DOCSLIB.ORG

Agriculture and Food Sector in Finland 2019

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Agriculture and Food Sector in Finland 2019 Natural resources and bioeconomy studies 37/2019 Agriculture and food sector in Finland 2019 Jyrki Niemi and Minna Väre (eds.) FA2019.indd 1 19.6.2019 14.21 FA2019.indd 2 19.6.2019 14.21 Natural resources and bioeconomy studies 37/2019 Agriculture and food sector in Finland 2019 Jyrki Niemi and Minna Väre (eds.) Natural Resources Institute Finland, Helsinki 2019 FA2019.indd 1 19.6.2019 14.21 Report drawn up by: Jansik Csaba chapters 1.3, 1.4 Knuuttila Marja chapter 1.1 Koikkalainen Kauko chapter 5 Koivisto Anu chapter 2.3 Kortesmaa Tarja chapter 1.2 Latukka Arto chapter 3.3 Latvala Terhi chapter 1.2 Miettinen Antti chapter 5 Mäkinen Heikki chapter 3.2 Niemi Jarkko chapter 2.4 Niemi Jyrki chapters 2.1, 4, editor Niskanen Olli chapter 4 Ovaska Sami chapters 2.2, 4 Väre Minna chapter 3.1, editor ISBN: 978-952-326-770-1 (Print) ISBN: 978-952-326-771-8 (Online) ISSN 2342-7647 (Print) ISSN 2342-7639 (Online) URN: http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-326-771-8 Copyright: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Authors: Jyrki Niemi and Minna Väre (eds.) Publisher: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki 2019 Year of publication: 2019 Cover photo: Jaakko Mäkinen / From Evijärvi in the winter of 2019 Printed at and publication sold by: PunaMusta Oy, http://luke.juvenesprint.fi FA2019.indd 2 19.6.2019 14.21 Natural resources and bioeconomy studies 37/2019 Foreword The summer of 2018 will be remembered for the extreme weather conditions in Fin- land. The unusual heat and very small rainfall in North and Central Europe caused the worst drought in two decades. The impacts of drought on the agricultural sector were significant as many farmers lost at least part of their normal yield due to parched fields. The impact was the worst in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Hence, the summer was difficult for agricultural entrepreneurs, but there were also good news as the EU legislation reducing the occurrence of unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the food supply chain moved forward. The main objective of the Commis- sion’s proposal published in April 2018 was ”to protect agricultural producers” be- cause they are considered ”the weakest link” in the supply chain. Agreeing on the rules related to UTPs in the food supply chain was one of the important targets the current EU administration had set itself before the May 2019 elections. In 2019–2020, the farm policy agenda in Europe is likely to be dominated by reform proposals which are planned for the next period of the Common Agricultural Policy. On 1 June 2018, the Commission submitted its legislative proposals for the policy re- form for 2021–2027. The proposals were created based on extensive stakeholder consul- tations during the past 18 months. Also, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU i.e. Brexit remains a cen- tral topic. The terms of future trade relations between the EU and the UK as well as the details of the withdrawal agreement are still open when writing this. The series of very complex negotiations, which lasted all year 2018, culminated in November in the withdrawal agreement between London and Brussels. However, it is still unclear if the deeply divided British Parliament can approve the negotiated agreement. The world food market was muddled up by the decisions of the US President Don- ald Trump whose trade war with China led to China placing tariffs for US agricultural products, such as soybeans. That is why the US has been seeking growing markets from Europe for soybean. The next pages present a short summary on the events of 2018 and a current out- look for what to expect from 2019. The special themes of this review highlight particu- larly organic production. The thematic articles discuss the development, structure, and environmental impacts of organic production as well as the world market prospects of organic products. Other special topics include the competitiveness of the Finnish meat chain, the investment development of agriculture, the ecosystem services of agriculture and the reform of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. We hope that our readers in and outside Finland will find this review useful. Helsinki, 20 June 2019 Jyrki Niemi and Minna Väre Keywords: agriculture and food markets, production, consumption, income, profitabil- ity, agricultural policy, the environment. FA2019.indd 3 19.6.2019 14.21 Natural resources and bioeconomy studies 37/2019 Sisällysluettelo 1. Operating environment of agriculture ..................................................5 1.1. The food sector in the national economy .............................................5 1.2. Food consumption and consumer prices ............................................. 11 1.3. Retail trade ................................................................................................16 1.4. Food industry and foreign trade ........................................................... 17 2. Agricultural and food markets ............................................................... 24 2.1. Trends in global markets ........................................................................ 24 2.2. Field crop production ..............................................................................29 2.3. Horticultural production ........................................................................32 2.4. Livestock production .............................................................................. 