Helsinki, January 9 – The government has been preparing an action plan for implementation of an eight-year strategy for conservation of Finnish biodiversity in response to a global call for sustainable use
of natural resources.
The draft plan, which is being developed in line with broad-based consultations among ministries, non-governmental organisations, stakeholders and economic sectors, will be finalised early this year,
said the Finnish environment ministry.
The draft action plan suggested as many as 112 measures to implement the strategy styled Saving Nature for People aiming at effective measures to put to an end to biodiversity loss and ensure a better
living for the next generations.
The strategy's five objectives focus on the mainstreaming of biodiversity issues across society, the introduction of new participants in the work to advance biodiversity causes, a decision-making process based on robust research data, and Finland's responsibility towards global biodiversity.
“This is an ambitious but extremely important goal, because a healthy natural world is also a cornerstone of human well-being. While nature itself has intrinsic value, it is also an essential element of a healthy and sustainable society and economic activity," Finnish Environment Minister Ville Niinistö said about the 2012-2020 strategy.
It also outlines policies linking the Sámi community's traditional knowledge to the protection of biodiversity, said the government adding that particular attention will be paid to sustainable use of
natural resources.
Renewable resources should be used in a manner that ensures their genuine renewal and does not deplete them, while non-renewable resources should be used as eco-efficiently as possible.
"It is essential that we use natural resources in a much more sustainable manner in the future. We must have the courage to act now, in order to preserve future generations' opportunities to enjoy a good
life in a sustainable society," Niinistö said.
The approach also takes account of the objectives of the European Union Biodiversity Strategy, and is based on a number of comprehensive national studies on the state of biodiversity in Finland and the
factors influencing it.
