Metsähallitus releases a new Climate Programme

In Finland Metsähallitus plays a key role in country’s transition to a carbon-neutral society. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are one of Metsähallitus’s strategic focuses. Climate programme 2025–2030 sets the targets and defines a wide range of measures to promote positive climate impacts, reduce negative impacts and promote adaptation to climate change.

Increasing the carbon sink of forests and promoting renewable energy production

Metsähallitus’s objective is to increase the carbon sinks of state-owned multiple-use forests by 10 per cent by 2035 and the carbon storages of all trees in state-owned lands by 10 per cent by 2030 compared to the reference year 2018. The carbon sinks and storages in state-owned forests will be increased with an extensive set of measures, including timely silviculture that suits the habitat, forest fertilisation, utilisation of selectively bred seed and sapling material and taking the carbon sink target into account in felling plans.

Metsähallitus will also increase its positive climate impacts by promoting the production of renewable energy in state-owned land and water areas.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent

Metsähallitus aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2030 compared to 2024. Staff will be trained to take climate considerations into account in all activities, and lower-emission modes of transport will be favoured when travelling. Also the intension is to close any properties that are unnecessary for the core operations, pay attention to emissions from the use of premises and use more recycled furniture. The suppliers and partners are also required to act in a way that mitigates climate change and promotes adaptation to climate change. Low-emission machinery will be favoured in the procurement of timber harvesting and transport services, and the aim is also to increase the use of renewable fuels. Metsähallitus will also pilot electric machinery during this climate programme period.

Promoting the adaptation of nature to climate change

The climate programme is an extensive package that Metsähallitus will also use to anticipate and prepare for a changing climate and its impacts through its own activities. Metsähallitus will continue active restoration and nature management measures that promote biodiversity in both protected areas and multiple-use forests as well as develop the ecological network of state-owned lands. Species protection and combating invasive alien species will also be ensured.