Author: Rauno Väisänen

20 Years of

Institutional Partnership between Metsähallitus of Finland and Biodiversity Forestry Department of Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China Conservation Contents

Introduction 1

Two Similar Organisations in Different Environments 4 Biodiversity in Finland 4 Biodiversity in Hunan Province 5 Metsähallitus and Forestry Department of Hunan Province 6

Brief History of the Cooperation 9 Background of the Cooperation 9 Cooperation Agreement 10 Goals of the Cooperation 11

Author: Rauno Väisänen, Ph.D. The Finnish–Hunanese Biodiversity Cooperation Editor: Liisa Nikula from a Wider Perspective 12

Layout: Marianne Katainen Drawings: Jari Kostet Maps: Hannu Sipinen PROJECTS Cover Photo: The Five Fingers sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Promoting Biodiversity Conservation: Sharing Knowledge within Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic and Technology 15 Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Visitor Centres and Environmental Education 15 Site since 1992. Photo: Esko Jaakkola. Educational Courses and Study Tours 16 Acknowledgements Biodiversity Action Plan for the Hunan Province 16 Citation: Väisänen, Rauno (2015). Wetland Inventories and Management 18 I wish to express our sincere thanks to Dr Gui Xiaojie, Mr Björn Finne, 20 Years of Biodiversity Conservation: Twin Parks 21 Dr Yrjö Norokorpi, Ms Arja Vasama, and Ms Liisa Nikula who commented on Institutional Partnership between European Dimension: EUROPARC Partnership & Exchange Programme 22 the manuscript at different stages. Professor Timo Koponen kindly provided us with Metsähallitus of Finland and Forestry additional information on the Finnish–Chinese botanical cooperation and Mr Esko Department of Hunan Province, Promoting Economic Welfare: Emerging Business Opportunities 25 Jaakkola his notes on the early stages of the cooperation. Many P&WF staff members People’s Republic of China. Seed and Plant Production 25 have also contributed to the paper. I am deeply grateful to all our Chinese partners, Vantaa, Finland: Metsähallitus Parks Ecotourism 25 especially to my friends Mr Ge Handong, Dr Gui Xiaojie and Professor Lei Guangchun. & Wildlife Finland. 36 pp. Forest Management 26 Timber Processing 27 Publisher & Copyright: Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland Promoting Scientific Research: Successful Spin-Offs 28 Population Ecology and Fragmented Landscapes 28 The publication is available also Studies on Mosses, Lichens and Fungi 28 on the website julkaisut.metsa.fi Forest Research and Training 29

ISBN 978-952-295-113-7 (printed) ISBN 978-952-295-114-4 (pdf) Meetings and Personnel Exchange 30 Print: 1 000 copies

Printer: Erweko Oy, Helsinki PEFC/02-31-120 Acknowledgements Participants of the Opening Ceremony of International Forest Protection Festival in Zhangjiajie in September 1999. Photo: FDH.

ability of even modest external funding. can also utilise the experiences gained Introduction The results from the partnerships may from the transboundary cooperation be excellent, including fundamental of protected areas, a specific case of It is trendy to speak in favour of changes in the whole internal culture of institutional cooperation. networking and partnerships, but often the participating organisations, and the The cooperation between Metsä­ with little concrete or structured content. outputs may be reflected positively in hallitus of Finland and the Forestry As regards the international environ­ other sectors of society, such as science Department of Hunan Province, People’s mental and forestry cooperation, it is and business. Long-term cooperation Republic of China, has been a fruitful and common that governments and inter­ may lead to a long-term personal and complex process, with various stages national organisations finance large-scale organisational friendship and trust often from the initial fact-finding excursions projects run by private consultants. Such missing from short-term projects. to the concrete projects, exchange of projects may be successful in reaching When considering the special matters personnel, and to the exchange of profes­ short-term goals and generating reports. related to the management of protected sional information whenever needed. Long-term partnerships between similar areas, institutional partnerships are a The pace of social and economic develop­ governmental institutions provide a still feasible tool in enhancing the implemen­ ment in Hunan has been amazingly fast largely overlooked supplementary tool, tation of the Programme of Work on compared to that in Finland or Europe which could provide sustainable results ­at Protected Areas (PoWPA) of the United in general. Working together for two a low cost. Such institutional partnerships Nations Convention on Biological Diver­ decades has played a role in changing the could be facilitated greatly by the avail­ sity (CBD). Such bilateral cooperation ways of thinking in both organisations

1 and helped to overcome the cultural The Finnish–Hunanese nature than 80 persons participated in the differences. It has helped the Parties to conservation and forestry cooperation personnel exchange and visits, and far modify their policies and actions to adapt is a long-term institutional partnership. larger number in the meetings and the to the fast-changing conditions. It has Both Parties, the Forestry Department arrangements of the visits. As a result, also opened the eyes of the personnel to of Hunan Province (FDH) and Parks & mutual understanding ameliorated during see their own strengths and opportuni­ Wildlife Finland (P&WF, the former the process of joint implementation of ties. It has helped the park professionals Natural Heritage Services) of Metsä­ the projects, personnel exchange and to work with colleagues from other hallitus, have benefited from the mutual communication. Trust to the cultures and to meet visitors and tourists cooperation. Since the signing of the partner, and personal and institutional representing foreign cultures. cooperation agreement in 1995, almost friendship between the Parties were After 20 years of institutional coop­ all the original aims have been reached, generated. The most important lesson eration, it is useful and timely to give with concrete and sustainable results. learned has been the fundamental a short summary of the results of the The results were very good in building the similarity of people. Warm reception and partnership; not only to document the capacity of biodiversity conservation and thoughtful arrangement were always work done so far, but also to encourage parks management, with successful seen, whenever the Finnish delegation other organisation to seek for similar spin-offs in science, while the results in visited China, and vice versa. partnership arrangements. The results business remained modest. The bilateral It is important that governmental may be something else than what was relationship was first increasingly consoli­ institutions do networking and build anticipated originally, some ideas may not dated, cooperation realms enlarged and up partnerships, not only to pave the lead to great successes, but a partnership the contents enriched, then reached a way for business relationships, but also will always leave a memorable mark. peak, and finally became ordinary bilateral to enhance professional, scientific and International cooperation may take some exchange of information and occasional cultural relationships and friendship at time away from domestic routines and visits, whenever needed between two a personal level. Such cooperation may cause extra efforts beyond the comfort friendly organisations. Several projects be seen as an essential element of the zone, but it is surely worth it. were successfully implemented, and more strategic foresight of an agency.

Deng Sanlong, Director-General, Rauno Väisänen, Director, Forest Department of Hunan Province Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland

► Hupingshan National Nature Reserve in Hunan. Photo: Jouko Högmander.

2 3 e l c r Two Similar Organisations i C c ti rc in Different Environments A

Hunan Province Biodiversity in Finland FINLAND Finland is situated PEOPLE´S between the 60th and 70th REPUBLIC OF CHINA parallels of latitude. Its total area is about 338,000 km2. A quarter of its total area lies north of the Arctic Circle. Finland’s neighbouring countries are Russia, Norway and Sweden, and Estonia across the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). In general, Finland is a flat country North, in areas beyond the Arctic Circle, areas in the North, while the network of forest, peatlands and lakes. The the sun does not set for about 73 days of protected areas is very fragmented in highest point, 1,324 m, is the Lappish fell in the summer and it remains below the the South, where privately-owned lands Halti in Enontekiö. Finland is one of the horizon for 51 days in the winter. predominate. largest countries in Europe. The population of Finland is 5.4 In general, the Finnish nature is Finland has four distinct seasons. The million. The population density is low, relatively poor in species, and there are mean annual temperature in Helsinki only 18 per km2. About two thirds of the hardly any endemic species. In the South, is 5.9 °C. The highest daytime summer Finns live in urban areas in Southern especially in the South-Western areas temperature in the South occasionally and South-Western Finland. Most of the with deciduous trees, such as the Oak rises to +30 °C, while temperatures of state-owned lands and protected areas (Quercus robur), the fauna and flora are –20 °C are common in the winter. In the are situated in the sparsely-populated much richer than in the North. Some alpine species grow/occur in the Lappish fells. Boreal forests cover about 75% of Finland’s land area, and lakes and other water bodies almost 10%. The total forest area is 230,000 km2. The most common tree species are the Scots Pine (Pinus silvestris), the Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and the Birch (Betula). There are about 190,000 lakes and 180,000 islands in Finland. The effects of the last Ice Age are visible in the landscapes. Owing to the brackish water, the Baltic Sea has a combination of marine and freshwaters species of animals and plants. Owing to changes in land use, the biodiversity has decreased (e.g. Ministry of the Environment 2010). Many species of old-growth forests are threatened Finnish spruce forests in Syöte National Park. Photo: Metsähallitus/Jorma Luhta. because of forestry activities during the

4 past decades. Large-scale restoration projects have improved the situation of biodiversity in peatlands and forests in protected areas in Southern Finland. Many species still seem to decline owing to the changes of the agriculture. Species of open meadows and pastures are decreasing because of habitat changes. In the Baltic Sea, eutrophication, oils spills and invasive alien species are threats to biodiversity. In general, the number of species seems to be increasing thanks to the expansion of new species to Finland as a result of the climate change. The changes have favoured species with good dispersal capability. Typical terraced agriculture in Hunan Province. Photo: Jouko Högmander.

Biodiversity in The province has a humid and The province is rich in wetland Hunan Province monsoon climate with four distinct resources and the area of wetlands seasons. The annual mean temperature amounts to 10,197 km2. The Dongting The People’s Republic of is 16–18.5 °C and the annual precipitation Lake, with an area of 2,625 km2, is China has a total area of 1,200–1,700 mm. Hunan is part of the the second largest freshwater lake in 9.6 million km2. China mid-subtropical ever-green-broadleaf China. The name Hunan literally means contains the richest temperate regions in zone. “south of the lake”, because the bulk the world and ranks globally as one of the There are some 69 million inhabit­ of the ­province lies to the south of richest countries in terms of plant diver­ ants, who live mainly in the valley of the Dongting Lake. The shallow lake is sity. China has many rare and endemic the Yangtze. The fertile valley is China’s important wintering and resting area species of animals and plants. More most important areas for production of for migratory birds, including many than 2,697 nature reserves have been cereal grains, especially rice. Fisheries are globally threatened species. It is the established in mainland China, covering still an important livelihood. The large home of the endangered Finless Porpoise about 15.24% of the land – almost 1.46 human population may cause problems (Neophocaena phocanoides). There is million km2. for the natural environment. Although a dense network of rivers and streams The Hunan Province is situated on the currently deforestation and drainage of in the province. The four longest rivers south side of the middle reaches of the lakes no longer constitute a threat to the in the Hunan Province, the Xiang, Zi, Yangtze River, in South-Eastern China. conservation of biodiversity, occasional Yuan and Li flow into the Dongting Lake It adjoins Jiangxi, Guangdong, Sichuan, illegal hunting still poses a threat to the and join the Yangtze River through the Guizhou and Hubei Provinces and biodiversity conservation, and in spite Chenglingji outlet. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. of much improvement achieved during In addition, the increasing tourism The northern part of the Hunan Province recent years, environmental pollution is has caused concerns over the impact is mainly low-lying, but mountain ranges worsening. incurred by the non-regulated activi­ rim it in the east, west and south. The About 5,000 species of vascular plants ties. In spite of the natural, economic, highest point, 2,099 metres, is in the are known to occur in the area. Of these, social and cultural differences, there are Huping Mountains and the lowest, only 1,900 are woody and 200 are commercial many similarities between the FDH and 23 metres, in Linxiang City. With an area plants. The fauna is likewise diverse: 604 Metsähallitus as regards to their mission, of 212,000 km2, Hunan is one of China’s vertebrates, including 84 mammals, 373 organisations and duties so that learning largest provinces. bird, 60 amphibians and 87 reptiles. from each other makes sense.

