Forestry in Finland

Forests are a major source of both economic and social wellbeing for Finland. About one in seven Finns come from families who own forests. The material resources and amenity values of forests provide a wide range of opportunities for income, employment and business. Forests are also important settings for recreation, so they also generate wider benefits in terms of health and happiness.

Finland’s forests represent the country’s most significant renewable natural resource. As the demand for natural resources rises, in the future Finland’s timber reserves are sure to become an even more important asset. Since forests have so many roles as a source of wood-based products, energy, recreation and wellbeing, it is important to ensure that their benefits are utilised widely but also sustainably. Forests are also highly significant considering the urgent need to combat and adapt to climate change.

Related topics
National Forest Strategy 2025

Related links
Finland's forests 2018 fact sheet (Natural Resources Institute)
Forest Sector in Finland (Forest.fi)
Video: Finnish forests – Full of possibilities