Large-Scale Peatland Restoration Offers Benefits for All in Finland

Restoring Finland's drained peatland forests presents a significant economic and environmental opportunity, according to biologist Risto Sulkava. He argues that large-scale restoration efforts, particularly on the 2-3 million hectares of drained peatlands where tree growth has stagnated, are not only feasible but highly beneficial.

Sulkava explains that many of these drained forests, which were initially afforested through economically questionable drainage projects, have become 'passive sites.' The accumulated timber is often only suitable for pulpwood, and continued forestry would require expensive investments in drainage and fertilization. These costs make further cultivation economically unviable and environmentally damaging, leading to significant harm to water bodies and the climate.

Instead, Sulkava proposes that harvesting the existing timber once and then restoring these areas would be the most sensible approach. This process, he contends, would create new jobs and tax revenues, especially in rural regions. Contrary to common misconceptions, restoration would not reduce the timber supply for the forest industry; rather, it would increase it. Furthermore, the benefits extend to cleaner waterways, reduced climate impact, and improved conditions for natural ecosystems. Landowners, forestry contractors, the forest industry, nature tourism, berry pickers, hunters, and Finland's carbon sinks would all stand to gain. The increased tax revenue would also support local municipalities and the national economy.

Sulkava advocates for formalizing these restoration goals, suggesting that Finland should commit to restoring 3-4 million hectares of drained peatlands. He emphasizes that widespread restoration is a win-win situation, benefiting everyone without causing harm.