Geographic information data and inclusive planning support LUMO programs
This text was published in the blog of Priodiversity LIFE. Check out the other blog posts as well (metsa.fi).
20.1.2026
Priodiversity LIFE project aims to halt biodiversity loss in Finland. This goal is supported by LUMO programs, specifically designed programs to improve natural biodiversity. Luke, Natural Resources Institute Finland, is creating geographic information analyses and inclusive planning for the LUMO programs, so the actions contributing biodiversity can be targeted cost-efficiently.
The goal of the eight -year-long, EU-funded Priodiversity LIFE project (2024-2031) is to stop nature loss in Finland. The project, coordinated by Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland, has several goals and we have a wide range of operators to grab into several comprehensive actions to stop nature loss.
In the project, we will execute diverse practical actions supporting each other, and targeting these is mainly based on geographical information analyses. The methods used for over 60 different actions are both restoration actions on the grassroots level, data management, as well as improving the policy coherence on governmental level.
The cornerstone of Priodiversity LIFE is the creation of LUMO programs, specifically designed programs to improve natural biodiversity in eight pilot regions. The goal of LUMO programs is to recognize the most important biodiversity hotspots in each region, as well as their buffer zones, and to secure the possibility for species to move from one area to another. By restoring forests, marshes, waters, waterfowl wetlands and traditional rural biotopes, we improve the state of these habitats. Research data work as a guide for the actions, so they can be targeted in the most cost-effective and impactful way possible.
Aiming for a better tomorrow
Luke (Natural Resources Institute Finland) is the leading partner in the geographic information analyses unity of Priodiversity LIFE. This unity aims to maximize the biodiversity benefits gained from nature conservation, restoration and forest management, so that actions to prevent nature loss can be spatially targeted as cost-efficiently as possible.
At the same time, we also aim to secure ecosystem services in a way that makes sure the suggested actions are lawful and widely acceptable from the points of view of every stakeholder. To achieve this goal, we need both geographic information analyses and inclusive planning.
Expectations for the geographic information analyses are the following:
a) the data and map copies are open access
b) analyses offer theme maps for supporting actual decision-making
c) analyses provide a list of responsibility species for each region for a common database
In addition, we will compile a comprehensive report about the methods used (geographic information analyses and inclusive planning). This report is meant to be used as a kind of benchmark in future projects examining natural biodiversity on the EU scale. Even though this goal and output are challenging, we have faith to deliver, based on two years of experience in Priodiversity LIFE.
From numbers to maps
Geographic information analyses support regional LUMO programs in several ways. They offer policymakers the possibility to see, for instance, where water-conservation actions have the most impact, where it is useful to target moderate forest management, or are there possible conflict situations between recreation areas and areas critically enhancing biodiversity. The results from mixed-integer linear programming (MILP optimization) are transferred to theme maps, and from these they will return after feedback from stakeholders (each region separately) as new optimizing tasks. The solutions from these will be presented as final theme maps for various stakeholders.
A good example of this process are the suggested biodiversity hotspots located around national parks in Pirkanmaa region. In these sites it is extremely important to proceed by involving the stakeholders as widely as possible into the examination of the theme maps resulting from the first round. After discussions with stakeholders, we can compile in situ changes to the existing theme maps and further convert these changes into numerical values (constraints) for new optimizing tasks. After this we can present the solutions of new optimizing tasks as final theme maps, that can be used in decision-making.
Interaction is a winning factor
For the geographic information analyses to be as appropriate and practical as possible, working together is extremely important. In Priodiversity LIFE, we have been interacting and collaborating from the very beginning. Regular meetings have ensured the exchange of knowledge inside the project. We have also believed in the power of constructive criticism, which has helped in deepening our skills. A clear common goal, halting nature loss, has also helped in proceeding with our work. Researchers from Natural Resources Institute Finland have been networking with partners from Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland, Finnish Environment Institute, Finnish Forest centre, Economic Development Centres and Natural History Museum of Helsinki University.
Anssi Ahtikoski, Principal scientist, Natural Resources Institute Finland
Priodiversity LIFE offers solutions to halt nature loss. The project gathers a wide range of committed operators who together have the chance to find the most impactful and cost-efficient ways to stop nature loss in Finland. In the project we will create requirements to make halting the nature loss into a new skill for Finnish entrepreneurs, and to make Finland an expert on international scale. Priodiversity LIFE is coordinated by Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland.
Priodiversity LIFE – for halting biodiversity loss (metsa.fi)