36 3. Structural development and economic situation of agriculture ..........46 3.1. Structural development in agriculture ................................................. 46 3.2. Development of results and proftability in agriculture and horticulture .............................................................. 50 3.3. Overall level of agricultural income ..................................................... 53 4. Agricultural policy ....................................................................................61 4.1. Common agricultural policy of the EU ................................................ 61 4.2. Payments of EU agricultural support in Finland ................................66 4.3. National aid ..............................................................................................69 4.4. Structural support for agriculture and farm relief services ..............70 5. Agriculture and the environment .......................................................... 74 5.1. Environmental impacts of agriculture ..................................................74 5.2. Agri-environmental regulation ..............................................................78 5.3. Guidelines for water protection .............................................................82 5.4. Discussion topics and future perspectives ...........................................84 Special themes Ecosystem services in Finnish agriculture – are farmers interested in producing services citizens want? .................20 Global market of organic food products growing strongly .....................27 Competitiveness of meat chain in Baltic Sea Region .................................42 Development of Finnish organic production and farm structure ........... 57 EU’s common agricultural policy will be renewed after 2020 .................64 Agriculture requires continuous investments ............................................72 Environmental impacts of organic production .......................................... 88 FA2019.indd 4 19.6.2019 14.21 Natural resources and bioeconomy studies 37/2019 1. Operating environment of agriculture 1.1. The food sector in the na- diate products in the production of other products. In 2017, the output of the opera- tional economy tors in the food sector was around EUR 27 In Finland, the total annual consumption billion at the basic price. When the impact expenditure on food and beverages is of intermediate products on the output EUR 23.7 billion. Of this, food and non-al- in other sectors is included, the value of coholic beverages consumed at home ac- the output in the food sector was around count for 56%, or EUR 13.4 billion. Food EUR 40 billion. This comprises roughly and non-alcoholic beverages consumed 10% of the output of the national econo- at home comprise 11.6% of the total do- my at basic prices. mestic consumption expenditure. This is the same proportion as the average in the Food and non-alcoholic beverages; percentage of old EU member states, and slightly lower total final consumption expenditure of households. than EU member states average of 12.2%. 2016 2017 When alcoholic beverages (EUR 3.3 EU28 12.2 12.2 billion) and eating out (EUR 7.0 billion) EU15 11.6 11.6 are included, food accounts for 20.6% of total household consumption expendi- Belgium 13.4 13.4 ture. In Finland the share of eating out Italy 14.3 14.2 (6.1%) of the total consumption expendi- Greece 17.1 16.9 ture is lower than the average level in the Norway 12.2 11.9 EU member states (7.1%), and, in particu- Portugal 17.0 16.7 lar, lower than the average level in the old France 13.4 13.2 EU states (7.4%). Sweden 12.4 12.4 Food and non-alcoholic beverages, current prices; Germany 10.6 10.6 million euro and %-change (change in volume). Finland 12.0 11.6 2016 2017 %-change Denmark 11.4 11.4 Total 23,523 23,729 0.9 (0.8) Estonia 20.3 20.3 Food* 12,257 12,099 -1.3 (0.0) United Kingdom 8.1 8.2 Non-alcoholic Source: Eurostat beverages* 1,271 1,304 2.6 (0.7) Alcoholic bev- Agriculture and horticulture erages* 3,307 3,283 -0.7 (-1.0) According to national accounts, the ag- Catering ser- vices (eating
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Activity Report
    ACTIVITY REPORT The 80th Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto elected 2 May 2018 A message from the Grand Master As Grand Masters down the centuries before me have done, I now have the great re- Fra’ Giacomo sponsibility of leading our Order in its continuing mission of tuitio fidei et obsequium Dalla Torre pauperum (to care for those in need, inspired by our Christian principles) – which is in its almost one thousandth year. From the care for pilgrims and the sick in del Tempio Jerusalem carried out so long ago by our Founder Blessed Gérard and his congre- gation, to the care we give today to those in need, the Order has extended its reach di Sanguinetto but maintained its same inspiration. Our tradition is that of care and of a spiritual 80th Grand Master motivation. We have travelled through eras that have at times been difficult, but the of the Sovereign Order of Malta Order has always stayed the course and kept its focus on the most important mat- ters – our care for those who need us, with Christian love of our fellow man. The care we provide ranges over many kinds of support, and one of the most involv- ing at the moment is that of assisting the many thousands of refugees and migrants at all stages of their search for stability and a better life. We help them in their coun- tries of origin, on the routes they take to escape the crisis situations they leave be- hind and in the host countries.
