ympäristölaki

Ympäristölaki, also known as the Environmental Act, is a comprehensive piece of legislation in Finland that aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. The act was first enacted in 1999 and has since been amended several times to address new environmental challenges and incorporate international best practices.

The primary goal of the Ympäristölaki is to ensure that environmental protection is integrated into all aspects of society, including economic activities, land use, and public administration. The act establishes a framework for environmental policy, setting out the principles and objectives that guide environmental decision-making.

One of the key provisions of the Ympäristölaki is the requirement for environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for certain projects and activities. EIAs are designed to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project and to identify measures that can be taken to minimize or mitigate any adverse impacts. The act also provides for the establishment of environmental protection areas and the designation of protected species and habitats.

The Ympäristölaki also includes provisions for environmental compensation, which allows for the restoration of damaged or degraded environments. The act requires that any adverse environmental effects resulting from a project must be compensated for, either through the restoration of the affected area or through the payment of compensation to the affected parties.

In addition to these provisions, the Ympäristölaki also includes provisions for the promotion of sustainable development. The act encourages the use of renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and it requires that environmental considerations be taken into account in all aspects of economic and social development.

The Ympäristölaki is enforced by the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) and other relevant authorities, and it is supported by a range of international agreements and conventions, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The act is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains effective and relevant in the face of changing environmental challenges.