Metsähallitus in brief
We use, manage and protect state-owned land and water areas sustainably and reconcile the different goals of owners, customers and other stakeholders. We are committed to promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in our work.
Metsähallitus is a state-owned enterprise that produces environmental services for a diverse customer base ranging from private individuals to major companies. As part of our sustainable management and use of natural resources, we see to the fulfilment of general social obligations by addressing the protection of biodiversity, facilitating the recreational use of nature and meeting the requirements of promoting employment. Additionally, we coordinate the management, use and protection of natural resources in the Sámi Homeland whilst safeguarding the prerequisites for pursuing the Sámi culture and in the reindeer herding area while fulfilling the obligations laid down in the Reindeer Husbandry Act.
Our annual targets are approved by Parliament as part of the central government budget. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for our performance guidance. Within its remit, the Ministry of the Environment also steers the performance of Metsähallitus’ public administration services.
Organisation
Responsible business
We conduct business through our subsidiaries, Metsähallitus Forestry Ltd, MH-Kivi Oy and Siemen Forelia Oy, as well as Metsähallitus Property Development, which is part of the state enterprise’s parent company.
Our business operations include the sustainable management and use of state-owned forests, production and sales of forest tree seeds, as well as leasing, sales and property development activities in state-owned land and water areas. We create diverse business opportunities on state-owned land and enable the replacement of fossil raw materials and fuels with sustainably produced wood and wind power.
Public administration services
Metsähallitus’ public administration services (Parks & Wildlife Finland) are handled by National Parks Finland and Wildlife Service Finland. Our tasks include managing almost all nature conservation areas and dozens of cultural heritage sites in Finland, protecting many endangered species, providing free basic services for hikers, offering opportunities for hunting and fishing by selling permits for these activities, and using the permit revenue to promote sustainable hunting and fishing. Our tasks also include wilderness supervision in state-owned areas.
The public administration services are managed separately from business operations and funded by appropriations allocated in the state budget and income from permit sales.
Group activities
Metsähallitus Group’s units both support the operation of the business units and guide strategy implementation and joint processes. Our Group units are Personnel, Legal Affairs and Compliance, Finance, Information Management and Communication and Responsibility.