Finland, located in Northern Europe, shares borders with Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with a long coastline along the Baltic Sea to the south and southwest. The country covers an area of about 338,455 km² (130,678 mi²), making it the eighth-largest country in Europe. Finland is known for its vast forests, thousands of lakes, and extensive archipelagos. The landscape is mostly flat, with some hilly areas in the north, particularly in Finnish Lapland.
Finland’s diverse landscapes support a rich array of biodiversity. Its extensive forests, which cover about 75% of the land area, are home to wildlife such as brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and elk. The wetlands and bogs, especially in the north, support unique plant species and birdlife, including the whooper swan, Finland’s national bird. The coastal areas and archipelagos are important breeding grounds for numerous seabirds and marine life.
Four pillars elaborated:
Finland is home to an extensive array of protected areas, featuring 41 national parks and numerous nature reserves that preserve a wide range of ecosystems, from untouched forests and rugged fells to tranquil lakes and archipelagos. As a member of the European Union’s Natura 2000 initiative, Finland plays a crucial role in this network aimed at conserving important habitats and species across Europe, contributing 1865 sites that include a diverse array of natural wonders. Additionally, Finland recognizes the critical role of wetlands in supporting biodiversity and human health, having designated 49 Ramsar sites that protect various wetland types such as bird lakes, marine bays, and peatlands.
Land Management
Biodiversity in Finland faces numerous threats, including the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea, invasive alien species, and climate change. In agricultural areas, the cessation of traditional farming practices and intensifying land use pose significant risks. Other growing concerns include eutrophication, construction, overgrowth, and afforestation, especially pronounced in southern Finland where biodiversity is more diverse and under greater threat.
Threats to Biodiversity
Aquatic life suffers from alterations to their environments, with nutrient and sediment loads threatening lakes and forestry, and peat extraction impacting headwaters. Recent studies also highlight the extensive drainage of mires for forestry as a primary threat, along with construction, peat extraction, reservoir creation, and land clearance, emphasizing the critical need for robust conservation strategies.
In Finland, the conservation of biodiversity is guided by the principle of sectoral responsibility, where each sector, including agriculture, forestry, transport, communication, defense, and education, is tasked with mitigating its adverse impacts on nature. These sectors have developed their biodiversity plans and provided training for relevant personnel. Biodiversity considerations are increasingly integrated into both existing and new legislation, such as the Land Use and Building Act, Penal Code, and various environmental laws. This integration extends to the mining sector, where recent legislative updates place a greater emphasis on biodiversity conservation, particularly in response to the surge in mining activities in Northern and Eastern Finland.
Capacity and Governance
Additionally, Sámi customary law plays a crucial role in managing traditional land use and ensuring sustainable natural resource use in accordance with indigenous legal concepts. Finland has also signed the Nagoya Protocol, emphasizing its commitment to fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
Finland has implemented several ambitious environmental initiatives aimed at leading the nation towards greater sustainability. One of the cornerstone goals of these initiatives is achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2035. This objective places Finland at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change. However, despite these aggressive targets, Finland is currently falling slightly behind in meeting some of its key benchmarks. Nevertheless, the country still stands out within the international community for its environmental achievements. Notably, Finland boasts the lowest levels of air pollution among the countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Future Trends
Biodiversity
Located in northern Europe, Finland is renowned for its pristine natural environments and rich biodiversity, supported by its vast forests, numerous lakes, wetlands, and archipelagos. The country’s landscape is dominated by boreal forests, known as taiga, which cover about 75% of Finland’s land area. These forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including large mammals like moose, brown bears, and wolves, as well as smaller species such as lynxes, red foxes, and the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, which is found exclusively in Lake Saimaa.Finland’s extensive network of over 188,000 lakes and numerous rivers is a key feature of its biodiversity. These freshwater systems support a wide variety of fish, such as pike, perch, and salmon, and provide crucial habitats for bird species like the whooper swan, Finland’s national bird, and the black-throated diver. Wetlands and peat bogs, which are widespread across the country, are also vital for biodiversity, hosting species such as cranes, waders, and a variety of plant life adapted to the wet, acidic conditions.
In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Finland only):
| Species (World rank) |
Threatened | % Threatened | Endemic | % Endemic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mammals | 64 (#155) | 2 | 3.1% | ||
| Birds | 264 (#147) | 12 | 4.5% | ||
| Reptiles | 6 (#197) | ||||
| Amphibians | 6 (#153) | ||||
| Fishes | 101 (#181) | 7 | 6.9% | ||
| Plants | 4,500 (#74) | 2 | 0.0% | 94 | 2.1% |
mammals
Arctic fox
Facing the consequences of global warming, they quickly lose their habitat and are pushed northward with the receding cold
Reindeer/Caribou
Males drop their antlers before Christmas, but females keep their antlers until spring
European water vole
They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 30 seconds underwater
birds
Saker falcon
Their keen vision enables them to scan vast landscapes, identifying small movements or potential prey items even from high altitudes
Snowy owl
There is more to this species than its majestic coat of thick white feathers and piercing yellow eyes
Rock ptarmigan
A bird that can change its color to match its surroundings!
reptiles
European adder
A venomous snake native to Britain and found all across Europe
Viviparous lizard
One of the few reptiles that can not only lay eggs but also give birth to live young
Slow worm
You might mistake them for snakes, but they are merely legless lizards
amphibians
Common frog
It is one of the most widespread and familiar amphibians in Europe
Smooth newt
They have the ability to regenerate lost limbs and other body parts, a superpower in the animal kingdom!
Moor frog
Male undergo a striking transformation during a short breeding window, displaying a vibrant blue color
National Animals
Brown bear
The second largest bear, right after the polar bear. Sadly, it well might top the list soon
Whooper swan
Very loyal partners! Once they find a mate, they usually stay together for life
Finland
"Land of a thousand lakes" — with over 180,000 lakes that provide habitats for various aquatic species
Score:
66.9 100
