For and Against debate: “Finnish forestry is depleting nature”

Forests hold exceptional importance in Finland. They are a key part of the national economy, export industry, regional vitality, and Finnish identity. At the same time, forests play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, providing recreational opportunities, and mitigating climate change.

The use of forests has become one of Finland’s most contentious societal issues. Critics argue that current forestry practices contribute to biodiversity loss, reduce the extent of old-growth forests, and weaken forests’ capacity to act as carbon sinks. Defenders of the forestry sector emphasize that Finnish forestry is among the most sustainable in the world by international standards. Can economic, ecological, and climate objectives for forests be reconciled, or are they inherently in conflict? Is Finnish forestry environmentally sustainable, or is nature paying the price for forest utilization?

The proposition will be debated by Anne Tolvanen, Professor of Ecology and Programme Director, LUKE, Satu Kumpula, Biologist, Sami Oksa, Forest Director,Finnish Forest Industries, and Mikko Tiirola, Chair of the Forest Council of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK).

The debate will be moderated by Professor Jouni-Matti Kuukkanen and conducted in Finnish.

The event is open to everyone, and no registration is required. The discussion can also be followed live on the University of Oulu’s YouTube channel.

The co-sponsor of the debate event is Biodiverse Anthropocenes Research Programme supported by the Research Council of Finland PROFI6 funding.