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