Policy Brief: Stopping biodiversity loss makes sense

Nature is diverse by its nature. Diversity is manifested at different scales: genes, individuals, populations, species and entire ecosystems. Biodiversity loss means a gradual or sudden diminishing in this diversity.

Variability at different levels allows populations and species to adapt to changes in the environment, while the functioning of diverse ecosystems enables human well-being. Oftentimes, these benefits, called ecosystem services, do not become apparent to us until they come under threat. In Finland, for example, the yields of rapeseed crops have declined as a result of pollinator loss.

“The changes in how ecosystems function are the most worrying consequence of biodiversity loss. Because we are not aware of all species and especially their role in biotic communities, we are gambling with life by letting biodiversity decline”, says Leif Schulman, Director General of the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke).

According to a recent study carried out by Syke, most people in Finland are concerned about biodiversity loss. Almost half of the respondents thought that current nature conservation measures are inadequate. Finnish companies have also noticed that biodiversity loss affects their business environment. All in all, biodiversity loss is a significant threat to the Finnish economy and Finns’ well-being.

EU membership offers good opportunities for combating biodiversity loss

The greatest causes of biodiversity loss are the consumption of natural resources and changes in land use, which force nature aside and fragment species’ habitats. As part of the EU, Finland has a responsibility to protect boreal and arctic nature. “We still have a lot of nature left compared to many other EU countries, so we have a great opportunity to protect a network of well-functioning ecosystems”, emphasises Syke Unit Director Aino Juslén.

“The most important ways of combating biodiversity loss are having more protected areas, investing in restoration and nature management, using land in a biodiversity-friendly way and developing related steering methods”, says project manager Saija Kuusela from Syke, adding: “We should be more mindful of nature in the fight against climate change as well. In the longer run, we have to be able to curb the consumption of natural resources by shifting from linear economic system to a sustainable circular bioeconomy.”

Recent public discourse has focused on the price tag of protecting and restoring biodiversity. “We often forget what it will cost us down the road if we don’t act now”, Director General Schulman points out. “The sooner we take action, the lower the costs and risks will be – combating biodiversity loss immediately makes sense.”

At best, the costs can be passed on to those causing the harm, which will make environmentally friendly practices relatively more profitable. Measures for combating biodiversity loss, such as restoration and management, often also generate employment, especially in rural areas.

Syke Policy Brief:
Stopping biodiversity loss makes sense (helsinki.fi)

Further information

Saija Kuusela, Project Manager, the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke),firstname.lastname@syke.fi, tel. +358 295 252 361

Aino Juslén, Unit Director of Nature solutions, the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke),firstname.lastname@syke.fi, tel. +358 295 252 301

Leif Schulman, Director-General, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
for inquiries, contact the executive assistant: Laura Hautalampi
firstname.lastname@syke.fi, tel. +358 295 251 129

Check out Syke Policy Briefs: syke.fi/policybriefs/en