Yhteismetsä

Yhteismetsä is a Finnish term that translates to "joint forest" or "common forest." It refers to a type of forest ownership where several landowners jointly own and manage a forest area. This ownership structure is established through a legal agreement, typically between neighboring landowners or families who wish to pool their forest resources. The primary purpose of forming a yhteismetsä is to achieve more efficient and sustainable management of the forest.

The establishment of a yhteismetsä allows for a larger, more cohesive forest unit, which can lead to economies of scale in forestry operations such as logging, silviculture, and pest control. Decisions regarding forest management, harvesting, and investments are made collectively by the owners, often through a designated board or a manager. The benefits derived from the forest, such as timber sales revenue, are then shared among the owners according to pre-agreed terms, usually based on their respective ownership shares.

Yhteismetsä is a significant form of forest ownership in Finland, particularly in rural areas. It is seen as a way to preserve family forests, promote responsible forest management, and ensure the long-term economic and ecological value of forest resources. The legal framework for yhteismetsä in Finland aims to facilitate cooperation and provide a structure for shared decision-making and benefit distribution.