The objective of the national Priodiversity LIFE project is to halt biodiversity loss in Finland. With funding amounting to EUR 50 million and a large group of actors, it is the largest project ever implemented in Finland to tackle biodiversity loss.

Biodiversity loss is a serious threat to Finnish nature. Habitat loss reduces the chances of survival for many species. Priodiversity LIFE is the largest project aiming to halt biodiversity loss in Finnish history. This project led by Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland combines broad-based cooperation, research, building of expertise and concrete measures to foster biodiversity.

Priodiversity LIFE will comprise more than 60 different measures completed by an exceptionally large group of actors with the aim of halting biodiversity loss in Finland. These measures range from grassroots restoration work to data management and improved policy coherence in central government.

Dedicated regional biodiversity action plans

The cornerstone of Priodiversity LIFE is biodiversity action plans known as LUMO programmes to be prepared for eight regions. These action plans will identify key biodiversity hotspots with their buffer zones and connections and ensure that species can move from one site to another. Some of the biodiversity hotspots will be selected for restoration with project funding. The status of habitats in the regions will be improved by restoring forests, mires, water bodies, bird wetlands and heritage landscapes.

The measures will be guided by research evidence, ensuring that restoration efforts will targeted at sites where they are the most urgently needed and have the highest impact. The aim of restoration and environmental management is to create large areas of high biodiversity value that may comprise both nature reserves and other areas, including commercial forests. Landowners will always participate in all project activities on a voluntary basis. Information gathering and management will also be developed, and open information will be produced concerning the status of nature and the impacts of restoration to support decision-making.

Information activities and education in a key role

Priodiversity LIFE has a strong focus on education and expertise building in order to mainstream the best and most cost-effective practices for tackling biodiversity loss. The project will train new experts in restoration and environmental management as well as promote the consideration of natural values, also in the management of commercial forests. The network of biodiversity experts established as part of the project will offer possibilities for networking and obtaining training for all biodiversity experts, professionals and others working on this theme.

Engaging citizens and young people in working for nature will also be important. Through an exhibition at the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, online material, social media campaigns and various events and participation opportunities, we will invite people to reflect on solutions to biodiversity loss from their personal viewpoints and the societal perspective.

Cooperation between ministries to enhance impact

Under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office, the project will develop cooperation between the ministries and ensure that policy measures on biodiversity will be mutually supportive. Decision-makers will be offered training to promote the incorporation of biodiversity issues in decision-making in different sectors of society.

In cooperation between the ministries, the project will also monitor the impacts of public funding use on biodiversity. The objective of this is directing the use of central government funding towards supporting biodiversity and avoiding negative impacts on nature.

To halt biodiversity loss, diverse funding from different sources will be needed. While public funding especially from the state budget will be a key source, its current level is not sufficient to cover the necessary measures. EU funding programmes offer significant opportunities, and Finland is well placed to tap them more efficiently. Companies also play an important part: in keeping with the ‘polluter pays’ principle of environmental law, they can contribute to preventing and compensating for harms. The task of the biodiversity funding hub of Priodiversity LIFE is to source more funding for nature and to promote new funding models in Finland.

Project funding

The project will continue for eight years from 2024 to 2031. It has a budget of EUR 50 million, of which EUR 30 million will come from the EU’s LIFE programme.

The project is coordinated by Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife. Metsähallitus Forestry Ltd and Wildlife Service Finland, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Finance, ELY Centres (Southeast Finland, Lapland, Pirkanmaa, Northern Ostrobothnia, Northern Savo, Southwest Finland), Finnish Environment Institute, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Finnish Museum of Natural History, Finnish Forest Centre, Finnish Food Authority, Finnish Association for Nature Conservation and WWF Finland are also involved in the project.

Priodiversity LIFE works to enrich biodiversity, which is the foundation of all life. We need nature – and nature needs action.

• Priodiversity LIFE presents: Connecting nature (compilation of images, pdf, 556 KB)