5 Hunan Province Location 24–30 N 2 Norway Total Area 212,000 km Population 69 million Forest Area 130,000 km2 (61.4%) National Forest Parks 52 Ivalo Forest Parks 72

Enontekiö National Nature Reserves 22 Nature Reserves 168 Ramsar Sites 3

Kittilä UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites 1

National Park Sodankylä Strict Nature Reserve Finland Location 60–70 N Wilderness Area Total Area 338,000 km2 National Hiking Area Arctic Circle Population 5.4 million 2 Rovaniemi Forest Area 228,000 km (67.5%) National Parks 39

Kuusamo Strict Nature Reserves 19

Kemi Wilderness Areas 12 National Hiking Areas 6 Sweden Ramsar Sites 49 Russia Oulu UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites 1 FINLAND

Kajaani Kuhmo

Kokkola Metsähallitus and Iisalmi Forestry Department Nurmes of Hunan Province Vaasa Metsähallitus is a state-owned enterprise Kuopio Seinäjoki with public-service obligations that Joensuu restrict its business operations, and with public-administration tasks that Jyväskylä are strictly separated from the business operations. Metsähallitus is among the Savonlinna Mikkeli largest landowners within the European Pori Tampere Union with over 90,000 km2 of state lands and 37,000 km2 of waters. Its main

Hämeenlinna Lahti task is to supply wood to the forest Kouvola industry, from 36,000 km2 of commer­ Turku cial forests, and to manage Finland’s Kotka protected areas. Helsinki Parks & Wildlife Finland (P&WF, the

Hanko sähallitus 2015 former Natural Heritage Services) is

© Me t responsible for all public administration

Estonia 6 the basis of everyman’s right of free access to the land, P&WF also provides a variety of free-of-charge outdoor recreation facilities for everyone visiting Yueyang the natural areas in Finland. From the Zhangjiajie beginning of 2005, the public services Changde Dongting Lake of P&WF include tasks related to the management of tree seed banks and log floating infrastructure, as well as to Yiyang hunting and fishing. Xiangxi CHANGSHA The basic business task of Metsä­ hallitus is to carry out environmental

Xiangtan and customer-focused forestry. HUNAN Zhuazhou PROVINCE Loudi Timber sales from managed forests accounts for approximately 90% of the Huaihua turnover. Commercial forest manage­ Shaoyang ment combines ecological, economic and social sustainability. One of the goals of Hengyang the operations is to have diverse forests, which, in addition to providing wood profitably, can also be used for berry and Yongzhou mushroom picking and other outdoor activities, based on the Nordic every­ man’s right of free access to nature. Similar to Metsähallitus, the Forestry Chenzhou Department of Hunan Province (FDH) National Forest Parks is responsible for the supervision and Provincial Forest Parks management of the province’s forestry National Nature Reserves establishment, ecological conservation Provincial Nature Reserves and forestation, including specifically elaboration of relevant guidelines/ policies, development strategies, estab­ lishment of public welfare forests and tasks of Metsähallitus, with funding from Parliament, and defined in detail by the commercial forests. In addition, the FDH the state budget. P&WF manages more Ministry of the Environment regarding protects, governs and monitors forests, than 70,000 km2, about 20% of Finland’s nature conservation, and by the Ministry wetlands resources and terrestrial wildlife total area, including 39 national parks and of Agriculture and Forestry concerning resources. Forest fire control and preven­ 19 strict nature reserves, more than 400 the sustainable use of natural resources. tion is also one of the main responsibili­ other protected areas, 12 wilderness areas In addition, P&WF protects and ties of the FDH. and 6 national hiking areas, with the aim monitors the occurrences of threatened The FDH has 11 divisions and 15 units. of preserving Finland’s natural features, species in state-owned lands, and is There is a forestry bureau in each city, biological diversity and cultural values, responsible for the nation-wide protec­ autonomous region and county, while and providing free facilities for outdoor tion and monitoring of populations of forestry stations have been established recreation and opportunities for learning several threatened species, such as the at town level. The total number of staff in nature. P&WF manages state-owned Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the Gyr members is about 51,020. In addition, waters in lakes and the sea. The objec­ Falcon (Falco rusticolus) and the Saimaa some central-government forestry insti­ tives of P&WF are set annually by the Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida saimensis). On tutions, including the Oil-tea Camellia

7 Research and Development Center of service, and timber and raw materials including 22 national ones have been National Forestry Bureau, the National for paper as well. The dominant species established. There are 124 forest parks, of Engineering Research Center for Oil-tea of timber forests are Chinese Fir which 52 are national. The state-owned Camellia, the National South Forest Aerial (Cunninghamia lanceolata), Masson Pine forest farms totalled 207. Some 55,358 Fire Control Station, the National Armed (Pinus massoniana), broadleaves and Mao km2 of public welfare forests were Police Forest Force, and the Changsha Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens), while designated and protected. Office of the National Endangered the main economic tree species is Tea By the end of 2014, a wetland conser­ Species Import and Export Management Oil Camellia (Camellia oleifera). The area vation network, with rational structure, Office. of Chinese Fir amounts to 3.1 million ha. stable functions, and even distribution, The Hunan Province boasts one of the The broadleaves cover 3.1 million ha, the consisting of three Ramsar sites, 49 key forest regions in South China. The Poplars 96,000 ha, the Mao Bamboo 1.1 pilot national wetland parks, 23 wetland total forestry land area is 129,989 km2, million ha, and the Tea Oil Camellia 1.3 nature reserves, and 18 sites of provincial accounting for 61.4% of the territory. million ha. importance, has been established. The The forests cover 59.57% of the land area The FDH manages a network of area of wetlands under protection in and timber reserve totalled 484 million protected areas, established to protect Hunan Province reached some 0.7 million m3. A large-scale reforestation project is globally important and diverse ecosys­ ha, and the protection rate 69.30%. underway. It aims at preventing erosion tems, wetlands and mountain forests and ensuring provision of ecological in particular. So far, 190 nature reserves

Nature tourists boating on a lake in Hunan Province in late 1990s. Photo: Lassi Karivalo.

8 Brief History of the Cooperation

Background of the Cooperation Already in the 1940s and 1950s, there had been Finnish missionaries in the Hunan Province in China. They included the famous Reverend Päivö Parviainen (1912–2015). Later the missionary work ended in Hunan (but continued in Taiwan), whereas the forest cooperation started a couple of decades later. Also some initiatives were made by the University of Helsinki to introduce new plant produc­ tion technology to China in the 1980s (Dr Pentti K. Räsänen, pers. comm.). Metsähallitus was in charge of the preparations of the Finnish–Chinese forest cooperation and exchange of delegations already in the late 1970s. The The forestry cooperation agreement between the People’s Republic of China and Finland being Memorandum of Understanding was negotiated by P.W. Jokinen, DG of Metsähallitus in the late 1970s. Photo: Liisa Nikula. signed in 1980 by Director-General P.W. Jokinen of Metsähallitus and Director General Liu from the Forest Ministry of tion and wildlife management proposed conservation and management in the the Peoples’ Republic of China. When by the Chinese (project proposal of 2 Hunan Province to the Ministry of Trade the Memorandum of Understanding December 1987). The Chinese Embassy in and Industry (application of 4 December was signed, the responsibility for the Helsinki had also contacted the Ministry 1989, signed by Mr Olli Paasivirta). The cooperation was given to the Ministry of of the Environment. The Chinese had application was accepted on 26 January the Agriculture and Forestry. also contacted Mr Darrell Sequeira of the 1990 (decision signed by Mr Markku The biodiversity cooperation between University of Helsinki. Mr Esko Jaakkola, Mäkinen). Metsähallitus and the FDH originated who was in charge of the international The project included several excur­ from the Finnish–Chinese project on the nature conservation cooperation at the sions from Finland to China (see pages seed and plant production, which was Ministry, invited a meeting on 12 May 30–36). Mr Esko Jaakkola tried to find part of the Finnish–Chinese Scientific 1989 at the Ministry of the Environment, funding for the projects from the and Technical Cooperation Programme, with Ms Sofia Grodzinska-Klemetti, Ms Ministry of Trade and Industry, which which was managed by the Ministry of Marjatta Hytönen, Ms Anneli Leivo of had indicated that there would be the Trade and Industry in Finland (Mr Metsähallitus, Ms Eva Mikkolanniemi, funding available, but the policies had Esko Jaakkola, letter of 30 August 2007 Mr Darrell Sequeira, and Mr Fan Mingyi changed, and the projects and their costs and pers. comm.). The project secretary, of the Chinese Embassy as participants were considered to belong entirely to the Ms Marjatta Hytönen, contacted the (invitation of 8 May 1989). As a result, Ministry of the Environment. However, Ministry of the Environment after visiting Mr Esko Jaakkola, Mr Darrell Sequeira, the idea was kept alive, and when new the Hunan Province. She was asking the and Dr Matti Helminen of Metsä­hallitus financing instruments became available Ministry to answer to the cooperation prepared a project application of 125, from the European Union, the work was request in the field of nature conserva­ 860 Finnish marks on biodiversity continued by Metsähallitus.

9 Metsähallitus is a state enterprise and does not have any funding instruments of its own for non-commercial bilateral projects. However, the commercial coop­ eration between Metsähallitus and the FDH did not reach any tangible results, whereas the joint work on biodiversity conservation has still continued, mainly through exchange of information and personnel, and occasional meetings and study tours.

Cooperation Agreement

The Cooperation Agreement was signed on 4 August 1995 at Metsähallitus Headquarters in The National Environmental Protection Vantaa, Finland. The meeting was hosted by Mr Pentti Takala, DG (third from the right). Photo: FDH. Agency of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of the Environment of During the excursions in 1987–1994, it of the EUROPARC Federation. When Finland had agreed, in a Memorandum was noticed that both Metsähallitus and the EU funding ceased, the cooperation of Understanding of 6 July 1995, to the FDH had similar basic objectives as continued on a bilateral basis from year strengthen and develop their cooperation regards the preservation of biodiversity, 2000. Both Parties considered that the in the field of environmental protection by developing the system and manage­ cooperation was benefiting both organi­ and mutually identified conservation of ment of protected areas, and by the sations. After that, the emphasis was biodiversity, as one of the high priorities sustainable use of renewable natural put on commercial activities, because of cooperation. resources, especially forests and wetlands (Dr Matti Helminen, pers. comm.). It was considered desirable to deepen the relationship and to expand the coopera­ tion between Parties. This resulted in the signing of the agreement concerning the cooperation between the protected area systems of Hunan and Finland in August 1995 and an endorsement of a joint work programme with concrete plans (Väisänen 1995, Below 1996). The cooperation was supported financially by the European Commission in 1995–1998 (Brüggemann 1999). Since then, external funding has been actively sought, but in practice the Parties have financed the cooperation by themselves. The official cooperation programme between Metsähallitus and the FDH started in 1995 with the financial support The 1st Cooperation Committee Meeting was held in Changsha, Hunan in March 1996. of the European Union and through the The participants included Dr Matti Helminen and Mr Liu Yongshou, DG, FDH, Mr Ge Handong, Partnership and Exchange Programme Deputy DG and Mr Gui Xiaojie, Deputy Director of Wildlife Protection Bureau. Photo: FDH.

10 Goals of the Cooperation

The 1995 Agreement states that Parties commit themselves to:

• appraise and protect the natural and cultural values preserved in the systems of the protected areas which the Parties manage; • respect and develop the different conservation, research and monitoring, as well as education and training functions of protected areas; • promote the development of strategies and action plans to maintain and restore the biodiver­ The 3rd Cooperation Meeting took place in Changsha, Hunan in May 1998. The participants sity both in protected areas and included Mr Björn Finne, Dr Rauno Väisänen, Mr Jens Brüggemann, Mr Ge Handong and outside them; Mr Gui Xiaojie. Photo: FDH. • strengthen and enhance the mutual cooperation in scientific “The Agreement between the Forestry and Latin America”. It was encouraged research and monitoring, technical Department of Hunan Province, people’s by the excellent results achieved in the and planning work, environmental Republic of China, and the Forest and Park cooperation between the institutions education programmes, extension Service (former name of Metsähallitus), that manage the protected areas of and training, and in management Finland, concerning the cooperation different countries. The Finnish–Huna­ of nature reserves; and between protected area systems of Hunan nese Agreement was accepted to be • solve technical, linguistic and Province, People’s Republic of China, and included into the Partnership and cultural problems in cooperation Finland” was signed on 4 August 1995 Exchange Programme of the EUROPARC by training the personnel for in Vantaa, Finland by Director-General Federation at an early stage. Previously international cooperation in both Pentti Takala and Deputy Director-General only one other agreement, i.e. between institutions. Ge Handong. Mr Ge Handong, Dr Gui Catalonian and Costa Rican parks, had Xiaojie, Dr Rauno Väisänen and Mr Tuomo been signed, but later altogether 15 The Parties should also promote Kotimäki were nominated as members agreements were made. the flow of information between to the first Coordinating Committee of At the same time, a work programme them with the objective of making the Agreement. Mr Kotimäki was later for three years was accepted by the knowledge and exchange of replaced by Mr Björn Finne. Metsähallitus and the FDH. It defined experience more profound. The Federation of Nature and the aims and formed the ground for the National Parks of Europe (FNNPE, i.e. cooperation for the forthcoming years. the present EUROPARC Federation) had The revised and updated Framework begun “a Partnership and Exchange Agreement focused on nature conserva­ Programme for Long-term Cooperation tion and was signed on 27 November between Protected Areas in Europe, Asia 2002 in Changsha.