    [Show full text]
  • FMA VISIT to HELSINKI in the CONTEXT of the FINNISH PRESIDENCY 3 - 5 November 2019
    FMA VISIT TO HELSINKI IN THE CONTEXT OF THE FINNISH PRESIDENCY 3 - 5 November 2019 FMA Secretariat Office JAN 2Q73 European Parliament B-1047 Brussels Tel: +322.284.07.03 Fax: +332.284.09.89 E-mail: [email protected] Elisabetta Fonck Mobile phone: +32.473.646.746 Content I. Finland 1. History .................................................................................................................... 1 2. Culture ................................................................................................................... 2 II. Finland’s EU Presidency 2020 1. Programme of the Presidency ............................................................................... 3 2. Priority Dossiers under the Finnish EU Council Presidency .................................... 20 3. Finnish Presidency priorities discussed in parliamentary committees .................. 26 III. Politics in Finland 1. Political System ....................................................................................................... 30 2. Brief history of the parliamentarian institution ..................................................... 30 3. Recent political context .......................................................................................... 31 IV. Political Actors 1. Presidency of Finland .............................................................................................. 32 2. Prime Minister of Finland ....................................................................................... 33 3. Presidencies
    [Show full text]
  • The Militarization of the Baltic Sea – a Threat to World Peace
    THE MILITARIZATION OF THE BALTIC SEA – A THREAT TO WORLD PEACE Compiled in November 2017 By Ulla Klötzer and Lea Launokari 1 CONTENTS Quotes – militarization............................................................................................................................ 4 THE RETURN OF THE COLD WAR TO EUROPE SIPRI – world military expenditures rose last year (2016) the second time in a row .......................... 6 The dangers of false, distorted threat and enemy pictures ................................................................ 8 Armament and military activities of the Western countries aim at the encirclement of Russia ........ 8 Nato becomes a neighbour of Russia ................................................................................................ 13 THE SNEAKING MILITARIZATION OF SOCIETY EU is rapidly developing towards a security and defence union ...................................................... 17 THE MILITARIZATION OF THE BALTIC SEA – HAZARDOUS GAME BY THE WESTERN COUNTRIES The western countries in the Baltic Sea region.................................................................................. 21 Russia’s situation in the Baltic Sea .................................................................................................... 23 MULTINATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISES - Plan for international training and exercises in which Finland is taking part.................................... 26 - Some of the most significant multinational military exercises in the Baltic Sea region
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 1 Migration in Finland and the Context of Integration Policy
    1. MIGRATION IN FINLAND AND THE CONTEXT OF INTEGRATION POLICY – 45 Chapter 1 Migration in Finland and the context of integration policy Despite rapid growth over the past 25 years, Finland’s migrant population is not large in international comparison. The foreign-born in Finland, however, come from a diverse range of countries and bring with them a concomitantly wide range of integration service needs. The increase in inflows – particularly asylum seekers – in 2015, put a strain on the Finnish integration system, which was designed to support far fewer migrants. And important changes were introduced as the system struggled to maintain efficiency in the fact of increasing demand. These changes included integration services organised into modules that could be more easily combined into a tailored package of measures and the introduction of the Social Impact Bond to harness private finance in support of integration. If effective in ensuring Finland’s migrants are well integrated in society and on the labour market, these investments will help to alleviate the ageing-related challenges the country expects in the coming years.. This chapter provides the context for the report outlining i) the integration context, and the characteristics and composition of Finland’s foreign-born population that influence their integration outcomes, as well as the labour market context and challenges this presents, before turning to ii) the recent developments in integration policy in Finland. WORKING TOGETHER: SKILLS AND LABOUR MARKET INTEGRATION OF IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR CHILDREN IN FINLAND © OECD 2018 46 – 1. MIGRATION IN FINLAND AND THE CONTEXT OF INTEGRATION POLICY Over the last quarter of a century, Finland’s foreign-born population has been growing at a compound annual rate of 6.8 %; where the foreign-born accounted for just 1% of the Finnish population in 1990, in 2016 they accounted for close to 6.5%.
