In addition, about 600 hectares of new and permanent nature conservation areas were established in Pirkanmaa in the METSO program. Private forest owners protected 42 sites in Pirkanmaa.
The Gift of Nature campaign, which ended at the end of the year, creates 240 hectares of new nature reserves in Pirkanmaa. The people of Pirkan donated 120 hectares of nature reserves to the Gift of Nature campaign, and the state is committed to donating its own land to conservation for the amount of hectares donated by private individuals.
The Gift of Nature campaign is one of the ways to try to stop the deterioration of biodiversity in Finland.
Last year, new Metso protected areas were also established in Pirkanmaa. The protected area was about 600 hectares. The amount increased from the previous year by 140 hectares.
The Metso program protects the diversity of forests in Southern Finland. Protection is based on voluntariness. Through the program, forest owners receive compensation for their protected forest.
Private forest owners protected 42 Metso sites in Pirkanmaa. Their total area was almost 500 hectares. In addition, the state acquired approximately 110 hectares of forest for protection.
In addition to the Metso program, based on the Helmi habitat program, about 80 hectares of Pirkanmaa bogs were protected.
The total value of protection compensations and trade prices was about 5.6 million.
According to the Ely Center, new conservation sites are still needed. For example, old canopy forests with rotting trees and groves are suitable for protection.
*More Pirkanmaa news* on *Yle’s website**. Listen, watch and read what’s happening near you.*
*Do you have a News Tip or did you describe the news situation? Send a tip* *tampere@yle.fi*(mailto:tampere@yle.fi)*.*