Focal areas in 2006-2008

Forest biodiversity conservation

Finland is well - known for its forest industry. Due to very intensive forestry during many decades, the forest biodiversity is under a serious threat. 40 % of all threatened species in Finland (according to the IUCN- classification system) are forest dwelling species. In the southern parts of Finland only a few per cent of the forestland is protected and the forestry sector is still not doing enough to protect the biodiversity in the commercial forests, despite some clear improvements in the forestry methods compared to the situation some twenty years ago.

Baltic Sea

According to the experts the Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world. Along the Finnish coast the water quality is mostly affected by eutrophication due to nutrient load from the drainage area. Other threats to the beautiful Finnish archipelago that concerns our members are hazardous chemicals, the increased risk of oil spills, unsustainable fisheries and the decline of biodiversity.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency

Finland has a very high-energy consumption per capita due to the energy intensive industry and cold winter climate. Only one fifth of the energy consumed in Finland is stemming from renewable resources. FSNE is promoting higher energy efficiency in households and more investment into energy production based on renewables, e.g. biofuels, wind power and energy pumps.

Sustainable lifestyle

The Finns leave a huge ecological footprint in a global comparison. FSNE is campaigning in order to spread information about environmentally friedly choises and encourage people to change their lifestyle.