The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has raised serious concerns about Finland and Sweden’s insufficient efforts to safeguard Europe’s remaining old-growth forests. A newly released WWF report accuses both nations of failing to meet EU Green Deal and Biodiversity Strategy commitments, leaving these vital ecosystems vulnerable to logging and other threats.
The report highlights that thousands of hectares of primary forests, critical for climate stability and biodiversity, are being logged each year in both countries.
It also accuses Finnish and Swedish governments of exploiting legal loopholes to permit forest clearing that should otherwise be restricted.
“Evidence shows Finland and Sweden are not adhering to EU policies designed to protect these irreplaceable ecosystems,” said Mai Suominen, WWF Finland’s Forest Expert. “This undermines Europe’s efforts to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.”
Old-growth forests act as vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. Despite this, both countries are criticised for prioritising the forest industry’s short-term demands for biomass over long-term ecological health. Sweden’s forestry sector supports 140,000 jobs, while Finland’s bioeconomy plays a central role in its economic strategy.
Industry representatives argue that their practices are responsible and comply with national laws. “Forests provide the raw materials society needs while mitigating climate change,” said Magnus Kindbom, forestry director at Sweden’s Federation of Swedish Farmers. However, critics argue this perspective overlooks the ongoing loss of biodiversity caused by logging practices.
According to WWF, Sweden shows little ambition in protecting primary forests on private lands. In Finland, old-growth forests on private properties remain largely unmapped and unprotected. Both countries risk missing the EU Nature Restoration Law target, which requires the restoration of 20% of natural areas by 2030.
The European Commission will host a workshop in Helsinki on 27–28 January to address old-growth forest conservation. WWF urges this meeting to serve as a turning point, pushing Finland and Sweden to strengthen their protection policies.
The WWF report calls for the European Commission to monitor national compliance with EU biodiversity policies closely. It also recommends resources be allocated to mapping and protecting forests on private lands.
“This is not just about fulfilling commitments,” said Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, WWF’s Forests Manager at its European Policy Office. “Failing to act will erode trust in governments and the EU itself. Finland and Sweden must do more before it’s too late.”
Domestically, Finland’s government has drawn ire from WWF for its reported plans to consolidate independent environmental advisory panels under political control. Panels such as the Climate Panel and Nature Panel provide research and policy recommendations. Critics fear that merging them into a politically directed body would compromise their independence.
“Independent research is essential for solving climate and biodiversity crises,” said Elina Erkkilä, WWF Finland’s Conservation Director. “This move risks weakening the credibility and quality of scientific input.”
WWF warns that reducing the independence of environmental panels and continuing unsustainable forest practices could undermine Finland and Sweden’s reputations as leaders in environmental stewardship.
HT