Our Operating Principles
Founded in 2008, the foundation’s core mission is to acquire and protect areas suitable for conservation—both locally within the Lake Päijänne region and across a significantly broader surrounding area.
We purchase land for conservation using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. We also accept land and water area donations from across Finland.
We act as a bridge between people and nature, providing practical solutions to combat biodiversity loss and climate change. Through us, direct participation in conservation is easy and effective!
Our goal is strong and rapid growth. More protected land is urgently needed to halt the emergency facing Finland’s nature!
The Foundation for Better Nature operates across the extensive Päijänne watershed area, which extends widely in all directions from the lake. While our primary focus is on this region, we can also engage in projects beyond it. All donation funds are directed toward acquiring conservation areas within our operational scope.
By 2035, Foundation for Better Nature aims to protect 20,000 hectares of rich natural landscapes. In comparison, this is 200 times the size of Töölö, a district in Helsinki! Our mission is to preserve the defining features of central Finland’s nature for future generations—even improving upon them.We are already the leading nonprofit conservation organization in the Päijänne watershed. Our vision is that by 2030, the number of our protected areas will have increased fivefold, and by 2035, we will have safeguarded over 250 sites. Furthermore, by that time, biodiversity loss will have been reversed, shifting toward increased biodiversity—an effort we remain fully committed to.
Our Key Areas of Work:
Tältä alueelta ostamme kohteita (OpenStreetMap® on avointa dataa, jonka OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) on lisensoinut Open Data Commons Open Database -lisenssillä(ODbL).
Acquiring Natural Gems for Conservation
- We acquire nature reserves through donation funds.
- We seek conservation sites within our operational area.
- We accept land and water donations from across Finland.
- We welcome bequests and other donations.
- Currently protecting 26 areas covering 557 hectares.
- We work swiftly to ensure our protected sites receive legal conservation status.
Creating and Utilizing Ecological Corridors
- We aim to reconnect fragmented natural areas with ecological corridors.
- The Päijänne watershed serves as our primary ecological corridor.
- We prioritize protecting areas near existing conservation sites.
- We seek to preserve large areas—nature needs space to thrive.
Restoration and Habitat Management
- Human impact is visible everywhere—untouched nature is nearly nonexistent. By protecting the last remaining fragments and restoring degraded areas, we help nature recover.
- Restoration increases biodiversity and reduces nutrient runoff into waterways.
Projects where restoration has been in the focus:
- Hartola’s Isosuo restoration (2024): Improves wetland water retention and reduces runoff into water bodies, enhancing carbon sequestration.
- Vehkosaari restoration (2024): Removal of spruce trees benefits the island’s lush deciduous vegetation and improves the habitat of the endangered white-backed woodpecker.
Our Values
Nature Comes First – Our work is guided by what’s best for nature.
Open to All – We offer everyone a way to contribute to conservation and biodiversity efforts.
Independence – Our actions are transparent, trustworthy, and community-driven.
For People and Nature – We work to secure a better future for both.
What Kind of Areas Are We Looking For?
Foundation for Better Nature seeks to protect forests and other natural sites within our operational area (see map). Southern Finland has the weakest forest conservation status, with only a small percentage of land protected.
We prioritize:
- Connecting fragmented nature with ecological corridors. The Päijänne watershed serves as the backbone of this effort.
- Conserving land near existing protected areas.
- Acquiring large areas whenever possible—nature needs room to flourish.
What makes a forest or area valuable for conservation?
You don’t have to determine whether your land is suitable—reach out, and we’ll evaluate it together! However, here are some key features we look for:
Diverse forest composition with trees of varying ages and species.
Deadwood presence – If the logging history and deadwood continuity are known or can be estimated, that’s a plus.
Special natural features, such as:
- Streams, springs, swamps, ponds, or other wetlands.
- Shorelines, groves, unique geological formations.
- High potential for ecological restoration.
Cultural or recreational value.
Areas of lower conservation value may also be considered if they serve as buffer zones or ecological corridors.
Use of Funds (Only in Finnish)
2022 Annual Report, Income Statement, and Balance Sheet
2021 Annual Report, Income Statement, and Balance Sheet
2020 Annual Report, Income Statement, and Balance Sheet
