Finland's environment and defense ministries launch a joint working group to explore how nature restoration can enhance border security. The team will study how restoring wetlands and former peat production areas could create natural barriers along the eastern border.
Environment Minister Sari Multala said nature offers solutions that support security and strengthen societal crisis resilience. The approach aims to find cost-effective measures serving multiple objectives during economic and security challenges.
Defense Minister Antti HÀkkÀnen noted Finland has always utilized swamps, waterways and terrain conditions in defense arrangements. This project concretely combines security and environmental goals, he stated.
The working group will identify necessary measures, responsibilities and funding needs. It will launch pilot projects in border zones and assess restoration possibilities in continuously used military areas.
This initiative supports implementation of the EU Restoration Regulation while Finland prepares its national restoration plan to halt biodiversity loss.
The strategy represents a pragmatic approach to addressing both security concerns and environmental commitments simultaneously. Using natural landscapes for defense purposes could reduce costs while achieving conservation goals.
Work begins on state-owned lands in eastern border regions, where specific terrain conditions will be restored to serve both biodiversity and defense needs.