Extensive package of measures to strengthen forest growth and carbon sinks
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has launched an extensive package of measures that aims to strengthen forest growth and carbon sinks on a long-term basis. The package is based on the Government Programme and it will contribute to the achievement of the climate targets. The measures have been prepared in close interaction with stakeholders and researchers. Various actors in the forest sector have a key role in the implementation of the measures.
The Government decided on the framework for the steering instruments and financing of climate measures related to forests in the mid-term policy review session and the second supplementary budget of 2025. The extensive package of measures to strengthen forest growth and carbon sinks will promote the preparation for forest damages and impacts of climate change. The measures will also boost remedial fertilisation of forests and expanding the forest area, and the growth of stands and carbon sequestration into them through forest management.
The package of measures includes legislative amendments, financial instruments and their development, and communication and advice to forest owners and actors in the forest sector. The package will support the achievement of the objectives of the Climate Act and the implementation of the National Forest Strategy.
Boost from legislation, aid scheme and access to information
Amendments will be introduced to forest legislation that will support the targets of maintaining an adequate stocking density and fast regeneration of forests. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has appointed a working group to prepare the amendments to the Forest Act and the Government Decree on the Sustainable Management and Use of Forests.
The additional funding for the forestry incentive scheme METKA that has been granted enables to significantly increase ash fertilisation, i.e. remedial fertilisation of peatlands. The aim is to raise the annual work volumes from the present about 11,000 hectares to 40,000 hectares and to increase the growth of stands for 20–30 years by a one-off fertilisation treatment.
A new aid scheme will be prepared in 2025–2027 to accelerate the increase in the surface area of forests. The aim is to support landowners who afforest arable parcels that are no longer in agricultural use, cut-over peatlands or low-yield arable lands with a thin peat layer.
As part of the package of measures, the prevention and monitoring of forest damages will be strengthened as well. Actions will be taken to enhance the knowledge and skills of forest owners and actors in the forest sector concerning forest damages and means to prepare for these and other impacts of climate change, and to manage the risks proactively. Knowledge and skills concerning forest tree breeding will also be strengthened.
Development projects to strengthen skills
The aim of the project application to be opened through the National Climate Unit of the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment is to strengthen the knowledge base of forest owners concerning practical application of climate actions and the multiple benefits to be gained. The projects and the more effective implementation of forest management recommendations will promote access to information that takes climate risks and impacts into account, and the capability of forest owners to manage their forests in a way that is both profitable and sustainable.
The key targets include faster regeneration of forests after felling, higher stocking density and moderate extension of the rotation periods. Information to forest owners will also be produced on suitable fertilisation sites and sites at risk of forest damages. Further information on the timetable and themes of the project application will be provided in August.
Related links:
Package of measures to find new solutions to strengthen forest growth and carbon sinks (in finnish)
Stakeholders contributed to finalisation of package of measures to strengthen forest growth and carbon sinks (in finnish)
Preparation by public officials of package of measures to strengthen forest growth and carbon sinks completed (in finnish)
Inquiries:
Satu Rantala, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358295162045 firstname.lastname@gov.fi