11 The Finnish–Hunanese Biodiversity Cooperation from a Wider Perspective

The cooperation agreement between Finland were then a gateway to the EU. mation of economic risks in relation to Metsähallitus and the FDH was signed In many cases Metsähallitus helped the opportunities. in 1995, in the same year when Finland FDH in arranging meetings with other During the two-decade-long Finnish– joined the European Union (EU). The European organisations. The partnership Hunanese cooperation, the Hunan membership made several new sources of had a wider meaning for the European– Province established relationships not funding available for P&WF and enhanced Chinese relationships in the fields of only with various Finnish sectors, like both domestic and international partner­ natural conservation and forestry, and forestry, research, enterprises etc, but ships. The EUROPARC Partnership and sometimes beyond. However, with also with EU countries and international Exchange Programme was one of the the exception of nature conservation, organisations through Finland (as was first projects of P&WF financed by the concrete results from the joint business concluded by a the FDH review on 17 June EU, and it paved the way to the develop­ ideas and plans remained quite modest. 2004). The cooperation partners, besides ment of the P&WF project portfolio. For The reasons for this were likely the lack the Finnish ones, including the EUROPARC the Hunan Province, Metsähallitus and of strategic foresight and the overesti­ Federation, IUCN, GEF, WWF, and the

Joint bird inventories were carried out on East Dongting Lake in 1996. Photo: Antti Below.

12 The Finnish–Hunanese partnership has put forward many ideas on nature conservation. These include those of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), e.g. transfer of technology, such as inventory and survey techniques and management tools and practices of protected areas. P&WF and the FDH jointly compiled the Biodiversity Action Plan for the Hunan Province with the associated seminars and meetings raising awareness. The results are of significant importance in capacity building and implementing the aims of the CBD. The cooperation has also promoted the imple­ mentation of the aims of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, especially as regards the inventories, conservation and Young Chinese nature tourist at Finnish Nature Centre Haltia in Espoo in 2014. restoration of the East Dongting Lake in Photo: Metsähallitus/Aura Piha. the Hunan Province. The present experience shows that long-term institutional cooperation is a Forestry Commission. The Finnish–Huna­ China has become recently a major feasible option to promote sustainable nese cooperation advanced the opening- global tourism destination, though the development (see also Väisänen 2003). to-the-outside progress of the Hunan vast majority of the visitors are Chinese. However, it is dependent on the avail­ Province. The partnership promoted the Some protected areas, like Zhangjiajie, ability of funding. Even small sums of integration of the Hunanese forestry with which received only hundreds or, at most, external funding can be sufficient to global development, and opened a gate thousands of visitors per year twenty encourage and maintain the coopera­ to the European Union. Moreover, it has years ago, are nowadays catering up to tion. P&WF has similar experiences on improved the image of the Hunan Prov­ tens of millions of tourists. Likewise, there the crucial importance of the minor, but ince at the international stage. The Provin­ has been a huge increase in the numbers reliable funding for the Finnish–Russian cial Government paid a lot of attention to of Chinese tourists in Europe, also visiting (Silfverberg & Alhojärvi 2004), Finnish– the cooperation. Finally, the partnership Finland and its protected areas, especially Estonian (Külvik 2001), and Finnish– has served as an effective communication in Lapland. However, this is still an under- Latvian cooperation. In the case of the channel to timely-collected information developed field of the Chinese–Finnish Finnish–Russian cooperation the funding on international development trends. cooperation, since most Chinese are has also successfully paved road to large During the same period, the Finnish either stop-over visitors at the airport joint projects, when external funding industries, such as the ITC, forest and or just visit Helsinki city, partly owing to sources have appeared. In conclusion, paper industries, became significantly the lack of information and services in there is a clear need to develop small- more international as regards their Chinese. The new Finnish Nature Centre scale funding instruments for institutional markets, ownership and production, Haltia, opened in June 2013 in Nuuksio cooperation, both in Finland and else­ with a lot of activities in China. However, National Park, near Helsinki and the where, in order to optimally utilise globally their commercial activities in China were airport, is expected to provide better the huge capacity of national institutions, an independent process, and it did not opportunities for Chinese visitors to get like parks agencies and park services. utilise the experiences from the Finnish– information on the Finnish protected Hunanese partnership. areas and their services.

13 DaectateHunan ma conem Forest inumand Wetland ium at iusdantiurio Biodiversity doluptasEducation inctus, omnimus Centre in anitis Changsha aut venimin was vereproplanned vitates enissit and implemented iaepeditis sum. by thePhoto: FDH Xxxxxxxand Xxxxxxxx Metsähallitus in 1998. Photo: FDH.

14 Promoting Biodiversity Conservation: T J Sharing Knowledge and Technology O PREC

Visitor Centres and Environmental Education

Aim: The idea was to design and plan a visitor centre in Changsha in order to promote public awareness, which was identified as a priority task in the Hunan Province. The visitor centre was to provide environmental education both to the personnel of the FDH and the public at large.

Description: The means of cooperation included technical advice, financial support and personnel exchange. After the Chinese experts had visited Finland in June 1998, and discussed the technical matters with the Finnish experts, the FDH set up a specific working group and carried out preparatory work. Ms Arja Vasama, Ms Eeva Heikkinen and Parks & Wildlife Finland delegation visited the Finnish section of the exhibition of the visitor Mr Hannu Sipinen participated in the centre in March 2015. Photo: FDH. planning and implementation of the exhibitions of the visitor centre called “Hunan Forest and Wetland Biodiversity Results: The cooperation resulted in a has special sections on mountain forests, Education Centre”. proposal on the design of the visitor wetlands, biodiversity conservation, and The base of the visitor centre was a centre and its exhibitions, and later in the use of different resources of forests. discarded brewery, which located to the the implementation of the approved The exhibition includes a specific Finnish North-West of Tianjiling National Forest plan. The planning and implementation hall, a section which was financed by Park. The main building, with two floors, were both joint activities of the FDH and Metsähallitus. was about 1,000m2. There were also ten Metsähallitus, and the process included The idea of the Finnish section in large wine jars. The total area of the yard the training of staff. Metsähallitus the exhibition was to give general was about 2,000m2, with several small donated 50,000 Finnish marks to the information on Finland, and some of its buildings. The visitor centre has an exhi­ project, 30,000 of which was allocated to most scenic landscapes, conservation bition area of 1,000 m2. The place was the exhibition costs. activities and recreational traditions. It selected on the basis of its easy access, The visitor centre gives general included a general map of Finland and the high visitation rate in the park and information on the biodiversity in the its protected areas, facts about Finland the relatively low estimated construction Hunan Province, including geomor­ and Metsähallitus, posters on national costs. The annual number of visitors in phology and natural resources, as well as parks, a typical Finnish outdoor exhibition the park was about 300,000. flora and fauna and protected areas. It stand, a typical Finnish campfire site

15 and two stuffed reindeer with northern new ideas and significantly promoted and technicians of the Hunan Province fell landscape and Finnish lake-land the public awareness and education was updated and improved. The latest landscape. It also included information on measures on wildlife conservation in knowledge and international experience the conservation activities on the Lesser the Hunan Province. It has served as an in the management of protected areas White-fronted Goose (Branta leucopsis), educational centre for the huge staff of were introduced, which broadened the an endangered bird species occurring in the FDH. Furthermore, the centre has horizon and thinking. Many of people both Finland and Hunan. Metsäh­ allitus played a role of a new showcase, through who participated in the study tours and donated CD-ROMs, publications and which both ordinary visitors and profes­ training courses are now key players in brochures to the visitor centre. The sionals get to know Finland, especially the the FDH and elsewhere. EUROPARC Federation provided some protected areas and forestry policies. material, posters and publications, which Assessment: The training events were were included in the European section of considered very useful, not only for those the visitor centre. Educational Courses involved, but for the whole the FDH, and The Hunan Forest and Wetland and Study Tours even the forestry system in a wider sense. Bio­diversity Education Centre was The training also promoted skills in the opened in September 1999. Mr Pentti Aim: The experience indicates that the English language of both the FDH and Takala, Director-General of Metsähallitus, success or failure in nature conservation Metsähallitus personnel. For example, the gave the opening speech as an honorary and forestry activities depends, to a great trained staffs from the Hupingshan and guest. The opening of the visitor centre extent, on the professional quality and East Dongting Lake Nature Reserves made was also noticed at the national level in management capability of the personnel. an important species monitoring plan and China (e.g. the congratulating telegram From the very beginning of the coopera­ set up a database to monitor the species from the Forest Ministry on 25 September tion, it was clear that one of the biggest by using the experience and knowledge 1997). The biggest Finnish newspaper challenges was the urgent need of from overseas. They published scientific Helsingin Sanomat published a long capacity building in the Hunan Province, reports in English and set up research article on the Changsha visitor centre and in order to improve environmental aware­ stations in their nature reserves. The FDH the Finnish–Hunanese cooperation in ness, improve management techniques gave positive feedback on the serious October 1998 (Sjöberg 1998). and to introduce modern methods of work attitude, pragmatic and effective nature conservation and forestry. work style and good cooperation of the Assessment: The Hunan Forest and Finnish experts. The professional skills of Wetland Biodiversity Education Centre Description: The means of cooperation the FDH staff were gradually enhanced was the first of its kind in the whole comprised the training of personnel, and by what they constantly saw and heard Peoples’ Republic of China (review by the especially, capacity building in interna­ when working together. FDH on 17 June 2004). Thus, it has facili­ tional cooperation, scientific research and tated and accelerated the development inventories in protected areas. of the visitor centre concept in China. Biodiversity Action Plan The visitor centre has attracted hundreds Results: The cooperation has included for the Hunan Province of thousands visitors from within and the exchanges of more than 70 persons, outside the Hunan Province. The reindeer including many key officials of both Aim: The aim was to prepare a provincial have been very popular, especially among Parties. The cooperation has covered Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the children, thanks to Santa Claus. There has many different aspects of protected area Hunan Province in order to make the been a lot of positive Chinese feedback management, but also scientific coopera­ national strategies more concrete, more on the design, rational and science-based tion and some business fields related tailor-made for the local conditions and display, and impressive exhibition of to forestry, tourism, plant and seed better-known to the provincial stake­ the centre. The leaders from the State production, and others. More than of 30 holders and the FDH personnel, and thus Forest Administration and Provincial Hunanese persons visited in Finland and to speed up the implementation of the Government have visited the centre. The hundreds were then trained in Hunan. As national strategies and the CBD at the establishment of this centre introduced a result, the expertise of the managers provincial level.

16 of the Ministry of Forestry from Beijing, Mr Chen Jianwein and Mr Yan Xun, also attended and expresses their support to the Finnish–Hunanese cooperation. They pointed out that Hunan is the first among the provinces to carry out a BAP and the first to do it with a foreign collaborative partner (Fukien Province was about to compile their BAP at the same time). At the seminar, two working groups, one comprising of administrative officials and another of scientists, proceeded through the draft BAP. Professor Chen Jaikou of Wuhan University spoke about the wetlands found in the central part of the Yangtse River and the expected effects of the Three Gorges Dam. Mr Xiong Siqing of the FDH told about the biodiversity of Badagongshan. Assistant Professor Chen Bin of the Agricultural College of Hunan gave a paper on the preservation of domestic animals and Lector Yang Daode of Central South Forest University on threatened animal species. Of the Finnish experts, Mr Jouko Högmander clarified the concepts of biodiversity and ecotourism, Mr Erkki Virolainen explained the management planning system and tools in protected Mr Ge Handong guiding Dr Rauno Väisänen, Mr Jouko Högmander and Mr Tuomo Kotimäki of areas, and Mr Hannu Jännes told about Metsähallitus delegation in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in 1996. Photo: Jouko Högmander. the modern ornithological methods in bird inventories. The draft BAP was later finalised on Description: The project was initiated representatives from provincial institu­ the basis of the comments received by Mr during the Partnership and Exchange tions of higher education, the Agency Jouko Högmander and Dr Gui Xiaojie. Programme with the funding from the for Protection of the Environment and European Union. Dr Gui Xiaojie gathered the Department of Agriculture, as well Results: Since there was no more a huge amount of information on biodi­ as the local FDH offices, were invited. financial support available from the versity in Hunan and compiled a draft At the outset of the seminar, more than Partnership & Exchange Programme in BAP together with Mr Jouko Högmander one hundred participants were present, 1999, when the manuscript was ready, of the Metsähallitus. including several representatives of Metsähallitus decided to pay the editing The FDH organised an important the Chinese media. Some high-level costs and the printing costs of the English seminar on biodiversity in Changsha in officials attended the seminar, including version. The BAP was published in English April 1997 with three Finnish experts, Mr a member of the People’s Congress of in 2000 (Högmander & Gui 2000). Jouko Högmander, Mr Erkki Virolainen China, Mr Wang Yonga, who was present Simultaneously and largely based on and Mr Hannu Jännes. Approximately 70 during the whole seminar. Two Directors the BAP, the Parties prepared together a

