Sustainable management of resources-Forestry in Finland Flashcards
location
occupies western most part of the world’s largest forest biome
3/4 land area under forest covered; 3 species: scots pine, silver birch and Norway spruce
forest products account for how much of finlands economy?
30% exports
8% GDP
how many employed in forestry?
200,000
main aims of NFP 1999
- achieve sustainability
- secure employment and livelihoods of workers in the forest industry
- maintain forest habitats and ecosystems and enhance biodiversity
- protect the traditional role of forest in finish society and culture by creating opportunities for forest based recreation e.g. camping and hiking
Finland Forest Act
- legal obligation to reafforest after cutting
- promoting sustainability by giving financial aid/grants to forests owners who practice sound management methods
success of NFP
2006, timber growth was 82.9 million m3 compared to cut of 55 million
in past 40 years growth has exceeded tree cuttings by 20-30%
current stock is greater than at any time since the foundation of the finish state in 1917
why is timber harvesting a sustainable management strategy?
trunks are stripped of branches in situ and cut to appropriate length. this causes minimal damage to surrounding trees and allows branches to decompose and enrich nutrient cycle
how is forest ecology preserved by the forest act?
protected by legislation as conservation areas and national parks
- 7.6% have protected status and 10.6% are either protected or have restricted usage
- protected habitats increase biodiversity
why are trees normally cut in winter?
ground is frozen so minimised damage caused by heavy machinery and logging
why does finlands national forest policy allow only native finish trees to be grownin reforestation programmes?
safeguards the integrity of the forests, maintains biodiversity and the delicate food webs that rely on native species
maintains natural appearance