Nature as part of planning

Diverse urban nature is an essential part of Helsinki’s attractiveness. Green areas also have a major role in the cities’ adaptation to climate change. In accordance with the City’s guidelines, no construction will be planned in areas with the highest ecological significance, and about one third of the City’s land area must be reserved for forested or wooded areas also in the future. All Helsinki residents will continue to have easy access to local nature.

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Haaganpuro virtaa vehreiden puiden alitse auringonpaisteessa.
Photo: Raine Huvila

Green areas offer recreational possibilities for residents, as well as sustaining biodiversity in the urban setting and the cultural environments of different eras. However, green areas do not remain attractive without any support, and the green network of the growing city of Helsinki must be developed systematically.

Nature Reserve Programme 2025–2038 

The City of Helsinki's fourth Nature Reserve Programme has been drawn up for the period 2025–2038. The Nature Reserve Programme serves as a guideline in preparing proposals for establishing nature reserves and planning the management and use of nature reserves. 

Biodiversity

In 2021, Helsinki approved a new biodiversity protection action plan that sets goals for preserving and improving green connections, biotopes and different species’ habitats.

Learn more about the Biodiversity Action Plan

Assessment of the environmental impact 

Investigation and assessment of the environmental impact of any project or programme brings the environmental aspect to planning and decision making. The goal is to prevent or mitigate a detrimental impact of a project or programme on the environment.

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