17 European Union grant application titled scattered information, including unpub­ to biodiversity conservation work and “Conservation of Subtropical Forest lished information and information only resulted in rapid progress both in public Biodiversity in Hunan, Peoples’ Republic published in Chinese publications, poorly awareness and in conservation projects of China” in 1997. Since it did not get known outside China. in the province. funding from the European Commission, The provincial BAP was clearly linked Indeed, the BAP helped to improve the a revised application titled “Subtropical with the national priorities. “The National success of Hunanese conservation project Timber and Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife Conservation and Nature Reserve applications (as concluded in the review Project in Hunan, Peoples’ Republic of Development Programme” included of the cooperation by the FDH on 17 June China” was prepared and finalised by Mr habitat improvements and restoration of 2004). For instance, the BAP has provided Pertti Kanon of Metsähallitus Consulting forests and wetlands, capacity building a solid base for the preparation of two in 2001. The FDH applied funding from and protection of endangered species major international projects to Hunan: the European Union (EC Budget Line B in the Hunan Province. The endangered the nation-wide project of “Sustainable 7-6201), with Metsähallitus as partner species included in the national Forestry Development” funded by the and Metsähallitus Consulting as sub- programme were the South China Tiger World Bank and the project on “Wetland contractor. Unfortunately, the planned (Panthera tigris amoyensis), the Dwarf Biodiversity Conservation and Sustain­ large-scale project, with a budget of Musk Deer (Moschus berezovskii), the able Use of the Dongting Lake” funded by about 2 million euros, never received any Cabot’s Tragopan (Tragopan caboti), the the GEF. The Action Plan has also played funding from the EU in spite of the very Elliot’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti), the a significant role in other activities of positive comments and assessments. Siberian Crane (Leucogeranus improving the conservation of natural leuco­geranus) and some orchids. forests and wetlands as well as in the Assessment: The Hunan BAP was jointly In the BAP, the protection strategy, development of seed and plant produc­ formulated by the FDH and Metsä­ goals and objectives, and detailed activi­ tion in Hunan. At the same time, it must hallitus, and it is the first of its kind ties were proposed for the conservation be admitted that in spite of the efforts, in the whole of China. It gathered and of the biodiversity resources in the Hunan the status of some endangered species, summarised a huge amount of previously Province. The BAP served as guidance including the South China Tiger, has alarmingly declined.

Wetland Inventories and Management Aim: When the Finnish–Hunanese cooperation started, the great conserva­ tion value of the Hunanese wetlands was known, but there was a great need for scientific research, inventories and monitoring, especially in the existing and planned protected areas. Thus, wetland inventories and management were selected as one field of joint activities.

Description: The joint activities The South China Tiger comprised bird inventories, seminars and (Panthera tigris amoyensis) training courses to improve the capacity has been red-listed by IUCN of the FDH personnel. The provincial BAP as Critically Endangered in 2008. also included many aspects related to this Drawing: Metsähallitus/Jari Kostet field of cooperation.

18 Wetland inventories on the dam walls in East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve, which is a Ramsar site and China’s second largest freshwater lake. Photo: Antti Below.

The Dongting Lake is a fresh-water the “China National Wetlands Conserva­ course for Hunanese experts was organ­ body receiving water from the Yangtze tion Action Plan” which was promulgated ised in Finland in May–June 1996. As part River and four main rivers in Hunan. It in September 2001. of study tours, wetlands were visited also is a water reservoir of great significance The ultimate goal is to return the on other occasions. to the Yangtze River catchments. The Dongting Lake from its present area The elaboration of the Dongting Lake East Dongting Lake is a Ramsar site since of 2,625 km2 to the state it used be in wetland conservation plans was finished 1992. It was also approved as a national the 1950s, covering a total of 4,350 km2, by Indufor, which was a subsidiary of nature reserve in 1994. In 1997 and 1998, by restoring the reclamation fields to Metsähallitus. In November–December the South Dongting Lake and the East wetlands. The measures included the 2003, two experts made a field visit to Dongting Lake were gazetted as provin­ establishment of a new wetland nature Hunan. After prior discussions with the cial nature reserves by the Hunan Provin­ reserve, restoration of habitats, control FDH, the WWF in Changsha and other cial Government. All these decisions of poaching, biodiversity conservation, relevant sectors, the objectives and the aim at the conservation of the wetland and alternative livelihoods to the local scale of the activities were identified. ecosystem and species, including the communities, such as ecotourism, Before the finalizing and submission of Lesser White-fronted Goose, which agro­forestry and the sustainable use of the plan, recommendations for modifica­ is an endangered species in Finland, wetland resources. There is also a plan to tion provided by WWF and the FDH were too. In 2002, the South Dongting Lake integrate the four existing nature reserves adopted. The project received 20,000 Nature Reserve and the West Dongting in the Dongting Lake to promote more euros of financial aid from WWF. The Lake Nature Reserve were added to the effective and scientific management. expertise and lessons learned from BAP Ramsar List of Wetlands of International and Finland were reflected in the plan. Importance”. The wetland restoration Results: Finnish experts did bird inven­ The restoration plan for Qinshan and protection in the Dongting Lake tories in the wetlands of the Dongting Polder Wetland in the West Dongting were recognized as a priority project in Lake in January–February 1996. A training Lake was formulated by Finnish experts,

19 in which modern European wetland Reserve in Southern Hunan, where ornithological value of the places visited. restoration and conservation techniques a large snake species new to science The results motivated the experts to were introduced. The restoration plan had been found and described in 1989. participate in the training courses and to promotes wetland rehabilitation, According to a list made by ornithologists start inventories in protected areas. balanced treatment between conserva­ from Hong Kong, 150 bird species were The cooperation also contributed tion and utilization, restoration of known from Mangshan. The expert to the wetland management policies ecology and water conservation construc­ group found in April 1997 as many as 45 and practices in the Hunan Province tion. The plan formed a solid foundation species, including 2 species new to the by promoting wetland rehabilitation for seeking financial support from the EU area. The avifauna was quite prolific. and habitat restoration, and by demon­ (review by the FDH on 17 June 2004). Observations were made on the threats strating a balanced approach to nature Finnish experts carried out bird to the protected areas and biodiversity, conservation and the sustainable use of inventories also in other protected areas. including loggings within the parks. natural resources. It laid a foundation for Mr Jouko Högmander, Mr Erkki Virolainen Connections were established with the seeking further external partners and and Mr Heikki Jännes visited Zhangjiajie scientists at the Central Southern China funding for wetland management. National Forest Park in April 1997. They University. discerned 60 bird species within the park, including 27 new species to the Assessment: Although the inventories park. Previously, there were records of were carried out during short visits, ▼ Established in 1982, Zhangjiajie is the first only 70 bird species from that area. they demonstrated the efficiency of national forest park in China. Photo: Jouko They visited also Mangshan Nature the modern methods and the great Högmander.

20 Pallas–Ounastunturi, one of Finland’s oldest national parks, established in 1938, started personnel exchange with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in 2002. Photo: Metsähallitus/Lentokuva Vallas Oy.

Twin Parks protected areas in the world, with almost was extended with 420 km2 to 1,020 km2 20 million visitors per year. Together with and renamed Pallas–Yllästunturi National Aim: The aim was to improve the skills Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve Zone and Park. Two Zhangjiajie staff members for international cooperation among Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve Zone it forms visited Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park the practitioners at the park level and the Wulingyun Scenic Area, which was and other sites Lapland in summer 2006. to benchmark, to learn from each other, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List Two Pallas–Yllästunturi staff members about the protected area management, in 1992. The Finnish counterpart, Pallas– visited Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in e.g. visitor management. Ounastunturi National Park, was estab­ spring 2007. lished among the first Finnish national Description: The activities were based parks in 1938 and it is the most visited Assessment: P&WF has a long experi­ on a twin parks arrangement between national park in Finland with almost 0.5 ence of transboundary cooperation of Pallas–Ounastunturi National Park and million visitors per year. It includes a long protected areas with its neighbours Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The chain of Lappish fells with several skiing Russia, Norway and Sweden. The work is parks signed an agreement on personnel resorts close to it. based on the concept of twin parks, lying exchange in 2002. The program was adjacent to each other on the different based on visits lasting from one to six Results: In addition to the park level sides of the national border, but sharing months. Zhangjiajie covers 9,563 km2. agreement, the concrete cooperation the same natural features. Several new It was established in 1982 as the first was relatively modest partly due to other methods and tools have been recently national forest park in China. It is famous duties associated with the changes in the developed to advance the cooperation in for its rare quartzite sandstone peak organisation and legislation in Finland. a more systematic way. The EUROPARC landforms. It is one of the most visited The Pallas–Ounastunturi National Park Federation has a useful framework

21 “Using Nature’s Own Design”, which As regards the Partnership & Exchange the European Commission decided in lists the key elements of cooperation. Programme, the Finnish–Hunanese December 1998 against funding the Similar frameworks can be used when cooperation was unique as it represented proposed follow-up project on Conserva­ developing the cooperation of distantly a partnership between two protected tion through Community Participation. located protected areas. The twin parks area systems instead of that between The Partnership & Exchange Programme in other countries provide important two individual parks. came to an end on 31 December 1998. benchmarking and learning opportuni­ The European Commission recognized the ties. The long-term cooperation helps to Results: The project fully met its Partnership & Exchange Programme, but, build up mutual trust and to facilitate the objectives and, in fact, exceeded them for internal reasons, they did not accept learning process. There is a lot of poten­ (Brüggemann 1999): EUROPARC’s proposal to extend funding tial in the twin park cooperation, but also As many as 15 long-term partner­ of the Programme by one year and to limitations due to economic constraints ship agreements were signed between support a new project on Conservation and limited linguistic skills of the staff European protected areas authorities through Community Participation (Aitken members. Successful visits require careful and their counterparts in Asia and Latin Clark & Jens Brüggemann, letter of 1 June planning in advance. America; 1999). • Asian and Latin American protected areas sent 198 staff members for study Assessment: The whole Partnership & European Dimension: visits and training on the job to their Exchange Programme was an important European partner parks and hosted 192 initiative in implementing the CBD. As EUROPARC Partnership Europeans for expert advice and to the Finnish–Hunanese cooperation, & Exchange Programme training; the partners’ own assessment of the • A total of 17 training seminars were project results was overwhelmingly Aim: The project addressed three major organised, mainly in Europe. The positive as regards partnership benefits, cooperation priorities on operations to seminars were tailor-made for 262 Asian capacity-building impact, the relevance of promote tropical forests, namely: and Latin American park managers and practical cooperation between protected • conservation of primary tropical forests; technical staff members and involved areas and the support received from the • sustainable management of tropical 86 European park experts; and Partnership & Exchange Programme. As forests; and • A set of seminar reports, guidelines the only programme cooperating in the • capacity building to address the needs and information leaflets was published, field of nature protection in Hunan Prov­ for training schemes. and a portable project exhibition was ince and even in the whole of China, the displayed in many European countries. Partnership and Exchange Programme Description: With the purpose of became an example of successful strengthening the capacity to manage The large number of project activities international successful cooperation protected areas in developing countries, was a result of the commitment and for the State Forestry Administration the Federation of Nature and National contribution of European, Asian and (Ministry of Forestry) and the Provincial Parks of Europe (the EUROPARC Federa­ Latin American parks. The parks provided Government of Hunan. The concrete tion) implemented between 1994 and accommodation, meals and local trans­ results of the programme included the 1998 the “Partnership and Exchange port for visitors from their partner areas, Provincial Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Programme: Technical Cooperation so that external funds were required only and Management and Construction between Protected Areas in Europe, for the international airfare. The total Standards for Protected Areas. Both the Asia and Latin America” with a financial staff time the European parks provided FDH and Metsähallitus were devoted to contribution of the European Commission for the expertise and training was continuing their cooperation, wished to of 2,087,000 ECU (European Currency estimated at 183 person months. be involved in a wider programme with Unit, precursor to the euro). Despite the very successful evalua­ training opportunities, and expected Metsähallitus and the FDH were the tion workshop held in Lombardy, Italy, continued support from the European second partnership signed as part of the 27 September – 1 October 1998, on the Commission. Partnership & Exchange Programme. Partnership and Exchange Programme,

22 The importance of EUROPARC’s role in The partnerships had a catalytic effect communication with their counterparts coordinating and organising the Partner­ and they yielded important additional before and after the cooperation activi­ ship & Exchange Programme with lean benefits. Protected areas received greater ties and to communicate the benefits of administration was reinforced to assume recognition and their status has risen. the partnership to the authorities and the a facilitating role at the European level. The Programme could have become a public at large, as was done in the case of The staff exchange was considered an very valuable instrument of international the Finnish–Hunanese partnership. important form of informal training. cooperation for the European Union The financial aid played a positive role The effectiveness of the staff exchange and bilateral development agencies. in relieving the pressing situation caused depends on participatory problem The partnership arrangements would by the shortage of funds, needed for identification, expertise availability, have allowed for the continued transfer the forestry development. At the same cultural sensitivity, advance planning of technology, practical experiences time, new ideas, concepts, expertise, and follow-up. In the case of the Finnish– and know-how between the EU and experiences and methodologies were Hunanese partnership, the effectiveness Asian and Latin American protected introduced, which helped to improve the and sustainability significantly benefited areas – at a very low cost. Unfortunately, work efficiency and to catch up with the from the annual meetings of the formal for unknown reasons, these opportuni­ latest technology. bilateral Cooperation Committee and ties were never used by the European from the multi-annual work programme. Commission, in spite of the several high- The cost-sharing arrangement was also quality applications sent to it. The evalu­ ▼ Chinese hospitality at the 3rd Cooperation an important element of the sustain­ ation of the programme recommended Meeting in Hunan in May 1998. Photo: Jens ability of the partnership. the partner parks to maintain direct Brüggemann.

