AL13 Management of wilderness areas

  This is a response indicator. DPSIR = drivers, pressures, state, impact, responses. 
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Development

 

Altogether 12 wilderness areas covering a total area of approximately 1.5 million hectares have been established in northernmost Lapland in accordance with the Wilderness Act from 1991. Wilderness areas are not as strictly protected as conventional protected areas, but nevertheless belong to Finland?s Natura 2000 network.

The aims of wilderness areas are to conserve the wilderness-like nature of these areas, to preserve indigenous Sámi culture and livelihoods as well as to promote the diverse and sustainable use of northern nature. According to the Wilderness Act the use and management of wilderness areas has to be planned and directed by means of comprehensive, area specific management plans. The plans are drafted by Metsähallitus, which also governs all wilderness areas, and affirmed by the Ministry of the Environment.

For example, building roads and mining activities are prohibited in wilderness areas unless permission is granted by the government. Some wilderness areas are completely protected from logging, while limited forestry is allowed in others

 

 


 


 

  

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Updated (14.05.2013)