The Nature Gift to Finland project restores drained peatlands, which will then be permanently protected. The aim of these measures is to improve habitats for endangered species and reduce climate emissions caused by drained peatlands.
The conservation and restoration sites of the project are located in Simo, Pudasjärvi and Puolanka. Ilmatar’s contribution is directed to the acquisition and permanent protection of approximately 33.5 hectares of forest and forest-peatland areas in Pöytäkangas and Koppelosuo in Pudasjärvi.
The joint initiative was announced today, December 5, at the Old Student House in Helsinki. The opening speech was given by Minister of the Environment and Climate, Sari Multala.
Nature work creates competitive advantage and project acceptance
Nature work is an important part of Ilmatar’s sustainability efforts. In line with our sustainability goals, we seek solutions to safeguard biodiversity and develop activities that support nature. The Nature Gift to Finland project aligns with Ilmatar’s sustainability work and objectives, as it considers environmental impacts and promotes sustainable energy production.
According to Ilmatar’s VP, Project Development, Jussi Mäkinen, nature work should not be seen as an obligation but as part of building competitive advantage and leadership.
“Companies play a key role in halting biodiversity loss because they have significant resources and the ability to steer investments toward more sustainable directions. At Ilmatar, we see that the energy transition and safeguarding biodiversity go hand in hand. Renewable energy mitigates climate change, which is one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss. Therefore, the future energy system cannot be designed in a way that increases biodiversity loss,” says Mäkinen.
Mäkinen also highlights the positive impact of nature work on project acceptance, corporate reputation and trust:
“We want to engage actively with stakeholders and be an active member of the community. This builds trust and mutual understanding in project development. Being a pioneer in nature work means that a company takes responsibility beyond statutory obligations,” Mäkinen says.
In addition to Ilmatar, the conservation and restoration efforts are financed by Taaleri Energia, Fortum, Helen, Myrsky Energia, ABO Energy together with Ålandsbanken’s wind power fund, Eolus, Neoen and Suomen Uusiutuvat. The project is organized by OnePlanet, and the practical conservation and restoration measures are carried out by Hiilipörssi and the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation.
