Metsä Group Opens Annual Application Period for Nature Projects Until April 30, 2026

This year's funding application period for nature restoration and management projects aimed at strengthening Finnish nature runs from February 1 to April 30, 2026. Metsä Group's funding programme for nature projects, launched in 2021, supports development initiatives in Finland that boost biodiversity beyond commercial forests. Applications can be submitted via a web form during February 1–April 30, 2026.

Eligible projects include nature-based solutions in urban areas, restoration of bird waters and wetlands, river routes, small water bodies, or enhancements for species like pollinators. The programme welcomes innovative applications and seeks submissions from all Finnish regions, involving organizations, schools, and municipalities.

To date, 88 projects across Finland have received about 2.4 million euros in funding.

“The funding programme for nature projects provides a concrete and impactful way to strengthen Finnish nature outside commercial forests. It is inspiring to see such a wide and diverse group of actors from across Finland engaging in restoration and nature management. The projects funded through the programme not only enhance the state of nature, but also create new models of cooperation and examples of how local and national actors can build a more diverse future with the support of the private sector,” says Shaheena Turak, Metsä Group’s Nature Expert.

An independent expert panel selects projects, featuring representatives from the University of Eastern Finland, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK), and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.

“The funding programme for nature projects makes it possible to build expertise as well as spread best practices for improving natural habitats. It is also a good example of how a company can support nature restoration. I am particularly pleased that environmental education is one of the focus areas in this year's application round, as it supports the development of nature knowledge among children and young people,” says Tatu Torniainen, Senior Lead at the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.

This year’s allocation totals €300,000, aiming to build a diverse portfolio of best practices shared among stakeholders over time.

More information is available on the nature project funding programme website. For further details, contact Shaheena Turak, Nature Expert at Metsä Group, tel. +358 40 672 8914.

Metsä Group, rooted in Finnish forests and owned by over 90,000 forest owners via parent company Metsäliitto Cooperative, produces recyclable wood-based products for global markets. Its operations cover wood supply, forest services, wood products, pulp, paperboards, tissue, and greaseproof papers. The company commits to regenerative forestry, diversity, equality, and inclusion. In 2024, sales reached EUR 5.7 billion with around 9,600 employees.