we are implementing as part of our management of commercial forests, wood procurement and the sale of forest services.

By channelling money wisely, we are also making an indirect impact by promoting a new culture in which companies play an important role in combating biodiversity loss and protecting biodiversity.

So far, we have funded 67 different projects under the Nature programme with EUR 1.8 million.

New projects are selected for the programme annually

The following 26 projects received funding in the 2024 call for proposals:

    • Rehabilitation of aquatic bird habitats and wetlands in Petäjävesi, the village of Northern-Ii,  the village of Röyhiö in Ikaalinen, the village of Täktom in Hanko, Rautalampi, Kymenlaakso, Pälkänevesi, North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu
    • Restoration of flowing waters and migratory fish projects in Lauhala, Kuusamo, Lapuanjoki, Inkoo, Savonlinna and Rautjärvi in South Karelia
    • Invasive species projects in the areas around the Aura River, Ähtäri, Mustajoki in South Karelia and a nationwide species project
    • Pollinator projects in South Karelia, Kuopio and Turku
    • Projects related to the condition of water bodies on the border between Lahti and Hollola on the shores of Lake Vesijärvi and in North Karelia
    • Management of traditional environment in Southwest Finland in the Luolala industrial area in the city of Naantali and in the Blue Industry Park, shipyard area and surrounding areas in the city of Turku, and in Valkeakoski

For further information about the programme, please send an e-mail to: luonto.ohjelma[at]metsagroup.com