Saving nature for people. National strategy and action plan for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Finland 2006-2016

Finland is committed to the objectives of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), i.e. the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. Finland is also committed to the effective implementation of these global objectives so as to significantly reduce the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010 at global, regional and national level, and to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in activities in all sectors of society. Biodiversity has influenced our cultural history and the identity of our nation and provides many direct and indirect benefits for society. On 21st December 2006 the Finnish Government made the Decision-in-Principle on the National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity 2006-2016. The decision contains long-term outlines for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Finland. The strategy aims to ensure the ecologically, economically and socially sustainable use and development of Finland’s biodiversity and natural resources. The National Strategy accompanied by an Action Plan for the conservation of biodiversity represent Finland´s vision of and commitment for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The NBSAP 2006-2016 in Finland has been drafted in line with article 6 of the CBD. The goals of the National strategy and the Action plan for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity 2006–2016 are: to halt the decline in biodiversity in Finland by 2010, to establish favourable trends in the state of the natural environment in Finland over the period 2010-2016, to prepare by 2016 for global environmental changes that may threaten the natural environment in Finland, particularly climate change, and to strengthen Finland’s role in the preservation of biodiversity globally through international co-operation. The objectives and measures of the NBSAP to preserve biodiversity have already found interest in public at large. Thanks to increased research and monitoring, much more data is now available on biodiversity in Finland, enabling the establishment of a more detailed and more applicable knowledge base. This in turn provides a basis for changes in the way we act, and for increasing awareness and recognition of the value of biodiversity.