Luonnonmukainen

Luonnonmukainen is a Finnish adjective meaning nature-friendly or ecologically compatible, describing actions, products, or policies intended to operate in harmony with natural processes and ecosystems. The word combines luonto 'nature' with mukainen 'having the character of' or 'in line with.' In everyday Finnish usage it often serves as a broad descriptor for practices that aim to minimize environmental impact and support biodiversity, soil and water health, and resilient ecosystems.

In practice the term appears in several sectors. In agriculture, luonnonmukainen viljely describes farming approaches that emphasize soil fertility, reduced chemical inputs, and diversification, sometimes overlapping with organic farming. In forestry, luonnonmukainen metsänhoito describes management that prioritizes natural regeneration, habitat conservation, and maintaining structural diversity. In landscaping and urban planning, it denotes designs that integrate green spaces, preserve native species, and mimic natural hydrological and nutrient cycles. In products and corporate practices, luonnonmukainen merkintä signals an effort to reduce harm to ecosystems, though the term is not a legally defined certification in itself; specific standards may apply through other labels or regulations.

Because meanings vary by context, luonnonmukainen is often used as a broad marketing or policy term as well as a description of concrete methods. It sits alongside related concepts such as kestävyys (sustainability), ekologinen design, and luonnonsuojelu.