Timo Hannula would get €50 000 for protecting his forest, but the state keeps running out of money

Nature /

The state has no money to protect this forest either

Finland’s ambition is to get private forest owners to protect their old and valuable forests through the Metso programme. However, money is constantly running out.

This forest in Ylivieska is exactly the kind of forest that Finland wants to protect.

It is so rich in natural values that it meets the criteria of the Metso Voluntary Conservation Programme.

The North Ostrobothnia Environment Centre has twice tried to protect it, but there has been no money. This is typical of the whole Metso programme – there is always too little money.

The situation does not seem to improve at all when the current Metso program season ends at the turn of the year and a new one begins.

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Timo Hannula would get €50 000 for protecting his forest, but the state keeps running out of moneyRead More »

Timo Hannula would get €50 000 for protecting his forest, but the state keeps running out of money Read More »

Spain fines Airbnb €64 million for unauthorised rentals

Tourism /

Spain fines Airbnb €64 million for unauthorised rentals

The man is sitting in the doorway. Above him is spray painted: \
Local residents opposed to short-term rentals have written their protest on the wall of a gatehouse in Bilbao, northern Spain.

Spain has fined rental service Airbnb €64 million for advertising unauthorised tourist accommodation, the country’s consumer rights ministry said on Monday.

Spain’s left-wing government, together with some cities and regional authorities, has tightened its grip on short-term rentals, which operate through sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

Many in Spain blame these services for excessive tourism and rising house prices, as they reduce the number of homes available to local residents.

Airbnb has so far not commented on the matter. The fine can be appealed in court.

*Source: Reuters*

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Spain fines Airbnb €64 million for unauthorised rentalsRead More »

Spain fines Airbnb €64 million for unauthorised rentals Read More »

Metsähallitus investigates the current state of off-road traffic in Northern Lapland – local residents can share their experiences

Nature /

Metsähallitus investigates the current state of off-road traffic in Northern Lapland – local residents can share their experiences

Two snowmobilers driving on a snowy desert, with a snowy sky covering the landscape.
Sledgers in the Enontekiö landscape. Archive photo.

The number of off-road permits for snow-covered periods has increased almost tenfold since 1994 in the three northernmost municipalities in Finland.

Metsähallitus will start to investigate the current situation of off-road traffic in the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki. The aim of the study is to identify the potential disadvantages of snowmobiling and other off-road traffic, to improve safety and to identify needs that are not met by current legislation and licensing practices.

The study will consult a wide range of stakeholders, right holders, local residents and permit holders.

Residents of Inari, Utsjoki and Enontekiö can apply for a permit for extensive snowmobiling during the snow-covered period on state-owned land in their municipality of residence. Metsähallitus grants a free permit to all residents who need to snowmobile in winter. Municipal off-road permits are not allowed in national parks or nature reserves.

The current permit practices are based on the will of the parliament and the report of the transport committee presented when the previous land traffic law was enacted.

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Metsähallitus investigates the current state of off-road traffic in Northern Lapland – local residents can share their experiencesRead More »

Metsähallitus investigates the current state of off-road traffic in Northern Lapland – local residents can share their experiences Read More »

Ten YLE music journalists tell us what they think will be the best album of 2025

Culture /

Ten YLE music journalists tell us what they think will be the best album of 2025

Ten different album covers in a collage.
YLE’s music journalists’ favourite albums of 2025.

The editors’ favourite albums of the year are an interesting and diverse selection of music from Finland and abroad.

Ella Ossi: emma

A woman dressed in a black jacket stands with her hand on her hip. On the right, the cover of the album, with an out-of-focus image of two women looking at the camera.
Music journalist Ella Ossi and emma

Pekka Laine: Lauri Kallio – Cats, Turtles and Other Creatures

On the left, a colorful album cover with a creature raising its arms against the background. On the right, a man is browsing vinyl records in the middle of records and posters.
Lauri Kallio’s album Cats, Turtles and Other Creatures and music journalist Pekka Laine.

Kallio and his friends weave together a charming imaginary journey, with echoes of 1960s and 70s chatterbox jazz, meditative psychedelia and film music. The chordal texture, with its soulful guitars and cosmic harp flourishes, is a balm for the stressed-out mind.” – Pekka Laine

Katri Norrlin: Rosalía – LUX

On the left, the album cover, where the woman is dressed in a white outfit and a headscarf. On the right, a woman dressed in a leather vest, collared shirt and tie.
Rosalía’s album Lux and music journalist Katri Norrlin.

Rosalía’s music is like a meticulous research project, drawing on spirituality and religious imagery, such as female saints. The album also feels like a sacred experience. *LUX* is not background music but demands and deserves concentration. If any album from this year will go down in music history, it is *LUX*.” – Katri Norrlin

Tuuli Saksala: Pekko Käppi

On the left, a woman in a purple blouse against a purple background. On the right, the album cover with wolf-like creatures hovering in a colorful landscape.
Music journalist Tuuli Saksala and Pekko Käppi

“Pekko Käppi

The musically rich and multidimensional album transports the listener through different eras, styles and moods. Its message is human: people have always been prone to suspicion, superstition and fear of strangers. This is just how we are now.\” – Tuuli Saksala

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Ten YLE music journalists tell us what they think will be the best album of 2025Read More »

Ten YLE music journalists tell us what they think will be the best album of 2025 Read More »

This is the attraction of the Oulu Capital of Culture year

Culture /

This is the attraction of the Oulu Capital of Culture year

More than 40 000 visitors are expected to attend the Fotografiska Tallinn exhibition. Among other things, the exhibition will gloat over the Soviet Union’s bus stops.

