Kone Foundation funds the protection of a 56-hectare undeveloped island in Central Finland – and challenges others to support the conservation of natural forests

With a €800,000 donation from Kone Foundation, the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation (Luonnonperintösäätiö) will purchase Vihatinsalo Island in Jämsä, Finland, and establish it as a conservation area. Kone Foundation is challenging Finnish forestry companies, energy companies, financial institutions, retail chains, and environmental foundations to make a donation to the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The protection of natural forests is crucial for preserving biodiversity. In the southern part of Finland, the situation is particularly critical, as the share of natural forests is very small, and less than 3% of the forest area is protected.

Finland is committed to protecting all remaining natural and old-growth forests as part of the EU’s biodiversity strategy. However, the Finnish government has set such strict criteria for old-growth forests that even many already protected forests do not meet them. As a result, no new areas in the state forests of southern Finland are likely to receive protection, even if they have significant ecological value.

“With Kone Foundation’s Metsän puolella initiative, we aim to promote the sustainable use of forests. In addition to supporting forest-related research, art, journalism and activism, as well as promoting dialogue between different actors, we also need direct protection, as the situation of natural forests in Finland is alarming. The Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation is an expert in the field, managing the entire process from identifying valuable forest areas to their acquisition and conservation,” says Mari Pantsar, Change Manager for Kone Foundation’s Metsän puolella initiative.

The Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation, established in 1995, acquires old forests that are in as natural a condition as possible and apply for their permanent protection. Its activities are funded by donations from both private individuals and organisations. All money donated to the Foundation goes directly to forest conservation work.

Vihatinsalo – a remarkable and rare forest sanctuary

Aerial view of the Vihatinsalo island. Video by Jussi Salomäki.

Vihatinsalo is an undeveloped 56-hectare island in Lake Kankarisvesi, which flows into Lake Päijänne. Almost a third of the island is completely untouched, and the trees are in many places over 100 years old. In addition to conifers, the island is home to large rowan and aspen trees. The forest’s diversity, its deciduous groves, and its swampy depressions make it a valuable conservation site. The scenic island is located along the well-known “Wanha Witonen” paddling route.

“Protecting such a large undeveloped island is a remarkable achievement. Vihatinsalo is a beautiful island, which will become even more biodiverse as a result of the protection,” says Harri Hölttä, Conservation Director of Area Acquisitions at the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation says.

Aikalankangas, another conservation area established by the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation, lies a few kilometres to the north along the same waterway, while two other private conservation areas are situated to the northeast.

“Interestingly, we know that the two brothers who owned Vihatinsalo in the 1700s had already agreed on a logging ban for the island. The fact that it will now be placed under permanent protection continues their legacy and honors the will of past generations,” says Anneli Jussila, Conservation Director at the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation.

The location of Vihatinsalo on the map.

Kone Foundation challenges others to take action for the protection of natural forests

Since 1995, the Natural Heritage Foundation has acquired 227 sites for protection, covering a total area of almost 6 000 hectares. Currently, more high-value forest areas are being offered for conservation than the Foundation has resources to acquire. This means that some high value sites will have to be felled as forest owners cannot wait for the funds to accumulate.

Forests with commercially valuable timber are expensive in Finland, yet the only certain way to protect forests is to purchase them. This is why fundraising is essential for the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation. By donating, anyone can help create new protected areas.

“We hope our donation to the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation will inspire others to contribute to forest conservation. That is why we challenge all Finnish forestry companies, energy companies, financial institutions, retail chains and environmental foundations to donate to the Natural Heritage Foundation in celebration of its 30th anniversary – in an amount they find appropriate,” says Ilona Herlin, Vice Chair of the Kone Foundation Board of Trustees.

Kone Foundation has previously purchased forest areas for conservation. In 2017, it bought land from the municipality of Kemiönsaari, which was later designated as the Kulla Nature Reserve. In 2021, the Foundation purchased the Sanginjoki forest area from the City of Oulu and donated it to Metsähallitus for protection, with the hope that a national park will be established in the area.