Laws and Administration of Metsähallitus
The tasks of Metsähallitus are defined by the Act on the Finnish Forest and Parks Service (former name of Metsähallitus) as being the sustainable and profitable management, use and protection of the natural resources and other property administered by Metsähallitus. The conservation of biodiversity should also be taken into consideration alongside the above-mentioned objectives.
The Finnish Parliament annually approves Metsähallitus’ main service goals and other operational objectives. At the same time, Parliament decides to what extent Metsähallitus’ proceeds from land sales or land and water area ownership will be used in the acquisition of new conservation areas. On the basis of the objectives set by Parliament, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry decides on the annual targets of Metsähallitus.
Social responsibilities, as well as their goals and financing are also decided annually, together with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. These tasks include, for example, management of nature conservation and hiking areas, promoting conservation on state-owned lands and waters, control of hunting and fishing rights and general promotion of the recreational use of state-owned lands. We also receive funding from the EU project fund and the Finnish network of Employment and Economic Development Centres.
The following legislation applies to Metsähallitus as an enterprise:
- Act on Metsähallitus (234/2016)
- Decree on Metsähallitus (247/2016)
In addition, Metsähallitus’ activities are governed by a range of other legislation, such as Acts on nature conservation, fishing, hunting, nature-based sources of livelihood and outdoor recreation.