Media

Nordic countries pioneers in replacing non-renewable natural resources

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Publication date 28.8.2007 6.00
Press release -

"The Nordic and Baltic States should continue to be active pioneers, both in increasing eco-efficiency and in shifting the focus from non-renewable resources to renewable resources. More efficient, sustainable use of raw materials, as well as combating the threats of climate change will be key issues in determining the future of mankind." This was the message brought by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sirkka-Liisa Anttila to the Seminar on Renewable Resources in Kirkkonummi, Finland.

The seminar is one of the events of the Finnish Presidency in the Nordic Council of Ministers. Besides the Nordic countries, representatives of the Baltic States have been invited to the seminar. The seminar looks into the possibilities to replace the use of non-renewable natural resources by renewable ones, where the situation and challenges are quite similar in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The participants represent a wide range of different natural resource sectors.

"Finland considers it most important to increase the dialogue between the different sectors." Minister Anttila challenges the participants to look for the common interests and strengths of the sectors.

Minister Anttila also pointed out that Finland has promoted eco-efficiency and discussion on natural resources, for example, during its Presidency in the EU in autumn 2006 and supports the establishment of a Natural Resource Panel under the UN.

Further information at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:
Kaisa Karttunen, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. 358 (0)9 160 53302, (0)40 849 9077

Seminar on Renewable Resources
Finnish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers
Sirkka-Liisa Anttila