Total restoration in terms of nature – Priodiversity LIFE project restores nature types with a new approach
This text was published in the blog of Priodiversity LIFE. Check out the other blog posts as well (metsa.fi).
25.11.2025
The biggest project aiming to halt nature loss in the history of Finland, Priodiversity LIFE, is developing a new approach in ecological restoration: total restoration.
In total restoration, nature management actions are targeted in areas in which the actions will have a large ecological impact. Restoration areas will be chosen from regional biodiversity hotspots recognized in the LUMO program process, or close to these areas, so that selected restoration actions gain as large ecological impact as possible.
In Priodiversity LIFE, the newly developed approach is piloted in restoration areas in five regions: North Ostrobothnia, Pirkanmaa region, Satakunta region, Southwest Finland and North Savonia. The restoration areas consist of both state-owned and private-owned land areas.
The approach of total restoration combines resources from different organizations, such as Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland, Metsähallitus Game and Fisheries Wardens, and Metsähallitus Forestry Ltd., all operating on state-owned areas, and from Regional Development Centres and Finnish forest centre operating on private areas.
Restoration around Finland in different habitats
The chosen restoration areas are located in regions that are inside the Priodiversity LIFE project area. The areas are in ecologically valuable biodiversity hotspots. The restoration and management actions that will be executed will become more precise and secure in negotiations with landowners.
North Ostrobothnia: The uplift shore in Ii municipality
The pilot area consists of three restoration areas, where we aim to restore marches by removing trees and reverting waters. Additionally, stream restoration, management of traditional rural biotopes, and a wetlands project are being planned in the area.
Pirkanmaa region: Vanajavesi area
In the Vanajavesi water area, the management of traditional rural biotopes and grove restorations are being planned. In addition, we shall examine whether it is possible to restore the local waterfowl wetlands.
Satakunta: Karvianjoki-Pohjankangas
At Karvia river in Satakunta region, we will improve trout and freshwater pearl mussel habitats and restore traditional rural biotope sites. The species and habitat types have been invented, and some species and habitats already have management recommendations readily. In this area, restoration of forests, sunny esker slopes and marshes is also possible.
South Karelia: Parikkala
In Parikkala municipality area, the focus is on restoring waterfowl wetlands and groves. There are also sunny rock cliffs with nutritional soil in possible need of restoration.
North Savonia: Tiilikka
We will restore marshes, forests and small water areas in the Tiilikka area.
First experiences of total restoration are positive
The work on pilot areas has started only recently, but the approach of total restoration has been seen to be useful. By the principles of total restoration, habitat types and restoration sites supporting each other have been invented, and restoration actions have been planned together with different operators. Teamwork has allowed field observation trips together, as well as sharing the knowledge and organizing events together.
However, we have not managed totally without challenges. There are information gaps about private-owned areas, which makes suitable locations difficult to find. Because of this, the restoration acts on private lands cannot always be targeted in places where they would have the largest impact possible. Moreover, different organizational cultures and processes among project partners require coordination and adaptation with each other.
“Restoration on private-owned lands is always based on being voluntary. It has been delightful to see how largely landowners and residents have been interested in restoration and nature management actions”, rejoices project officer Elina Tauriainen from Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland.
In certain regions, restoration and nature management plans have been composed, so the first actions will start next year. In addition to the pilot areas, the planning of restoration and management actions will start on several other areas as part of Priodiversity LIFE in 2026.
Elina Tauriainen, Project officer, Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife 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)
