Luonnonhoito

Luonnonhoito is a Finnish term describing deliberate actions aimed at preserving, restoring, and maintaining natural values within managed land and water ecosystems. It encompasses measures carried out by landowners, public authorities, and organizations to support biodiversity, soil health, water protection, and the resilience of landscapes. The concept is applied across sectors such as agriculture, forestry, water management, and urban and recreational areas.

In practice, luonnonhoito includes maintaining and creating semi-natural habitats on farmland (field margins, hedgerows, small ponds), implementing appropriate mowing or grazing regimes to support pollinators and wildflowers, and retaining elements like dead wood and old trees in forests. In water and urban environments, it can involve shore and riparian zone restoration, wetland maintenance, and green space management that fosters biodiversity and ecological services. The aim is to balance productive use of land with ecological value and long-term sustainability.

planning and instruments for luonnonhoito are often formalized through nature management plans and supported by programs within the European Union’s agricultural policy. In Finland, practical implementation is commonly linked to agricultural environmental schemes (maatalouden ympäristötoimet) and forest management practices that emphasize ecological retention and restoration. Natura 2000 obligations may also influence local luonnonhoito measures.

Overall, luonnonhoito seeks to safeguard biodiversity, improve water and soil quality, support pollination and climate resilience, and maintain healthy ecosystems while allowing sustainable use of natural resources. Challenges include competing land-use demands, financing, and measuring long-term ecological outcomes.