Nature values trading

The forest owner makes an offer to the regional forest centre for the conservation of a specified habitat for an agreed period that is at least 10 years. Compensation is paid as a lump sum at the beginning of the contract period. In agreements signed during the MetsδVasu project the average compensation was EUR 214/ha/a.

The METSO program defined on conservation biological grounds a number of habitats as important. They were:
• herb-rich woodlands
• spruce mires
• sandy eskers and moraine features
• heathland forests with plenty of decaying wood
• swampy woodlands and wooded flood meadows
• woodland pastures and wooded meadows
• natural forests along emerging coastlines

Core nature values of these habitats include:
• decaying wood
• burnt or charred wood
• large aspens and other mature broadleaved trees
• location near an existing conservation area
• hosting of threatened or rare species
• exceptional microclimate or topography
• springs, brooks and other natural water features