National Forest Strategy 2035 

The National Forest Strategy describes the main objectives of the forest-based sector, which public authorities focus on as part of the joint development of the sector. On 14 December 2022, the National Forest Council adopted an updated strategy that extends to 2035. The Government issued the Resolution on the National Forest Strategy 2035 at its plenary session on 19 October 2023.

The need to reform the strategy arose from the rapidly changing environment where the forest-based sector operates, both nationally and internationally. In line with the current thinking, the new strategy takes into account the principle of comprehensive sustainable development and the important role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The National Forest Strategy describes the key objectives and priorities for the development of the forest-based sector. 

The National Forest Strategy 2035 seeks growing wellbeing from forests and for forests. This will be achieved if 

• Finland is a competitive operating environment for a responsible forest-based sector that is capable of renewing itself,
• forests are in active, sustainable and diverse use,
• we strengthen the vitality, diversity and adaptability of forests, and
• we strengthen knowledge-based management and competence in the forest-based sector.

The National Forest Strategy is a coordinating strategy for the whole sector that considers humans, the environment and the economy. It covers not only forestry and the forest industry, but also the production, processing, services and public goods of forests based on other products, both tangible and intangible, as well as knowledge and training issues in the forest-based sector. The strategy interfaces with several international and national strategies and programmes. International and EU forest, energy and environmental policy commitments and agreements have a significant impact on the Finnish forest sector. The processes of the United Nations (UN) shape the role of forests globally in solving the challenges of the future. Finland is committed to ecologically, economically and socially sustainable development (Agenda 2030). 

Finland’s long-term forest policy has guided the development in which forest owners have made a profit for the forest, while forestry and the forest industry have brought work and income to the entire country. At the same time, opportunities have been created for the nature maintenance, protection and recreational use of commercial forests. Sustainably managed forests enable diverse ecosystem services regionally and nationally, and this also includes climate benefits. Wood is Finland’s most important renewable resource.

National Forest Strategy 2035 
Introduction of the National Forest Strategy 2035
National Forest Strategy 2023 Action Plan 2023-2027

Related links

National Forest Council adopts new National Forest Strategy (Press release 15.12.2022)