In her speech in a conference entitled Renewable Resources – Sustainable Future, organised by the Finnish Forest Association to promote the use of renewable natural resources in the Baltic and Nordic countries, minister Anttila said that sustainable use of natural resources is an excellent example of a field where the Nordic and Baltic States have true potential for spearheading the development. The task is, however, difficult because there is a noticeable lack of information and statistics, especially concerning renewables.

“The use of natural resources should be adjusted to a sustainable level, and defining that level calls for more research and scientifically and politically relevant data,” said Anttila. Also a solid scientific basis is required to be able to justify the need to change production and consumption patterns.

“The Nordic and Baltic States are well known for their reliable statistics and information provision. However, from time to time we should still challenge that information. What are the main features and pressures for change in the use of natural resources? What is the current state of know-how and expertise related to natural resources in our countries and how could this be developed? Do the consumers have enough information concerning the consumption of natural resources on which to base their purchase decisions?” asked Anttila.

Dialogue between industries is needed
According to Minister Anttila, solving the difficulties requires more dialogue between the decision-makers in different natural resource sectors. “The same has been observed at the international level, and the United Nations, for example, is considering the setting up of an International Panel on Natural Resources,” said Anttila.

The European Union supports the UN’s plan. Finland has argued for support on three grounds: the climate change and the diminishing of biological diversity are ultimately caused by the unsustainable use of natural resources, the ecological footprint of industrial countries is much too large, and the opportunities and benefits of using natural resources are not distributed evenly.

In his opening speech at the conference, Mr. Juha Hakkarainen, President of the Finnish Forest Association, stressed that rather than seeing the use of forests as a problem, as is often the case, we should understand that it has been and continues to be a solution. Minister Anttila echoed Hakkarainen’s words in saying that wood and forests were crucial in converting Finland from a poor agrarian society into one of the top industrial nations of the modern world.

“At first this was at the expense of the sustainability of forests, and 100 years ago Finnish forests were heavily exploited. Then we realised that we also have to take care of our forest capital,” says Anttila.

While the volume of timber in Finnish forests decreased during the 19th century due to wasteful use in heating, slash-and-burn agriculture and tar-burning, it began to increase at the beginning of the 20th century and currently, due to modern forestry methods, it is larger than ever during recorded history. Also, the volume of stout timber has increased continuously, as well as the area of commercial forests that contain features of old forests.

Moreover, the forest sector is also a forerunner as regards the eco-efficient use of raw materials. All of the wood removed from the forest is used, if not as raw material, then as energy – with an extremely high efficiency, over 90 per cent.

According to Anttila, wood is still the most interesting renewable for Finland. In regard to this she also pointed out that Finland is ready to offer its solid experience to benefit all Europeans.

By Hannes Mäntyranta



Renewable Resources – Sustainable Future