Finnish forest-related laws need to acknowledge climate change risks and integrate adaptive strategies to enhance resiliency

Abstract

Forests provide critical ecosystem services, including soil protection, water regulation, biodiversity conservation, and absorbing carbon dioxide emissions. Forest resilience to climate change is crucial to sustaining these ecosystems. Here, we aim to review to what extent current forest legislation in Finland supports the adaptation of forests to climate change. We also reviewed non-binding legal documents such as forest strategies and government guidelines. Finnish forest laws addressed selection of genetic material for forest regeneration as well as the management of forest after abiotic damages. Climate change was not clearly mentioned in the laws. Current strategic documents assume that continuing existing forest management practices is sufficient to cope with climate change effects on forests. Overall, the present Finnish forest norms predominantly rely on a perception of low climate risk and business-as-usual management approach can sufficiently address the challenges posed by climate change. We strongly suggest that the Finnish forest norms need to adopt a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the potential risks of climate change and integrates adaptive strategies into forestry practices to enhance climate resilience.