The growth of artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly prominent at work. Metsähallitus actively trains its personnel in the use of AI, and the discussion on the topic continues openly. It is natural for there to be questions about something so new. The personnel have brought up questions of reliability, sustainability and the environmental effects of AI, among other things. The updates to the AI principles bring together our shared understanding and provide support for learning in our daily work.
Metsähallitus has AI principles with a clear core: it cannot replace experts but works instead as a mundane tool. There are various tasks it can make easier, such as creating summaries, grammar checks, organising materials, and coming up with visual ideas. We must experiment with its new opportunities with both curiosity and care. In the end, every expert owns the content that they produce, which must be verified for correctness and impact. AI- generated materials must always be reviewed before publication.
Trust is the foundation of our work at Metsähallitus. That is why we must clearly explain our use of AI when it has a material impact on content or how it’s interpreted. At the same time, we must maintain our authenticity: communications must always use real photos and video of people, nature, and our operations. AI-generated content cannot replace real images of Finland’s lands and waters.
‘Content must reflect reality. It is important to us to show the work at Metsähallitus for what it is: in real environments, with real people. We must use new technology responsibly while taking their environmental impacts into account. Artificial intelligence is a good servant, but a bad master,’ says Director General Juha S. Niemelä.
Metsähallitus supports the development of its personnel as users of AI and encourages them to experiment with new ways to work. It also a reminder for them of moderation: AI should only be used when it is genuinely useful and avoid creating unnecessary content. This way, we can keep its energy consumption and environmental impact in mind.
These updated principles are based on the experiences, questions and observations of Metsähallitus personnel. Their goal is to make sure that AI makes work easier and creates new opportunities and not shift our operations in a direction that erodes sustainability or trust.
Further information: Lasse Ketola, technology manager, lasse.ketola(at)metsa.fi