23 Nature tourists get to enjoy the performance of local minority entertainers in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Photo: Jouko Högmander.

24 Promoting Economic Welfare: T J Emerging Business Opportunities O PREC

Seed and Plant Production Three experts from Finland, including Ecotourism Mr Ilkka Valli and Mr Juha Järvenpää, Aim: The demand of seeds and seedlings worked in the Centre to install the equip­ Aim: The Parties noticed the increase in has greatly increased in China owing to ment. At the same time, training was the numbers of Finnish tourists in China the implementation of huge forestry given to the personnel of the FDH. and Chinese tourists in Finland. Thus, projects. The aim of the joint activities Lannen Plant Systems merged with there is an opportunity to market the was to improve the forest seed and the Swedish company BCC Ab (Björkemar protected areas and to find new business seedling production and availability in Construction and Consulting Ab) in April opportunities in ecotourism. Here the the Hunan Province. 2005. It was planned that the coop­ term ecotourism is used in the general eration would continue in spite of the sense of nature-oriented and ecologically Description: The increasing demand changes. It was agreed that the coopera­ responsible tourism. of seed and seedlings created a good tion should be extended to include the opportunity for technical innovations in Finnish Forest Research Institute. Description: Protected areas are the seed collection, processing, inspection basic assets for ecotourism and for and preservation techniques. It was Assessment: Not only was the mecha­ sustainable development in general. agreed that the Parties will carry out a nization of the production realized, the Ecotourism can be developed in the parks joint feasibility study on seed and plant productivity enhanced, and the labour with certain restrictions. The protected production. intensity decreased, but also the quality areas are centres of institutional strength The joint pre-feasibility study and survival rate of seedlings improved and excellence and can act as hubs for “Hunan Provincial Forestry Seed and in the FDH. The introduction of both the tourism development. When the parks Seedling Demonstration Base Project” whole system and the key technology have a sufficient number of staff, good was conducted by Mr Pentti Kanon of greatly increased the application of infrastructure and services, they in turn Metsähallitus Consulting. The report science and technology in the seedling boost up the development of economi­ was delivered to the Ministry of the reproduction base of the Hunan Province cally and socially sustainable ecotourism. Agriculture and Forestry in Finland in the (review by the FDH on 17 June 2004). The There are also opportunities to develop beginning of 2001. application of the seedling production ecotourism outside protected areas. This line may have boosted the afforesta­ is the only option, when the forms of Results: In 2003, the seedling procure­ tion activities in the Hunan Province. ecotourism are not compatible with the ment contract, worth 200,000 euros, However, the production line has not legislation of the protected areas. In addi­ between the Hunan Seeds and Seedling been in continuous use, partly owing to tion to protected areas, both Metsähal­ Reproduction Exemplary Centre and its high capacity compared to the needs litus and the FDH have large forest areas Lannen Plant Systems was signed. The and partly to some technical matters. which are not protected. contract had two parts: the first one was While the cooperation resulted in implemented, where as the second one, successful business operations, it seems Results: The cooperation on ecotourism worth 147,900 euros, was not imple­ obvious that Metsähallitus could not was started, during the meetings of the mented. fully utilise the business opportunities Coordinating Committee and its field The high-quality seedling reproduction available during the years of partner­ trips, by discussions and presentations equipment and facilities, together with ship. Indufor and Lannen Plant Systems on relevant topics, such as protected production and management expertise, managed to do profitable business, area categories, zonation, infrastructure, were introduced for the Hunan Seeds and whereas Metsähallitus remained as a interpretation, legislation, and manage­ Seedling Reproduction Exemplary Centre. facilitator. ment planning. The Parties signed a

25 framework agreement on ecotourism parks. Thus, the beautiful and peaceful forestry development connecting Hunan marketing cooperation on 17 September Finnish national parks have, without a and the EU. The visit was an expression of 2002. Metsähallitus had a business doubt, a great potential to attract also the support of the Provincial Government branch called the Wild North specialising a significant portion of the increasing to the Finnish–Hunanese cooperation in ecotourism, including fishing and numbers of Chinese tourists during on forestry and nature conservation. hunting trips. their tours to Europe, if only the service It enforced the domestic measures to The exchange of information on networks do operate and there will also develop forestry in the Hunan Province. tourism products, services and costs were be sufficient services available in the The visit helped to promote the issuing of carried out between the Hunan Forest Chinese language. Cooperation with the the guidelines of Hunan Provincial Govern­ Tourism Agency and the Wild North of tour operators and individual enterprises ment’s Decision on Speeding up Forestry. Metsähallitus. The Wild North was able is essential. The FDH wanted to purchase wooden to offer both nature-based tourism and cottages to serve as visitor centres in the technical study tours for professionals on Hupingshan National Nature Reserves tailor-made tourist products and services. Forest Management and the National Nature Reserve of East The Wild North was seeking a third party Dongting Lake. Metsähallitus has provided to promote tourism from Finland to the Aim: Hunan is located in the subtropical the FDH information on Finnish enter­ Hunan Province. Metsähallitus sold out region with agreeable temperature and prises producing wooden cottages. the Wild North to a private company abundant precipitation, which is ideal for Lomarengas in 2013. fast-growing trees used for making pulp, Results: The cooperation resulted in For the increasing numbers of Chinese such as pines, poplars and eucalyptus. increasing awareness of the Finnish visitors, a new project to develop the The Parties had included forestry as one forestry sector in Hunan and in building services and facilities in the Finnish potential field of cooperation. The main connections, but there have not been national parks was launched by the aim was to improve the standards of any tangible business outcomes. Metsä­ P&WF in 2014. The pilot areas include forestry in the Hunan Province. Later an hallitus also provided the FDH with Finnish Nature Centre Haltia and Nuuksio element on forest certification was added. information on and contact addresses of National Park in Southern Finland as the Finnish Forest Management Associa­ well as Oulanka, Lemmenjoki and Urho Description: The study tours in Finland tions and the Central Union of Agricul­ Kekkonen National Parks and Nature included visits, not only to the forest areas tural Producers and Forest Owners. Centre Siida in Northern Finland. of Metsähallitus, but also to saw mills and forest industries. Metsähallitus helped Assessment: There may still be oppor­ Assessment: While there was substantial the FDH to build up relations with other tunities for cooperation in the field of progress made in capacity building, European forestry organisations. In the forestry. The activities proposed have the Parties were unable to utilise the summer of 2002, a high-level Hunanese included the reinforcement of high-level commercial business opportunities, at forestry delegation visited Finland and staff exchange, forest certification least in Finland. This may be due to the United Kingdom. It was headed by Mr systems, annual reports of current trends lack of specialised expertise. The develop­ Yang Zhengwu, the Secretary of Provincial in forestry (timber markets, wood use, ment of business opportunities might Party Commission, and the Director forest ownership, protected areas etc.) have benefited from a third party with of Standing Commission of Provincial and information exchange on the coop­ more tour operator kind of expertise. People’s Congress. The mission of the eration of forest-owners’ associations in However, the cooperation between the delegation was to examine the ecological Finland to boost up the quality of forest FDH and the P&WF seems again very forestry development trends of developed management. promising, taking into account the global countries, and to study the experiences growth in ecotourism. The Chinese and techniques on sustainable forestry people are more and more interested development. This was done to help and in the Chinese Forest National Parks provide insight into forestry development and activities therein, as shown by the after China’s accession to the WTO and to ► Staff exchange in a friendly atmosphere in rocketing numbers of visitors to the broaden the channels of cooperation in Hunan in 2007. Photo: FDH.

26 Timber Processing rial imported to Hunan was considered and the Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana one measure of nature conservation so as Lamb) together with the Finnish experts Aim: There is an increasing need of to save and maintain the valuable natural (address by Mr Bai Fangmin on 16 timber and wood-based products in the forests of the province. The Parties August 2005). The Hunan Province is Hunan Province. Thus, the FDH proposed studied the possibilities of selling timber one of the largest Chinese provinces joint activities in the field of timber from Finland to Hunan, since there is a in terms of plantation resources. The sales, exchange of research personnel lack of high-quality wood in the province. timber reserves of Chinese Fir and pines and knowledge in the fields of wood Metsähallitus informed the FHD on the are 140 million m3 and 130 million m3, construction technologies and marketing, prices of raw material. Nevertheless, no respectively. Metsähallitus tried to find timber processing techniques and the large quantities of high-quality timber appropriate Finnish cooperation partners deresination of timber. were exported from Finland to China without results. owing to the relatively high prices. Description: Hunan Yueyang Paper The Hunan Forestry Academy Results: In spite of the apparent poten­ Group Ltd purchased paper production planned to carry out intensive processing tial, there were not any tangible business equipment, worth 70 million USD, from of timber, especially the Chinese Fir results. Finland. The wood product or raw mate­ (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook)

27 T Promoting Scientific Research: J O Successful Spin-Offs PREC

Population Ecology and Studies on Mosses, Mr Rao Pencheng, a staff member of Fragmented Landscapes Lichens and Fungi the FDH, started his bryological studies under the supervision of Professor Timo Aim: The management of the protected Aim: Systematic study on cryptogams, i.e. Koponen at the Division of Systematic area network should be based on best mosses, lichens and fungi, was conducted Biology of the University of Helsinki in available scientific research. During in the Hunan Province by Finnish and 1997. His studies were financed by the recent years, studies on population Chinese experts with the purpose of Centre for International Mobility CIMO ecology of organisms in fragmented land­ increasing scientific information on the and the Academy of Finland. scapes have increased understanding of biological diversity of the Hunan Province. The scientific project began, when the management of protected areas with The idea was to prepare checklists based Professor Timo Koponen was invited to the aim of maintaining viable populations on the existing material, to carry out visit the Forest Department of Hunan of threatened species. field studies and collect new material, Province and to carry out bryological field identify it and to get new information research. He was accompanied by Mr Rao Description: Dr Matti Helminen of of the distribution, abundance and and another student, Ms Sanna Huttunen. Metsähallitus invited Mr Lei Guangchun habitat requirements of the species. Such During the visit the cooperation between from the FDH to Finland and assisted him information is the foundation of science- the Forest Department of Hunan Province in finding a suitable research team. Mr Lei based management of protected areas. and the Division of Systematic Biology joined the research group led by Professor The results contribute to the under­ was discussed, and a Memorandum was Ilkka Hanski of the University of Helsinki. standing of the value of forest products agreed upon and signed between the FDH and their traditional use. and the Division of Systematic Biology of Results and Assessment: Dr Lei did the University of Helsinki. pioneering work on the metapopulation Description: As a result of the coopera­ The second excursion in 1998 was dynamics of host-parasitoid interactions tion between the FDH and Metsähallitus, bryological, and the participants included resulting in his dissertation in 1997 and further studies (Lei 1997, Lei & Hanski 1997, Lei et al 1997). During his stay in Finland, Dr Lei played an active key role in facilitating the cooperation between Metsähallitus and the FDH. Dr Lei also travelled exten­ sively in Finland and gained a thorough knowledge of the Finnish park system with the support of Metsähallitus. Later Dr Lei has worked as Coordinator of the WWF Yangtze River Project, as Senior Expert in the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention in Switzerland, and recently as Professor and Dean in Beijing Forest University.

► Professor Timo Koponen of the University of Helsinki supervised bryological studies in Hunan Province in the late 1990s. Photo: Sinikka Piippo.

