“When the forest burns naturally, it causes a similar situation. The forest there is still regenerating there, ”he added, adding that it is important to identify areas of natural value and take them into account when planning the use of forests.
The alder responded to his comments analysis by the broadcaster of the overlap between biodiversity maps and forest use declarations. The analysis revealed that more than 20,000 hectares of some of the most diverse forests were felled or felled in 2020.
The felling rate means an annual loss of about one percent in valuable forests in Finland.
Janne KotiahoThe director of the Nature Panel emphasized at a press conference last week that forests are the primary habitat for a significant number (833) of endangered species in Finland. The press conference was the first in a briefing on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis organized by the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change. Emma Kari (Green).
“This is very alarming and weakens Finland’s ability to halt the loss of biodiversity. After all, that is a goal we are committed to, Kari told YLE.
“Halting the loss of biodiversity requires precisely the protection of valuable natural forests.”
Kotiaho and Jari Kouki, Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of Eastern Finland, later stated to the broadcaster that there are significant differences between naturally burned and felled forest.
“The starting point for forest growth is completely different in a burned forest than in a felled forest. This is one of the basics of Forest Ecology research that is taught to Forest Science students in their first year of study, ”Kouki pointed out.
When the forest is being felled, he explained that virtually all the dead wood is removed from the felling area to serve the needs of the forest industry. The wildfire leaves almost all the dead wood in the forest to rot and creates an important habitat for many species, including endangered invertebrates.
– In a burned forest, the most important thing is the amount of dead wood missing from felled commercial forests, Kouki said.
Kotiaho stated that the claim that biodiversity will be restored after felling is simply incorrect. A working group of experts and officials set up by the Ministry of the Environment stated in its so-called Red Book, widely regarded as the country’s most reliable source of species status, that logging and other forest management practices are declining Old forests and hardwoods
“Everything comes from the commercial use of forests. The vulnerability of forest species has increased 10 years ago.
“Biodiversity will not recover as a result of logging.”
Aleksi Teivainen – HT