Grassland Group of the Finnish Board on Ecological Restoration

The Finnish Expert Group of Semi-natural Grasslands was established as a part of the Finnish Board on Ecological Restoration (FBER). The FBER Grassland Group concentrates on habitats of semi-natural grasslands and issues related to their management.

FBER Grassland Group

  • increases the knowledge related to ecology and management of semi-natural grasslands between different stakeholders
  • promotes the collection and use of data related on semi-natural grasslands
  • designs monitoring schemes for semi-natural grasslands
  • takes part in national assessment of threatened habitat types and reporting of EU article 17 concerning habitats of semi-natural grasslands
  • promotes the connection between research and practical management
  • provides expert knowledge
  • organizes courses and seminars.

The members of FBER Grassland Group are experts on semi-natural grasslands in their organizations.

Group members

  • Traci Birge, SW Finland Cultural Landscape Association (deputy Eriika Lundström)
  • Sonja Forss, Finnish Environment Institute
  • Tapio Heikkilä, Ministry of the Environment (deputy Aulikki Alanen)
  • Janne Heliölä, Finnish Environment Institute
  • Iiro Ikonen, Regional Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in SW Finland
  • Heli Jutila, City of Hämeenlinna
  • Carina Järvinen, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Coastal and Metropolitan Area (secretary, FBER Grassland Group)
  • Nina Jungell, Finnish Forest Centre
  • Tiina Kanerva, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Coastal and Metropolitan Area
  • Hannele Kekäläinen, Regional Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in Southern Ostrobothnia
  • Marjut Kokko, Regional Centre for Economic Development in Lapland, Transport and the Environment in Southern Ostrobothnia (secretary, FBER Grassland Group; deputy Merja Lipponen)
  • Leena Lahdenvesi-Korhonen, ProAgria Advisory Centre
  • Kasper Koskela, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Ostrobothnia–Kainuu
  • Leena Lehtomaa, Regional Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in SW Finland (2nd Chair, FBER Grassland Group; deputy Ritva Kemppainen)
  • Maija Mussaari, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Coastal and Metropolitan Area
  • Jorma Pessa, Regional Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in Northern Ostrobothnia
  • Kaisa Raatikainen, University of Jyväskylä
  • Katja Raatikainen, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Coastal and Metropolitan Area (Chair, FBER Grassland Group)
  • Olli Soininen, Finnish Heritage Agency
  • Tanja Tenhunen, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Coastal and Metropolitan Area
  • Seppo Tuominen, Finnish Environment Institute
  • Maarit Vainio, Regional Centre for Economic Development in Lapland
  • Mia Vuomajoki, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Lapland

The group has made guidelines for monitoring and inventoring semi-natural grasslands and promoted the compilation of data into a shared-use GIS system. The FBER Grassland Group promotes networks between countries in issues related to semi-natural grasslands.

The group meets 5–6 times a year. In addition one field excursion is usually organized yearly.

Contact information: Conservation biologist Katja Raatikainen, e-mail katja.raatikainen(at)metsa.fi