28 Professor Koponen, Ms Huttunen, Mr Rao, Assistant Tarja Ukkola, and graduate records were found from the collections and Professor Sinikka Piippo from the student Tea von Bonsdorff from the after species identification. Botanical Museum of the University of University of Helsinki collected mycolog­ This was the first time, when such a Helsinki. In 1999 the project was enlarged ical specimens for identification in many large-scale and systematic research on to include also other cryptogams in kinds of natural and cultivated forests. the cryptogams was conducted abroad addition to bryophytes. The Academy of The ethnomycological studies started by the University of Helsinki. The univer­ Finland awarded a three-year scholar­ in 1999 were continued by interviewing sity established a field-training base on ship for the project Cryptogam Flora of local people, making field trips with them systematic biology in the Badagongshan Hunan Province of China; its Biological to collect mushrooms, and watching Mountain, and shared information and Diversity, Significance of Secondary how mushrooms were prepared for food data resulted from the investigation Forest Products, in Forest Pathology, and or medicinal purposes. Myxomycetes (Härkönen 1999, 2000). in Ecotourism. (plasmodial slime moulds) are a nearly Mr Rao Pencheng became a well- In 1999, the bryologists Professor Timo totally neglected group of organisms in trained expert in bryophytes. He has Koponen and Professor Sinikka Piippo, the Hunan; only sixteen species have been published several scientific and popular­ mycologists Professor Marja Härkönen reported earlier. The myxomycetes were izing papers in addition to his dissertation and Dr Tarja Ukkola and the lichenologist searched for and collected on rotting (e.g. Rao 2000, Rao & Enroth 1999, Rao et Dr Jouko Rikkinen made an excursion wood, different kinds of litter, and on the al 1997, Huttunen et al. 1999, 2000a, b, c, to Hunan. The collecting localities were bark of living trees. Koponen et al. 1998, 2000, 2004). He also Yuankou (bryologists), and Zhangjiajie In 2001, the lichenologist Jouko participated in the meetings between and Badagongshan (lichenologists and Rikkinen, mycologist Marja Härkönen, Metsähallitus and the FDH. Later he has mycologists). and bryologists Johannes Enroth and He worked also in Canada. The duration of the expedition in 2000 Xiao-Lan participated in the expedition. was 23 days. The collecting localities were The study areas were Yunshan National Badagongshan National Nature Reserve Forest Park, consisting of 200 hectares Forest Research and Daweishan Nature Reserve. The of natural forest, and Xunhuangshan and Training research was carried out jointly by the National Forest Park and Nature Reserve. staff and students of the Forest Depart­ In addition to the visit by Mr Rao, Aim: The preliminary plan of forest ment of Hunan Province, Badagongshan Mr Peng Chung-Liang visited Helsinki scientific cooperation aimed at the National Nature Reserve, and the Univer­ from 5 February to 29 July1999. Mr Cai exchange of English-speaking teachers sity of Helsinki. Senior Assistant Johannes Shengding and Mr Liu Kaiming visited and experts in teaching and training, and Enroth and Dr Viivi Virtanen from the the Botanical Garden of the University of if possible, also students, and to hold University of Helsinki carried out a basic Helsinki on 14 August 1999. Mr Yan Lihong academic conferences from time to time floristic inventory of the research areas. and Mr Zeng Zhixin visited Helsinki from to promote academic exchange. They also compared the floras of natural 17 January to 30 June 2000. forests with several kinds of cultivated Description: Metsähallitus and the FDH forests and, more specifically, epiphytic Results and Assessment: During the have studied the opportunities and bryophytes on various indigenous or five-year period from 1997 to 2001, some promoted cooperation in forest research cultivated tree species. 23 Finnish experts, together with Chinese and forestry-related training between Dr Jouko Rikkinen with Associate ones, jointly conducted investigations the Hunan Polytechnic of Environment Professor Li-Hong Yan from the Forest on the cryptogams in the Mangshan and Biology, located in Hengyang, South Department of Hunan Province, and Mountain, Zhangjiajie, the Badagonshan Hunan, and the Viikki Tropical Resources Researcher Kimmo Jääskeläinen from the Mountain, Tayuandong, Yunshan in the Institute of the University of Helsinki and University of Helsinki collected lichen Wugang County, and the Hupingshan the Rovaniemi Polytechnic. specimens in different types of forests. Mountain. About 20,000 samples of Professor Marja Härkönen with Assistant mosses, lichens and fungi were collected. Results and Assessment: In spite of the Research Fellow Zhi-Xin Zeng from the Some species new to science (e.g. apparent potential, there have so far not Forest Department of Hunan Province, Potemkin 2000, Rikkinen 2000) and new been any tangible results.

29 Meetings and Personnel Exchange

Excursion 1 to the Hunan Province, Signing of the Agreement on between 1st Cooperation Meeting in Changsha, P.R. China, 17–28 March 1990 the Forestry Department of Hunan P.R. China, 25 March – 2 April 1996 Participants: Mr Esko Jaakkola, Chief Province and the Finnish Forest and Participants: Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, Inspector, Nature Protection, Ministry of the Park Service (Metsähallitus) in Vantaa, Nature Protection, MH; Mr Tuomo Kotimäki, Environment; Dr Matti Helminen, Bureau Chief, Finland, 4 August 1995 Biodiversity Expert, MH; Mr Jouko Högmander, Protected Area Office, Metsähallitus (MH); Participants: Mr Ge Handong, Deputy DG, FDH; Superintendent, Archipelago National Park, Mr Darrel Sequeira, Scientist, University of Mr Gui Xiaojie, Principal Chief Conservator and MH; Mr Liu Yongshou, DG, FDH; Mr Ge Helsinki. Biologist, FDH; Mr Pentti Takala, DG, MH; Dr Handong, Deputy DG, FDH; Mr Liu Bingshu, Field Trips: East Dongting Lake, Wulingyuan Rauno Väisänen, Director, Nature Protection, Deputy DG, FDH; Mr Zhou Yangsheng, Scenic and Historic Interest Area including MH; Mr Tuomo Kotimäki, Director, Consulting Vice-Chairman, Forestry Association of Hunan; Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Services, MH; Dr Matti Helminen, Federation of Mr Zhang Zhishan, Foreign Affairs Office Nature and National Parks of Europe. of Hunan; Mr Zhang Jian Director, Wildlife Excursion 2 to Finland, Mr Ge, Mr Gui, Dr Väisänen, Mr Kotimäki Protection Bureau, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Deputy 21 August – 4 September 1990 and Dr Helminen were nominated to the Director, Wildlife Protection Bureau, FDH; Mr Participants: Mr Zhou Keding, Bureau Chief, Cooperation Committee. A work plan for the Chen Liangchang, Deputy Director, Foreign Department of Planning, FDH; Mr Huang period 1995–1998 was accepted. Affairs Office, FDH; Mr Zhou Chunbai, Deputy Changsong, Director, Forestry Bureau of Field Trip: Seitseminen National Park Director, Foreign Affairs, FDH; Mr Liu Kaiming, Yueyang City; Mr Song Fazong, Specialist, Deputy Director, State Forest Area Station, Forestry Bureau of Yueyang City. Ornithological Study Tour FDH; Mr Wang Dianxing, Director, Financial Several project ideas were identified to the Hunan Province, P.R. China, Division, FDH; Mr Liu Xuere, Deputy Director, including the bird inventories of the East 12 January – 2 February 1996 Financial Division, FDH; Mr Shen Riting, Dongting Lake, investigations on threatened Participants: Mr Erkki Virolainen, Conservation Vice-Chairman of the Congress of the Hunan species, the development of visitor centres Biologist, MH; Mr Antti Below, Conservation Province; Dr Matti Helminen, Federation of and interpretation services, and integrated Biologist, MH. Nature and National Parks of Europe. monitoring. Field Trips: Changsha, the East Dongting Lake Field Trips: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Field Trips: Oulanka, Seitseminen and Isojärvi and the Three Gorges. and Hupingshan Protected Area. National Parks.

Excursion 3 to the Hunan Province, P.R. China, 2–22 November 1994 Participants: Dr Matti Helminen, Director, Nature Protection, MH; Mrs Anja Helminen; Mr Chen Liangchang, Deputy Director, Forest Protection Bureau, FDH; Mr Lei Guangchun, University of Helsinki/FDH. Field Trips: Mangshan, Badagongshan, Zhangjiajie and the East Donting Lake.

► Mr Liu Yongshou, DG, FDH together with Finnish ornithologists Mr Erkki Virolainen and Mr Antti Below in Hunan in 1996. Photo: FDH.

30 Training Course in Ornithology Changsha from 15 to 17 April. No less than 30 3rd Cooperation Meeting in Changsha, in Vantaa, Finland, May–June 1996 Chinese experts were trained. P.R. China, 4–10 May 1998 Participants: Mr Xu Mengqi, FDH; Mr Lei Gang, Field Trips: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Participants: Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, FDH; Ms Xie Zhihong, FDH. and Mangshan Nature Reserve. Nature Protection, MH; Mr Björn Finne, Director, Consulting Services, MH; Mr Liu Additional Cooperation Meeting, 2nd Cooperation Meeting in Vantaa, Yongshou, DG, FDH; Mr Ge Handong, Deputy in Vantaa, Finland, 10–20 June 1996 Finland, 12–15 May 1997 Director, FDH; Mr Zhang Jiang, Director, Participants: Mr Liu Yongshou, DG, the FDH; Participants: Mr Ge Handong, Deputy Wildlife Protection Bureau, FDH; Mr Gui Mr Zhang Jian, Chief, Wildlife Protection DG, FDH; Mr Gui Xiajie, Deputy Director, Xiaojie, Deputy Director, Forest and Wildlife Bureau, FDH; Mr Wang Dianxing, Chief, Wildlife Conservation Division, FDH; Mr Protection Bureau, FDH; Mr Zhou Chunhai, Financial Division, FDH; Mr Wang Mingxu, Tang Miaosheng, Member of the Council Deputy Director, Foreign Affairs, FDH; Mr Biodiversity Expert, FDH; Mr Pentti Takala, of Hunan Provincial Wildlife Conservation Wang Dianxing, Director for Finance, FDH; Mr DG, MH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, Nature Association; Mr Xia Xiaomin, Director, Hunan Liu Kaiming, Director, Management of Forest Protection, MH; Mr Tuomo Kotimäki, Director, Provincial Forest Botanical Garden; Mr Pentti Parks, FDH; Mr Chen Liangchang, Deputy Consulting Services, MH; Mr Matti Määttä, Takala, DG, MH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, Director, Forest and Wildlife Protection, FDH; Forestry Advisor, Consulting Services, MH. Nature Protection, MH; Mr Björn Finne, Mr Jiang Daquan, Chief Planner, Division of The aim of the additional meeting was to Director, Consulting Services, MH; Mr Tapani Finance, FDH; Dr Lei Guangchun, Scientist, strengthen the partnership and to integrate Ruotsalainen, Marketing Manager, Consulting Beijing University; Mr Jens Brüggemann, the sustainable use of commercial forests Services, MH; Mr Lassi Karivalo, Foreign Affairs Project Coordinator, Federation of Nature and with the management of protected areas. Officer, Nature Protection, MH; Mr Jouko National Parks of Europe (EUROPARC). Field Trips: Laajalahti Protected Area, Högmander, Superintendent, Archipelago Field Trips: Changsha Wildlife Centre, Kaukopää Paper Mill, Siikalahti Protected National Park, MH; Mr Olavi Joensuu, Chief, Tianjiling National Forest Park, Nanye Area, Punkaharju Protected Area, the Finnish Northern Lapland District for Wilderness Arboretum and Yuelu Hill Forest Park. Forest Museum Lusto, Linnansaari National Management, MH; Mr Jens Brüggemann, Park, Lakeland Visitor Centre, Patama Nursery, Project Coordinator, Federation of Nature Expert Exchange Visit to Finland, Ähtäri Zoo, Seitseminen National Park, Evo and National Parks of Europe (EUROPARC); 1–7 June 1998 National Hiking Area, Ekenäs Archipelago Ms Clara van Eijk-Bos, Independent Evaluator, Participants: Mr Jiang Daquan, Section National Park, Nuuksio National Park and the European Commission. Chief, Financial Planning Office, FDH; Mr Zhu Finnish Science Centre Heureka. Field Trips: Koilliskaira Visitor Centre of Urho Kaiming, Chief, Wildlife Conservation Centre Kekkonen National Park and Northern Lapland of Hunan; Mr Zen Zhimin, Expert, Tianling Exchange Visit of the Biodiversity Visitor Centre and Sami Museum at Inari. National Forest Park, FDH. Project to Vantaa, Finland, Field Trips: Laajalahti Protected Area, Villa November 1996 Staff Exchange Visit on Visitor Centres Elfvik Visitor Centre and Nature School, Häme Participant: Mr Gui Xiaojie, Deputy Director, and Environmental Education in Visitor Centre Project, Gnägget Visitor Centre Forest and Wildlife Protection Bureau, FDH. the Hunan Province, P.R. China, 2 of Ekenäs Archipelago (Tammisaari) National September – 6 October 1997 Park, Archipelago National Park, Finnish Biodiversity Seminar, Participants: Ms Arja Vasama, Superin- Science Centre Heureka, Lakeland Visitor Bird Inventories and Training of Staff tendent, Urho Kekkonen National Park, MH; Centre and Linnansaari National Park. in Changsha, P.R. China, Ms Eeva Heikkinen, Manager, Kainuu Visitor 13–26 April 1997 Centre, MH; Mr Tuomo Häyrinen, Forester, MH. Evaluation Workshop in Lombardy, Participants: Mr Jouko Högmander, Superin- The aim of the meeting was to exchange Italy, 27 September – 1 October 1998 tendent, Archipelago National Park, MH; Mr experiences on environmental education, Participants: Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, Erkki Virolainen, Conservation Biologist, MH; interpretation techniques and ecological Nature Protection, MH; Mr Ge Handong, Mr Hannu Jännes, Conservation Biologist, MH. tourism. Deputy DG, the FDH; Dr Lei Guangchun, The main aim of the trip was to agree on Field Trips: Changsha, Zhangjiajie National Scientist; Mr Jens Brüggemann, Project the future preparation of the Action Plan. Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Coordinator, Federation of Nature and The Biodiversity Seminar was organised in Reserve National Parks of Europe (EUROPARC).

