Metsäistytysprojektit

Metsäistytysprojektit were Finnish forest settlement projects, primarily active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These initiatives aimed to develop sparsely populated forested areas by encouraging agricultural settlement. The projects often involved the allocation of state - owned forest lands to families or groups, with the goal of increasing food production and rural population growth. Participants typically received land, tools, and initial support to establish farms. Over time, these projects contributed to the expansion of agriculture in Finland's northern and eastern regions, though challenges such as harsh climates and limited infrastructure sometimes hindered long - term success. The legacy of these projects is reflected in the transformation of many forested areas into cultivated farmland and the development of rural communities.