    [Show full text]
  • Haitalliset Aineet Suomen Vesissä Tilanne Ja Seurannan Suuntaviivat
    SUOMEN YMPÄRISTÖKESKUKSEN RAPORTTEJA 8 | 2019 Haitalliset aineet Suomen vesissä Tilanne ja seurannan suuntaviivat Katri Siimes, Emmi Vähä, Ville Junttila, Kari K. Lehtonen, Jaakko Mannio (toim.) Suomen ympäristökeskus SUOMEN YMPÄRISTÖKESKUKSEN RAPORTTEJA 8 | 2019 Haitalliset aineet Suomen vesissä Tilanne ja seurannan suuntaviivat Katri Siimes, Emmi Vähä, Ville Junttila, Kari K. Lehtonen, Jaakko Mannio (toim.) Helsinki 2019 SUOMEN YMPÄRISTÖKESKUS SUOMEN YMPÄRISTÖKESKUKSEN RAPORTTEJA 8 | 2019 Suomen ympäristökeskus Haitalliset aineet Suomen vesissä: tilanne ja seurannan suuntaviivat Kirjoittajat: Heidi Ahkola1, Maria Holmberg1, Lasse Järvenpää1, Ville Junttila1, Harri Kankaanpää1, Tanja Kinnunen1, Markku Korhonen1, Kari K. Lehtonen1, Katri Lautala1, Anu Lastumäki1, Matti Leppänen1, Jaakko Mannio1, Jukka Mehtonen1, Jari Nuutinen1, Noora Perkola1, Antti Räike1, Katri Salonen1, Katri Siimes1, Timo Sara-aho1, Jussi Vuorenmaa1, Emmi Vähä1, Panu Oulasvirta2, Anssi Teppo3, Anri Aallonen4, Riikka Airaksinen5, Päivi Ruokojärvi5 ja Janne Suomela6 Suomen ympäristökeskus1 Alleco Ltd.2 Etelä-Pohjanmaan elinkeino-, liikenne- ja ympäristökeskus3 Eurofins Environment Testing Finland Oy4 Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos5 Varsinais-Suomen elinkeino-, liikenne- ja ympäristökeskus6 Vastaava erikoistoimittaja: Ari Nissinen Rahoittaja/toimeksiantaja: Ympäristöministeriö Julkaisija ja kustantaja: Suomen ympäristökeskus (SYKE) Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, puh. 0295 251 000, syke.fi Taitto: Mainostoimisto SST Oy Kannen kuva: Rodeo.fi Julkaisu on saatavana
    [Show full text]
  • Transnational Finnish Mobilities: Proceedings of Finnforum XI
    Johanna Leinonen and Auvo Kostiainen (Eds.) Johanna Leinonen and Auvo Kostiainen This volume is based on a selection of papers presented at Johanna Leinonen and Auvo Kostiainen (Eds.) the conference FinnForum XI: Transnational Finnish Mobili- ties, held in Turku, Finland, in 2016. The twelve chapters dis- cuss two key issues of our time, mobility and transnational- ism, from the perspective of Finnish migration. The volume is divided into four sections. Part I, Mobile Pasts, Finland and Beyond, brings forth how Finland’s past – often imagined TRANSNATIONAL as more sedentary than today’s mobile world – was molded by various short and long-distance mobilities that occurred FINNISH MOBILITIES: both voluntarily and involuntarily. In Part II, Transnational Influences across the Atlantic, the focus is on sociocultural PROCEEDINGS OF transnationalism of Finnish migrants in the early 20th cen- tury United States. Taken together, Parts I and II show how FINNFORUM XI mobility and transnationalism are not unique features of our FINNISH MOBILITIES TRANSNATIONAL time, as scholars tend to portray them. Even before modern communication technologies and modes of transportation, migrants moved back and forth and nurtured transnational ties in various ways. Part III, Making of Contemporary Finn- ish America, examines how Finnishness is understood and maintained in North America today, focusing on the con- cepts of symbolic ethnicity and virtual villages. Part IV, Con- temporary Finnish Mobilities, centers on Finns’ present-day emigration patterns, repatriation experiences, and citizen- ship practices, illustrating how, globally speaking, Finns are privileged in their ability to be mobile and exercise transna- tionalism. Not only is the ability to move spread very uneven- ly, so is the capability to upkeep transnational connections, be they sociocultural, economic, political, or purely symbol- ic.
