Metsä Group has unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance biodiversity across its land areas in Kemi, covering more than 650 hectares. This designated site encompasses the mill area and other urban spaces in Kemi where Metsä Group operates, including a bioproduct mill under construction and a paperboard mill. The company is pursuing similar efforts at over 20 of its mill locations throughout Europe.

The objective is to transform land usage within the Metsä Group Kemi site to enrich the natural environment within the industrial context. The distinctive attributes of the local ecosystem will guide the project, with a focus on improving the habitat of endangered species. The augmentation of biodiversity will be pursued through experimental approaches and the implementation of novel operational methods.

For instance, over 12 hectares of meadows and sunlit habitats will be integrated into the Kemi mill area, using only indigenous vegetation to establish open habitats conducive to endangered species. Various strategies to boost biodiversity in industrial environments will also be tested on the mill site.

These biodiversity initiatives extend beyond the mill site, encompassing land areas within the Kemi urban environment that are owned by Metsä Group and utilized by residents for recreational purposes. Collaborative efforts with the town of Kemi are underway to devise innovative approaches for enhancing biodiversity.

Ilkka Hämälä, President and CEO of Metsä Group, remarks, "Elevating the state of nature is a cornerstone of Metsä Group’s regenerative forestry approach, and the Kemi pilot project marks an expansion from the forest to both the mill area and urban settings. Demonstrating that biodiversity can thrive within industrial and urban spaces requires commitment, expertise, and collective action. This endeavor could pave the way for industry-wide transformation."

The initiative will leverage the collaborative network of Metsä Group, with key partnerships including the Villi Vyöhyke association, a prominent expert in built environment biodiversity.

Jere Nieminen, Chair of Villi Vyöhyke, praises Metsä Group's bold approach, stating, "Metsä Group's ambition to safeguard biodiversity in Kemi showcases their remarkable dedication to conservation. The broad and diverse scope of these new nature targets encompasses the built environment within the context of regenerative land use. As a significant industry player, Metsä Group's actions carry weight in driving a broader cultural shift towards international biodiversity protection."

Matti Ruotsalainen, Mayor of Kemi, highlights the significance of this initiative for the town and region: "Metsä Group's initiative holds great importance for Kemi. Our joint efforts enable us to reinforce the pioneering role of the Sea Lapland region in preserving our natural heritage. The coexistence of industry and nature is beneficial for us all."

The Kemi pilot project has already commenced, with initiatives for other Metsä Group mills set to be progressively executed over the coming years, leveraging the models developed in Kemi. Metsä Group intends to integrate mill areas' biodiversity plans into their environmental reporting. Additionally, the company aims to collaborate with stakeholders to establish internationally recognized criteria and standards for built environment plans in the years ahead.

Source:metsagroup.com

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