luonnonsuojelulakia

Luonnonsuojelulaki is the Finnish Nature Conservation Act. It is the primary legislation in Finland governing the protection of nature and biodiversity. The act aims to preserve natural diversity, protect endangered species and habitats, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

The law defines various categories of protected areas, including national parks, nature reserves, and strict nature reserves. These areas have different levels of protection and restrictions on human activities to safeguard their ecological integrity. For instance, national parks are designated for both conservation and public recreation, while strict nature reserves allow for scientific research with minimal human interference.

Luonnonsuojelulaki also addresses the protection of individual species, particularly those that are rare, threatened, or endangered. It outlines measures for their conservation, such as habitat protection and restrictions on hunting or collection. The act empowers authorities to implement conservation plans and take necessary actions to prevent species extinction.

Furthermore, the law regulates activities that may impact natural environments, including land use, construction, and resource extraction. It requires environmental impact assessments for projects that could significantly affect biodiversity. The implementation and enforcement of the act are primarily the responsibility of the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) and regional environmental authorities. The law is periodically reviewed and updated to adapt to new scientific knowledge and conservation challenges.