Metsähallitus: Environmental Policy
1. Multiple goals in natural resource management
Metsähallitus generates a wide range of goods and services based on the utilisation, management and preservation of natural resources. Metsähallitus is involved in the business areas of forest management and wood procurement, forest management services, forest seed and seedling production, nature-based tourism, land-trading services, land leasing, real estate and the sale of extractable land resources. The public administration duties carried out by Metsähallitus’s Natural Heritage Services involve managing protected areas and carrying out other nature conservation tasks, promoting outdoor recreation and handling hunting, fishing and off-road traffic issues. Metsähallitus’s ISO 14001-certified environmental management system covers the activities of all its business units and subsidiaries.
2. Responsibility for the environment
We comply with statutory regulations, international agreements, our own published environmental commitments and, in forestry, the Finnish forest certification standards. We promote the implementation of international environmental agreements. Our common principle is to reconcile the goals of ecological, economic, social and cultural sustainability. We regularly develop and monitor the knowledge and proficiency of our personnel and contractors in environmental matters.
3. Continuous improvement
The development of our operations is based on our common values and on each individual’s responsibility to continuously improve environmental matters. The major environmental issues related to Metsähallitus’s activities are linked to the utilisation of natural resources, maintaining forest biodiversity, water protection and landscape management. Environmental issues and risks are assessed annually. In order to control environmental impacts and contribute to the continuous improvement of environmental management, we specify environmental objectives, targets, guidelines and methods for monitoring environmental progress.
4. Openness and co-operation
We openly communicate the economic, ecological and social results of our operations, as well as their environmental impacts and any changes in the level of environmental protection. We offer local residents and interested parties the opportunity to participate in the planning of activities that affect their living environment. Through co-operation we play a role in safeguarding the indigenous Sámi culture and their natural means of livelihood.