31 The workshop was attended by more Director, Natural Heritage Services (NHS), MH; 5th Cooperation Meeting than 40 representatives from protected Mr Pertti Kanon, Project Manager, Metsähal- and Publishing Ceremony areas in Asia, Latin America and Europe, litus Consulting; Mr Hannu Sipinen, Senior of the Biodiversity Action Plan which were engaged in an inter-continental Planning Officer, NHS, MH; Mr Lassi Karivalo, for Hunan, in Changsha, P.R. China, partnership network, i.e. the Partnership & Senior Planning Officer, NHS, MH. 16–21 August 2000 Exchange Programme which was carried out Field Trips: Evo Hiking Area and the Evo Unit Participants: Mr Jouko Högmander, Super­ by the EUROPARC Federation in 1994–1998 of the Häme Polytechnic, Aulanko Protected intendent, NHS, MH; Mr Lassi Karivalo, Senior with financial support from the European Area, Häme Visitor Centre Construction Planning Officer, NHS, MH; Mr Pertti Kanon, Commission. Project, Eerikkilä Sport Institute, Puurijärvi- Project Manager, Metsähallitus Consulting; Isosuo National Park, Tuori Horse Estate, Mr Ge Handong, DG, FDH; Mr Li Dingyi, Visitor Centre Planning Humppila Glassworks, Liesjärvi National Park Deputy DG, FDH; Mr Cai Shengding, Scientific in the Hunan Provincial Forest and Korteniemi Traditional Farm. Technology and International Cooperation Botanical Garden, Changsha, Division, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Director, Wildlife P.R. China, 12–21 October 1998 The Opening Ceremony of Conservation Department, FDH; Mr Zhang Participants: Ms Arja Vasama, Superin- Changsha Visitor Centre and the Caihue, Director, Seedling Station Hunan, FDH; tendent, Urho Kekkonen National Park, Opening Ceremony of International Mr Wang Guoping, Deputy Director, Wildlife Natural Heritage Services (NHS), MH; Ms Forest Protection Festival, in Changsha and Plant Protection Division, FDH; Mr Pen Eeva Heikkinen, Manager, Kainuu Visitor and Zhangjiajie, P.R. China, 20–26 Yahui, Nature Management Section of Wildlife Centre, NHS, MH; Mr Liu Yunshou, DG, FDH; September 1999 and Plant Protection Division, FDH; Ms Xie Mr Ge Handong, Deputy DG, FDH; Mr Zhang Participants: Mr Pentti Takala, DG, MH; Mrs Zhihong, Nature Management Section of Jian, Director, Wildlife Protection Bureau, Tuula Takala; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, Wildlife and Plant Protection Division, FDH. FDH; Mr Peng Yahui, Chief, Protected Areas, NHS, MH; Mrs Anneli Väisänen; Mr Hannu After the Publishing Ceremony of the Wildlife Protection Bureau, FDH; Mr Gui Sipinen, Senior Planning Officer, NHS, MH; Biodiversity Action Plan for Hunan Province, Xiaojie, Deputy Director, Forest and Wildlife Mr Ge Handong, DG, FDH; Mr He Tongxin, a Commemoration Tree for the cooperation Protection Bureau, FDH; Mr Xia Xiaoming, Vice-Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s was planted together at the Biodiversity Director, Botanical Garden; Ms He Ping, Government & Director of Organizing Conservation Visitor Centre in Changsha. International Affairs Office, Botanical Garden; Committee; Mr James Harkness, Country Field Trips: Biodiversity Conservation Visitor Mr Zheng Zhixin, Main Scientific Planner of Representative, WWF International. Centre in Changsha, Zhangjiajie National the Visitor Centre; Mr Xiong Yilang, Painter, Mr Hannu Sipinen arrived earlier and Forest Park and Huayanxi Nature Reserve. FDH. actively participated in building up the Finnish The aim of the visit was to share experi- exhibition at the Changsha Visitor Centre. Informal Cooperation Meeting in ences and to give advice in the planning Mr Pentti Takala had an opening speech at Vantaa, Finland, 18–27 November 2000 process of the Changsha Visitor Centre, which the Changsha Visitor Centre. He gave also Participants: Mr Jiang Hanhui, Secretary was started a year earlier. a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the General of Hunan Forestry Association; Mr Field Trips: Tianjiling National Forest Park, Forest Protection Festival. Dr Rauno Väisänen Zhang Yurong, Senior Engineer and Chief of Changsha City Park and Nanyue Nature gave a presentation Nature Conservation and Forest Protection Institute, Forestry Academy Reserve on the Hengshan Mountains. Ecotourism in Protected Areas at the Inter- of Hunan; Mr Yin Yaunling, Senior Engineer national Symposium of the Forest Protection and Deputy Director, Forest Tree Seeds and 4th Cooperation Meeting in Vantaa, Festival. Seedlings Management Station, FDH; Mr Rao Finland, 9–13 August 1999 Field Trips: Changsha Visitor Centre, Pengcheng, University of Helsinki; Mr Jan Participants: Mr Cai Shengding, Director, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Huang Heino, DG, MH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, Foreign Affairs Office, FDH; Mr Liu Kaiming, Long Dong Cave, Shuoxiyu Nature Reserve, NHS, Deputy DG, MH; Mr Björn Finne, Director, National Forest Office, FDH; Mr Tianzishan Nature Reserve and Helong Park. Director, International Affairs, MH; Mr Tuomo Hu Yiying, Director, Science and Education Kotimäki, Managing Director, Metsähallitus Division, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Deputy Director, Consulting; Mr Pertti Kanon, Project Manager, Forest and Wildlife Protection Bureau, FDH; Metsähallitus Consulting; Mr Lassi Karivalo, Mr Pentti Takala, DG, MH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Senior Planning Officer, NHS, MH.

32 Field Trips: Liesjärvi National Park, Häme with the meeting, a visit to Metsähallitus Hiking Area, and Ekenäs Archipelago Visitor Centre, Patama (Saarijärvi) and Rovaniemi Office and Rovaniemi Seed Centre (Tammisaari) National Park. Nurmijärvi Nurseries of Forelia, and Lannen of Forelia on 15 August was organised. Plant Systems at Iso-Vimma, Säkylä. Study Tour of Forest Specialists 7th Cooperation Meeting in Changsha, to Finland in 2004 6th Cooperation Meeting in Vantaa, P.R. China, 27–29 November 2002 Participants: Several forest experts from the Finland, 2–8 September 2001 Participants: Mr Jan Heino, DG, MH; Mr Björn FDH, headed by Mr Pang. Participants: Mr Liu Shaoxiang, Deputy DG, Finne, Director, International Affairs, MH; FDH; Ms Wang Xiaoping, Director and Senior Mr Ge Handong, DG, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Study Tour of Ecotourism Specialists Engineer, Science, Technology & International Director, Wildlife Conservation Division, FDH; to Finland in 2004 Cooperation, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Director, Ms Wang Xiaoping, Director, Technology and Participants: Several ecotourism experts from Wildlife Conservation Department, FDH; International Cooperation Division, FDH; Mr the FDH. Mr Luo Zhenxin, Director, Forest Resources Zhang Caixue, Director, Seed and Seedling Utilization Centre, FDH; Mr Shao Guoshu, Production Station, FDH; Mr Liu Kaiming, 9th Cooperation Meeting Director, Countryside Administration, Division Director, Development and Counting Division, in Changsha, P.R. China, of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; FDH; Mr HuYiying, Director, State-Owned 22–27 November 2004 Mr Jan Heino, DG, MH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Forest and Forest Park Administration Participants: Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, Director, NHS, Deputy DG, MH; Mr Tuomo Bureau, FDH; Mr Luo Zhenxin, Director, Forest NHS, Deputy DG, MH; Mr Björn Finne, Director, Kotimäki, Managing Director, Metsähallitus Development and Utilization Center, FDH; Mr International Affairs, MH; Ms Marja Männistö, Consulting; Mr Björn Finne, Director, Interna- Ouyang Xuhui, Director, Forestry Technology Director, Wild North, MH; Dr Yrjö Norokorpi, tional Affairs, MH; Mr Lassi Karivalo, Senior Training Center, FDH; Mr Peng Yahui, Director, Superintendent, Pallas–Ounastunturi Planning Officer, NHS, MH; Mr Pertti Kanon, Nature Reserve Management Station, FDH. National Park, NHS, MH; Mr Hannu Sipinen, Project Manager, Metsähallitus Consulting. Field Trips: Changsha Park and Visitor Centre Senior Planning Officer, NHS, MH; Mr Ge Field Trips: Evo Hiking Area and multiple-use and Hunan Seeds and Seedling Reproduction Handong, DG, FDH; Ms Zhao Aiqun, Deputy forests, Nurmijärvi Nursery, Liesjärvi National Exemplary Centre. DG, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Director, Wildlife Park, Häme Visitor Centre, Torronsuo National Conservation Department, FDH; Mr Wang Park and Paloheimo Wood Sawmill at 8th Cooperation Meeting in Vantaa, Xiaoping, Director, International Cooperation Riihimäki. Finland, 24–28 September 2003 Division, FDH; Mr Hu Yiying, Director, State Participants: Mr Xie Kangsheng, Advisor , Forest Farm and Forest Park Division, FDH; Mr Informal Cooperation Meeting Hunan Provincial Greening Commission; Wang Guangrong, Director, Forestry Academy in Vantaa, Finland, 13 August 2002 Mr Li Dingyi, Deputy DG, the FDH; Mr Lu of Hunan; Mr Wu Jianbo, Director, Adminis- Participants: Mr Ge Handong, DG, the FDH; Xingsheng, Deputy Secretary General, tration Office, FDH; Mr Sun Jianyi, Director, Ms Liu Lianyu, DG, Foreign Affairs, Hunan Hunan Provincial Greening Commission; Mr Seed and Seedling Production Centre, FDH. Provincial Government; Mr Xu Xianping, Gui Xiaojie, Director, Wildlife Conservation Dr Rauno Väisänen gave a lecture on DG, Planning Commission, Hunan Provincial Division, FDH; Mr Sun Jianyi, Director, Forestry Nature Conservation, Forestry and Ecotourism Government; Mr Li Lixi, Deputy DG, Foreign Seed and Seedling Centre, FDH; Mr Ouyang at the Hunan Biology and Environment Affairs, Hunan Provincial Government; Mr Xuhui, Director, Hunan Forestry Tourism College. The renovation of the Finnish Gui Xiaojie, Director, Wildlife Conservation Cooperation, FDH; Mr Jan Heino, DG, MH; Dr exhibition at the Hunan Forest and Wetland Department, FDH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Rauno Väisänen, Director, NHS, Deputy DG, Biodiversity Centre was carried out prior to Director, NHS, Deputy DG, MH; Mr Björn Finne, MH; Mr Björn Finne, Director, International the meeting, from 19 September onwards, by Director, International Affairs, MH; Mr Lassi Affairs, MH; Mr Lassi Karivalo, Senior Planning Mr Hannu Sipinen. Karivalo, Senior Planning Officer, NHS, MH. Officer, NHS, MH; Dr Yrjö Norokorpi, Superin- Field Trips: Hunan Polytechnic of Environment The meeting was a part of the visit tendent, Pallas–Ounastunturi National Park, and Biology, Nanyue Nature Reserve, programme in Finland of the eight-member NHS, MH; Mr Hannu Sipinen, Senior Planning Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Forest delegation led by Mr Yang Zhengwu, Director- Officer, NHS, MH. and Wetland Biodiversity Visitor Centre, General of the Standing Committee of Hunan Field Trips: Nurmijärvi Nursery of Forelia, Hunan Seeds and Seedling Reproduction Provincial People’s Congress. In association Aulanko National Urban Park, Teijo National Exemplary Centre.

