The City of Helsinki has established nature reserves based on the ecological value of birdlife and forests in particular. Almost half of Helsinki’s nature reserves are located on islands. The most important bird protection areas include Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti and the Östersundom bird wetlands. Haltialanmetsä is the largest forest nature reserve in Helsinki. There are also nature reserves on lands owned by the City of Helsinki in other municipalities: Sipoo, Espoo, Hanko and Ingå.
Most of the City of Helsinki’s nature reserves are private nature reserves established at the initiative of the landowner (in most cases, the City of Helsinki). In the protection proposal submitted by the landowner, the landowner can propose restrictions on the use of the area. After a decision is made to place the site in question under a protection order, the private owner or municipality retains ownership of the area.
The process of establishing a nature reserve usually takes two to three years. The City of Helsinki primarily establishes new nature reserves in line with its current Nature Conservation Programme.
Phases of establishing a nature reserve
- The nature data on the planned nature reserve is complemented by nature studies carried out as needed.
- The Environmental Services of the City of Helsinki prepare the protection proposal and a plan for the management and use of the nature reserve in cooperation with other experts and stakeholders. This process usually also includes an event for residents. Residents may submit written comments on the draft management plans.
- The establishment proposal and management plan are then submitted to the City of Helsinki Urban Environment Committee’s Environment and Permits Sub-committee for consideration.
- Next, the Helsinki City Board considers the establishment proposal and management plan.
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Finally, the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) makes the decision to establish a nature reserve and confirms the management plan.
