Naujienos
2006 - 03 - 12
* One century of forest owners' co-operation in Finland
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| (06/03/2006) |
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 One hundred years ago Finnish forest owners had the idea of uniting their forces and of developing forestry in common. That was the beginning of Finnish forestry associations. The centenary jubilee year starts under the slogan "One century for the good of forest owners." In a spirit of progression forestry associations endeavour to bring about rational and systematic cultivation and use of forests, instead of destroying them. The organization of forest owners opened opportunities to make an impact on timber trade. Forest owners' main interest is forest growth and sustainable proceeds. In their wake forest owners also started paying attention to good forestry practices. Comprehensive services to forest owners all over the country The present number of forestry associations is 154 and their activities cover every municipality in the whole country. Forest owners as a group are subject to structural change; there are more women, the share of urban inhabitants is increasing and even more forest owners retire. At the same time their values and needs of services are changing. "These last years forestry associations have invested in developing comprehensive, varied and high quality services in the whole country. The response from forest owners, as well as my personal observations, indicate that we have succeeded in this endeavour". These are the words of Mr Esa Härmälä, Chairman of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK), in his speech at the centenary celebration. He emphasized that this activity is unique. "On many occasions I have observed that on international level Finnish forestry associations are attracting interest and respect". No such wide based organization including all forest owners exists anywhere else. | |