33 Informal Cooperation Meeting in Beijing, P.R. China, 21 March 2005 Participants: Mr Björn Finne, Director, International Affairs, MH; Mr Bai Fangmin, Deputy DG, FDH; Mr Wang Xiaoping, Director, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Director, FDH; Mr Li Xiquan, Deputy Director, FDH. The meeting was held in association with a Sino-Finnish Forestry Seminar organised by the Sino-Finnish Working Group on Forestry.

10th Cooperation Meeting in Vantaa, Finland, 16–20 August 2005 Participants: Mr Bai Fangmin, Deputy DG, Engineer General, FDH; Mr Zuo Jiabu, Professor, Vice-President, Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology; Mr Deng Liqun, Deputy Director, FDH; Ms Lai Yue, Deputy Director, FDH; Mr Xu Yongxin, Senior Engineer, The 10th Cooperation Meeting was headed by Mr. Bai Fangming, Vice Governer, Hunan Province FDH; Mr Jan Heino, DG, MH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, and Mr. Jan Heino, DG of Metsähallitus in Vantaa in August 2005. Photo: FDH. Director, NHS, Deputy DG, MH; Mr Björn Finne, Director, International Affairs, MH; Mr Jyrki Sports Fishing Area, Pallas–Yllästunturi Dai Chengdong, Chief, Hunan Key Project Tolonen, Director, Wild North, MH; Mr Juha National Park, Kellokas Visitor Centre, Fell Management Station, FDH; Mr Xu Yongxin, Järvenpää, Project Manager, Forelia, MH; Mr Lapland Visitor Centre, Kilpisjärvi Visitor Wildlife Protection Division, FDH. Lassi Karivalo, Senior Planning Officer, NHS, MH. Centre, Kilpisjärvi Biological Station, Saana It was agreed that the Cooperation Field Trips: Nurmijärvi Nursery of Forelia, Nature Trail, Saariselkä Holiday Resort, Committee will include two members from Metsäliitto wood supply, M-Real Paper Mill at Kiehinen Customer Service Point, Koilliskaira both MH and the FDH, i.e. Mr Ge Handong, Mr Kirkniemi, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry Visitor Centre, Urho Kekkonen National Gui Xiaojie, Dr Rauno Väisänen and Mr Mika and Viikki Tropical Resources Institute of the Park, Arctic Circle Hiking Area, Museum and Aho. University of Helsinki, Suomenlinna Fortress Arctic Science Centre Arktikum in Rovaniemi, Field Trips: Mangshan National Nature and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Langinkoski Etiäinen Customer Service Point, Santa Claus Reserve in Yizhang County, Chenzhou Nature Reserve and the imperial summer- Office in Rovaniemi. Municipality, and to the Hunan Seeds and house of the Russian Tsar, Kotka Maretarium, Seedling Reproduction Exemplary Centre and and Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park. 11th Cooperation Meeting Hunan Forest and Wetland Biodiversity Visitor in Changsha, P.R. China, Centre in Changsha. Staff exchange from Zhangjiajie 14 –21 October 2006 National Forest Park to Pallas- Participants: Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, High-level Visit to Vantaa, Finland, Yllästunturi National Park, Finland, NHS, Deputy DG, MH; Mr Matti Määttä, November 2006 25 June – 20 August 2006 Development Director, NHS, MH; Mr Participants: Mr Yang Taibo, Vice-Governor, Participants: Mr Lai Xiaociao, Manager, Mika Aho, Assistant Director, MH; Mr Ge Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Ecotourism and the Translator of the Park, Handong, DG, FDH; Mr Li Dingyi, Deputy Mr Chen Jifang, Deputy Secretary General, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, FDH; Mr DG, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Director, Wildlife Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Mr Meng Xaingfu, Head, Natural Resources Protection Division, FDH; Mr Zou Wangkun, Shi Jianhui, Deputy Director-General; Finance Conservation Institute. Deputy Director, Science & Technology and Department of Hunan; Mr Liu Yinghuai, Field Trips: Pyhä-Luosto National Park, International Affairs Division, FDH; Mr Xiong Director, International Exchange & Service Pyhätunturi Visitor Centre, Savukoski Visitor Siqing, Deputy Director, Science & Technology Centre, CCPIT Hunan Sub-Council; Dr Rauno Centre, Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, Kairijoki and International Affairs Division, FDH; Mr Väisänen, Director, NHS, MH.

34 Staff Exchange of NHS Lapland to The International Forum for National 13th Cooperation Meeting Between Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, P.R. Forest Park 2012 in Changsha, P.R. the Forestry Department of Hunan China, 7 October – 1 November 2007 China, 7–10 December 2012 Province (FDH) and Metsähallitus Participants: Mr Esa Härkönen, MH; Mr Juha Participants included: Dr Rauno Väisänen, Natural Heritage Services (Parks & Sihvo, NHS, MH. Director, NHS, MH; Mr Esko Jaakkola, Senior Wildlife Finland), in Vantaa, Finland, Field Trip: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Adviser, Ministry of the Environment, Finland; 3–6 November 2014 Mr Yang Chao, Director, National Adminis- Participants included: Mr Wu Jianbo, Deputy 12th Cooperation Meeting in Vantaa, tration Office, State Forestry Administration Director General, FDH; Dr Gui Xiaojie, Director Finland, 10–14 September 2007 of P.R. China; Mr Xu Minghua, Vice-Governor, of State Forest and Forest Park Bureau, FDH; Participants: Mr Hu Changqing, Deputy DG, Hunan Province, Prof. Zhou Xianyan, President Mr Xu Yongxin, Wildlife Protection Division, FDH; Mr Wang Sheng, Consultant, Greening of Central South University of Forestry and FDH; Mr Esa Härmälä, Director-General, Committee, the FDH; Ms He Yanfang, Director, Technology; Zhang Jianlong, Vice-Director of Metsähallitus; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director FDH; Ms Chen Chunhua, Deputy Director, State Forestry Administration; Dr Gui Xioajie, of Parks & Wildlife Finland (P&WF) ; Mr FDH; Mr Wang Mingxu, Director, FDH; Dr Jyrki Director, State-owned Forest and Forest Park Kari Lahti, Senior Advisor, International Kangas, DG, MH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, Bureau of Hunan Province, FDH; Prof. Lei Cooperation, P&WF; Ms Liisa Nikula, Senior NHS, Deputy DG, MH; Mr Mika Aho, Assistant Guangchun, Dean, Beijing Forest University. Advisor, International Cooperation, P&WF; Director, MH; Mr Lassi Karivalo, Senior The Forum celebrated the 30th anniversary Ms Sari Jääskeläinen, Project Manager, Planning Officer, NHS, MH. of National Forest Park in China, and was Assistant of International Cooperation, P&WF; Field Trips: Liesjärvi and Torronsuo National hosted by the State Forestry Administration of Ms Petra Niskanen, Deputy Director, Finnish Parks and Häme Visitor Centre. P.R. China. The Forum also provided a platform Nature Centre Haltia, P&WF. for experts to share their experiences about Field Trip: Finnish Lapland beyond the Delegation from Hunan Provincial the development of national parks. About Arctic Circle: Saariselkä Tourist Resort, Parks People’s Government, in Vantaa and 120 leaders, scholars, and experts from China, & Wildlife Finland, Lapland Region, the Helsinki, Finland, 18–21 July 2008 USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, UK, South indigenous Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Participants: Mr Yu Laishan, Deputy Governor, Korea and Finland discussed the role of Siida in Inari. Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Mr national forest parks. Deng Sanlong, Director-General, FDH; Mr Shi Field Trip: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Jianhui, Deputy Director, Finance Department of Hunan; Mr Xiong Zaihui, Board Chairman, Hunan Ava Holdings Group; Mr Qiu Aihua, Division Chief, Hunan Provincial Foreign and Overseas Affairs Office; Ms Zhang Hua, General Manager, Conference & Exhibition Centre, Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce; Mr Hannu Jokinen, Director, Forestry, Deputy DG, MH; Dr Rauno Väisänen, Director, NHS, Deputy DG, MH. The delegation was invited to Finland by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. The delegation visited also other European countries.

During the 13th Cooperation Meeting, Mr. Wu Jianbo, Deputy DG of FDH met with Mr. Esa Härmälä, DG of Metsähallitus in Vantaa in November 2014. Photo: FDH.

35 The welcome dinner of the 14th Cooperation Meeting was hosted by Mr Sun Jinlong, Deputy Secretary, CPC, Hunan Provincial Committee (in the middle) in Changsha in March 2015. Mr Deng Sanlong, Director-General, Forest Department of Hunan Province second from the right. Photo: FDH.

14th Cooperation Meeting Between Mr Deng Sanlong, DG, FDH; Mr Bai Fangmin, & International Cooperation Division, FDH; Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland Deputy DG, FDH; Mr Wu Jianbo, Deputy Mr Deng Shaohong, Deputy Director, Forestry and the Forest Department of Hunan DG, FDH; Ms Jiang Yun, Director, Science- Industry Administration Office, FDH; Mr Xu (FDH), Changsha, Hunan Province, Technology & International Cooperation Yongxin, Section Director, Wildlife Protection P.R. China, 17–20 March 2015 Division, FDH; Mr Gui Xiaojie, Director, Division, FDH. Participants included: Dr Rauno Väisänen, State-owned Forests and Forest Parks Bureau, Field Trip: Hunan Forestry Information Center, Director, P&WF, Mr Arto Ahokumpu, Director FDH; Mr Chen Hongchang, Deputy Director, Hunan Forest Botanic Garden, Zhangjiajie of Development Projects, P&WF; Ms Sari Hey Wildlife Protection Division, FDH; Mr Zhou National Forest Park, Nanhua Mountain (née Jääskeläinen), Assistant of International Can, Deputy Director, Office of FDH; Ms Xie National Forest Park, Aizhai Forest Parks and Cooperation and Project Manager, P&WF; Zhihong, Deputy Director, Science-Technology Hunan Forestry Seedling Centre.

36 Contents

Introduction 1

Two Similar Organisations in Different Environments 4 Biodiversity in Finland 4 Biodiversity in Hunan Province 5 Metsähallitus and Forestry Department of Hunan Province 6

Brief History of the Cooperation 9 Background of the Cooperation 9 Cooperation Agreement 10 Goals of the Cooperation 11

Author: Rauno Väisänen, Ph.D. The Finnish–Hunanese Biodiversity Cooperation Editor: Liisa Nikula from a Wider Perspective 12

Layout: Marianne Katainen Drawings: Jari Kostet Maps: Hannu Sipinen PROJECTS Cover Photo: The Five Fingers sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Promoting Biodiversity Conservation: Sharing Knowledge within Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic and Technology 15 Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Visitor Centres and Environmental Education 15 Site since 1992. Photo: Esko Jaakkola. Educational Courses and Study Tours 16 Acknowledgements Biodiversity Action Plan for the Hunan Province 16 Citation: Väisänen, Rauno (2015). Wetland Inventories and Management 18 I wish to express our sincere thanks to Dr Gui Xiaojie, Mr Björn Finne, 20 Years of Biodiversity Conservation: Twin Parks 21 Dr Yrjö Norokorpi, Ms Arja Vasama, and Ms Liisa Nikula who commented on Institutional Partnership between European Dimension: EUROPARC Partnership & Exchange Programme 22 the manuscript at different stages. Professor Timo Koponen kindly provided us with Metsähallitus of Finland and Forestry additional information on the Finnish–Chinese botanical cooperation and Mr Esko Department of Hunan Province, Promoting Economic Welfare: Emerging Business Opportunities 25 Jaakkola his notes on the early stages of the cooperation. Many P&WF staff members People’s Republic of China. Seed and Plant Production 25 have also contributed to the paper. I am deeply grateful to all our Chinese partners, Vantaa, Finland: Metsähallitus Parks Ecotourism 25 especially to my friends Mr Ge Handong, Dr Gui Xiaojie and Professor Lei Guangchun. & Wildlife Finland. 36 pp. Forest Management 26 Timber Processing 27 Publisher & Copyright: Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland Promoting Scientific Research: Successful Spin-Offs 28 Population Ecology and Fragmented Landscapes 28 The publication is available also Studies on Mosses, Lichens and Fungi 28 on the website julkaisut.metsa.fi Forest Research and Training 29

ISBN 978-952-295-113-7 (printed) ISBN 978-952-295-114-4 (pdf) Meetings and Personnel Exchange 30 Print: 1 000 copies

Printer: Erweko Oy, Helsinki PEFC/02-31-120 Acknowledgements Author: Rauno Väisänen

20 Years of

Institutional Partnership between Metsähallitus of Finland and Biodiversity Forestry Department of Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China Conservation