Fourth national report on the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity of Finland

Abstract

The Fourth National Report on the Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Finland, which was submitted to the secretariat of the CBD in June 24 2009, provides a wide-ranging overview on the state and development of biodiversity in Finland. It also analyses the results achieved by the policies that have been drafted and implemented to safeguard natural environments. The state, trends, threats and actions taken are all examined by means of indicators. Attention is also paid on the key means to mainstream biodiversity issues as well as on progress towards the goals of the CBD's strategic plan. According to this report, the loss of biodiversity in Finland has been not been halted on the whole although, for example, several bird and mammal species which declined previously are now recovering. There has been progress in terms of integrating biodiversity issues into national legislation and strengthening sectoral cooperation. However, even better consideration of biodiversity in the policies of different administrative sectors and more thorough implementation of the national Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans is needed to reverse the present trends.