From Forests to the Sea
Forestry
Practical measures for water protection in forestry
The project brings the latest research on reducing forestry-related water pollution into practice. The goal is to increase awareness among forest owners and forestry professionals about forest management practices that prevent negative impacts on water bodies, and to carry out concrete water protection measures in the Archipelago Sea catchment area.
Official name
From Forests to the Sea (Metsistä merelle)
Duration
2025/06 – 2027/10
Persons in charge
Katariina Yli-Heikkilä, Eemeli Huhta, Taina Ihaksi, Katri Kaartovuori, Sven Ivars, Mikael Jensen
Organizations
Valonia
BSAG
Kemiönsaaren kunta
Yhteistyössä Söderlångvikin kartano
Funder
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland
Towards water-conscious forest management
The forests of the Archipelago Sea catchment area are an important part of the region’s ecosystem. Forestry can have a significant impact on aquatic biodiversity and the ecological balance of water bodies. At the same time, forestry practices also offer great potential for improving the overall state of aquatic ecosystems.
The project aims to reduce harmful water impacts by enhancing water protection in forestry. The project promotes forest use and management methods that prevent water pollution and improve the condition of water bodies within the Archipelago Sea catchment area. The most effective practices and practical solutions developed through the project will also be shared with other municipalities. Awareness of the importance of small water bodies and aquatic ecosystems will be raised both locally and nationally.
Strengthening expertise and implementing concrete restoration measures
The forestry sector is broad and includes complex supply chains, meaning that information doesn’t always reach those working in the field. This project aims to broaden the understanding of forestry professionals regarding the water impacts of forest management by using concrete examples and helping to connect the latest research with field practices. Trainings, advisory services, and educational materials designed to meet practical needs will support forest owners and professionals in preventing negative water impacts during both planning and implementation.
The project also includes concrete restoration measures and encourages municipalities to implement effective water protection efforts in the forest areas they own. On Kemiönsaari at least three restoration measures will be carried out. In addition, water protection plans and actions will be designed and implemented in two other municipalities within the Archipelago Sea catchment area. These efforts serve as examples to inspire other municipalities to consider the water impacts of their own forests.
PROJECT PHASES
2025
Contextualization and data collection
In the first phase, existing information on municipal forests in Southwest Finland will be compiled, and their potential for water protection will be assessed.
2025–2027
Implementation of water protection measures in municipalities
Based on the collected information, the actual water protection measures will be planned and their implementation initiated in the municipalities. The measures will focus on practical solutions, whose effectiveness will be monitored during the project.
2026–2027
Strengthening expertise and disseminating information
The information produced during the project on integrating water protection into forest management and planning is shared with municipalities, private forest owners, and forestry professionals. This information is spread and put into practice through training sessions, guidance, and educational materials.
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