Syke Policy Brief | Sustainable solutions for environmental policy | Finnish Environment Institute | 14.10.2025
Ecological restoration is an investment for the future Ecological restoration can advance the recovery of Finnish nature. The targets and measures for restoring different ecosystems are agreed upon in the national restoration plan. To succeed, the plan requires effective policy instruments as well as assessments that span across ecosystems. When carefully implemented, restoration strengthens not only the ecosystems, but also the regional economy and human wellbeing. In the restoration plan, nature should be recognised as a whole, interconnected system.
For example, achieving the restoration targets for the Baltic Sea, requires measures in forests and agricultural ecosystems. Such synergies can be identified when different ecosystems are analysed together. A long-term plan must be drawn up to improve the state of nature.
The plan should take into account the objectives of the Nature Restoration Regulation for 2030, 2040 and 2050. Regular updates to the restoration plan should be supported by longterm monitoring and ex-post evaluations. Experiments can be built for comparing the effects of various practical measures and policy instruments. Monitoring and regular assessment will ensure successful implementation. Restoration needs to be governed with effective policy instruments.
Updating existing policy instruments and introducing new ones will ensure the implementation of restoration measures across ecosystems and time frames. The restoration plan should identify and list the required legislative changes and additional funding needs. Restoration should be seen as an investment in the wellbeing of both nature and humans, which also creates jobs and enhances regional vitality.
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