Two years ago, the Fotografiska Tallinn received a surprising contact. The organisers of the 2026 Oulu Capital of Culture proposed a collaboration.

– The Capital of Culture year brings so much attention to the whole country.

A delegation from Fotografiska immediately went to Oulu to visit the premises in the Pekuri shopping district.

– We kind of knew where we were going, because our brand is so well known in Finland. We have a lot of guests from Finland, says Aasmäe.

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This is the attraction of the Oulu Capital of Culture year Read More »

“Stop!” was shouted after Samu Happonen, and two weeks later he was modelling in Milan

Culture /

Samu Happonen spotted on the street as a model in Milan

Cultural guest Samu Happonen, who is familiar with the Kiriolla programme, talks openly about autism. His courage has also been useful as a model in the world.

He was crossing the street in central Helsinki. She passed by, but turned around and shouted: “Stop!”

It was Samu’s 17th birthday. Just two weeks later she was working as a model at Milan Fashion Week.

– I was confused. I thought, this must be a scam. Being a spontaneous and indulgent person, I decided to give it a try.

Samu spoke openly about autism.

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“Stop!” was shouted after Samu Happonen, and two weeks later he was modelling in MilanRead More »

“Stop!” was shouted after Samu Happonen, and two weeks later he was modelling in Milan Read More »

The US goes crazy over a passionate TV series in which hockey players fall in love with each other

Culture /

The US goes crazy over a passionate TV series in which hockey players fall in love with each other

Two handsome male actors in black pose looking directly into the camera, pursing their mouths.
The series stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.

The Heated Rivalry series will not be available in Finland for the time being, HBO Max reports.

The series follows two hockey players, Ilya and Shane, who fall in love. A relationship develops between the two outside the hockey rink that no one else knows about.

Known for its intense sex scenes, the series was already the talk of the town before its release. Fans of the book posted numerous videos on Tiktok.

Those who have read Reid’s novel have been waiting for the series to be published in Finland. However, HBO Max tells Yle that there are no plans to release the series in Finland.

– However, sex is their love language. It’s a way to tell a story because the way they have sex changes as they get to know each other and themselves, Tierney tells The Hollywood Reporter.

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The US goes crazy over a passionate TV series in which hockey players fall in love with each otherRead More »

The US goes crazy over a passionate TV series in which hockey players fall in love with each other Read More »

Mats Lillrank of Froebel’s Blocks retires – this is what the early childhood educator hopes children will remember

Culture /

Palikka says goodbye to working life

Mats Lillrank, singer of the Froebel Balls, has a 40-year career in early childhood education. He also encourages adults to play.

Soon he will do the same, once and for all, for the City of Helsinki, where he has worked for four decades. Mr Lillrank will retire from his post as a special needs teacher on 18 December.

She directs you to the classroom where this informal retirement interview is to take place.

– “I’m a bit surprised that you found out about this,” Lillrank wonders about the attention he has received.

That how his retirement would cross the news threshold.

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Mats Lillrank of Froebel’s Blocks retires – this is what the early childhood educator hopes children will rememberRead More »

Mats Lillrank of Froebel’s Blocks retires – this is what the early childhood educator hopes children will remember Read More »

Even military cooperation is possible thanks to the new Turku-Vilnius air link, says Ambassador

Tourism /

Even military cooperation is possible thanks to the new Turku-Vilnius air link, says Ambassador

Lithuania's ambassador to Finland, Edvilkas Raudonikis, cuts the ribbon in front of a Wizz Air plane at Turku airport.
Lithuanian Ambassador to Finland Edvilkas Raudonikis cuts the ribbon in front of a Wizz Air aircraft at Turku airport. Next to him (right) is the Mayor of Turku Piia Elo (S&D).

Low-cost airline Wizz Air says it is investing in connections between Finland and the Baltic countries. It is satisfied with its Turku routes.

A flight has been opened between Turku and Vilnius, Lithuania. Around 170 passengers took the first flight to Vilnius.

Wizz Air will operate four weekly flights between Turku and Vilnius in December and three weekly flights from January onwards. The aircraft will be a 239-seat Airbus.

In addition to economic cooperation, military cooperation is possible.

– Finland’s NATO membership opens up new opportunities. Interesting projects already exist. We hope your experiences will help us. Finland and Lithuania have the same challenges and responsibilities.

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Even military cooperation is possible thanks to the new Turku-Vilnius air link, says Ambassador Read More »

The Loviisanpäss Bridge architecture competition was won by a dark-sounding bridge using smart lighting

Lahti News in English /

The Loviisanpäss Bridge architecture competition was won by a dark-sounding bridge using smart lighting

Observational photo where a dark bridge crosses the street. The surface of the bridge looks vividly uneven.
The winner of the design competition The Shadow will blend into the tree canopy.

The city’s next objective is to launch the implementation planning for the bridge. The timetable for the construction of the bridge will only be known at a later stage.

The City of Lahti has selected the Shadow proposal as the winner of the design competition for a bridge over the old railway embankment at Loviisanpäss.

The bridge has a steel truss structure with a sanded recycled wood cladding. The dark charred wood refers to a time when loads were moved using coal and steam.

Bat roosts have been integrated between the wooden elements of the bridge deck. However, according to the species survey, the area is not a special bat habitat, so the usefulness of the boxes is still being assessed.

Smart lighting is meant to reduce light pollution. The lighting brightens and dims with the passerby.

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The Loviisanpäss Bridge architecture competition was won by a dark-sounding bridge using smart lighting Read More »