2017 was Metsähallitus’ first full operating year under the new Act on Metsähallitus. It was a successful year – performance targets were surpassed and other goals set for Metsähallitus were achieved. Metsähallitus’ success requires the harmonisation of various stakeholder wishes and needs.
Metsähallitus Group’s turnover was EUR 328 million, which was less than the turnover for the previous year, which amounted to EUR 341 million. Metsähallitus Group’s annual result was EUR 105.9 million. Metsähallitus will pay the Finnish State EUR 92.7 million in the public interest from its 2017 profits. In addition, Metsähallitus Forestry Ltd, pays EUR 5.4 million in taxes to the state on its profits.
“We worked together, united. Our goal is to responsibly develop the use of state-owned land and waters so that it benefits all of society as much as possible,” says Director General Pentti Hyttinen.
Success in all business units
The turnover for Metsähallitus Forestry Ltd, which is responsible for Metsähallitus’ primary business, totalled EUR 296.7 million and reported an operating profit of EUR 26.5 million. The company’s operating result was exceptionally good. Biodiversity was promoted by investing EUR 37 million in line with general social obligations. The result for Metsähallitus Property Development in 2017 was EUR 16.5 million. The impact that growth in tourism had on Property Development could be seen in increased demand for plots. As anticipated, 2017 was a year of building in Wind Power, with two new wind farms opening on state-owned land.
The effectiveness of Metsähallitus’ public administration unit, Parks & Wildlife, showed improvement on multiple indicators. The number of visitors to national parks increased 10% over 2016, with 3.1 million park visits reported. Visitors brought EUR 258 million to areas neighbouring protected, hiking and cultural heritage areas included in the calculations. This is 11% more than in 2016. Fishing and hunting visitors also had a significant impact on the regional economy. The total income and employment impact of wilderness visitors totalled nearly EUR 43 million and 261 person-years.
Metsähallitus played a prominent role in arranging events to celebrate Finland’s centenary. The highlights of the year were Nature Days, inauguration of the Hossa National Park and the Bioaika- event tour for youths.
Toward a more adaptable and responsible future
Metsähallitus made structural arrangements in accordance with its ownership policy by divesting unprofitable business operations. For example, forest tree seedling company Fin Forelia was sold to the company’s operative management. The number of tasks, particularly in Group administration, was reduced in an effort to streamline operations.
Responsibility is a vital component in the development of a new, uniform Metsähallitus, not to mention a tie that binds everyone at Metsähallitus. Metsähallitus launched an extensive corporate responsibility programme at the end of 2017 and became a member of the FIBS corporate responsibility network.
“As a social and responsible agency for natural resources, we want to contribute to solving global environmental challenges by constantly improving our own operations. We are also determined to make a contribution to a fairer and more responsible working life,” adds Hyttinen.
Further information:
Director General Pentti Hyttinen, tel. +358 40 546 5227
Director of Communications Terhi Koipijärvi, tel. +358 50 598 9958