    [Show full text]
  • Fulbright Finland Grantees 2016-2017
    FINAL LIST Fulbright Finland Grantees 2016-2017 Finnish Grantees ASLA-Fulbright Research Grants for Senior Scholars for post-doctoral research Palonen, Pauliina Horticultural Science Breeding for Improved Shelf Life and Postharvest Quality in Rubus Berries – Color Stability and Anthocyanin Content in Various Raspberry Genotypes University of Helsinki Cornell University, NY The grant is cost-shared with University of Helsinki 10 months, beginning September 2016 Wittfooth, Saara Clinical Lab Sciences Evaluating Free PAPP-A as a Risk Marker of Cardiac Events University of Turku Boston Children's Hospital, MA The grant is cost-shared with University of Turku 5 months, beginning January 2017 Total grantees for ASLA-Fulbright Research Grant for a Senior Scholar Program: 2 Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program for scholars and professionals to lecture at U.S. institutions for one semester or academic year Wewer, Taina Education The Curriculum Reform 2016 in Finland: Promoting Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Education and Participatory, Formative Assessment Teacher Training School of Turku University Denison University, OH 9 months, beginning August 2016 Total grantees for Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program: 1 ASLA-Fulbright Research Grants for Junior Scholars for post-doctoral research Kärki, Kimi Cultural History Imagine the Superman: A History of Transhumanist Popular Culture University of Turku Case Western Reserve University, OH The grant is cost-shared with University of Turku 6 months, beginning January 2017 Nieminen, Tiina
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Organizations' Digitalization Preparedness
    284/2020 ELIISA VAINIKKA ELIISA ANTTI KOIVISTO Understanding Prekarisaation tunnemaisema Organizations’ Digitalization Preparedness An analysis through the lens of enterprise architecture maturity Tampere University Dissertations 326 Tampere University Dissertations 326 ANTTI KOIVISTO Understanding Organizations’ Digitalization Preparedness An analysis through the lens of enterprise architecture maturity ACADEMIC DISSERTATION To be presented, with the permission of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences of Tampere University, for public discussion in the lecture hall K1702. of the Konetalo, Korkeakoulunkatu 6, Tampere, on 13 November 2020, at 12 o’clock. ACADEMIC DISSERTATION Tampere University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Finland Responsible Professor supervisor Samuli Pekkola and Custos Tampere University Finland Pre-examiners Associate Professor Titularprofessor Johan Magnusson Stephan Aier University of Gothenburg University of St. Gallen Sweden Switzerland Opponent Professor of Practice Tomi Dahlberg University of Turku Finland The originality of this thesis has been checked using the Turnitin OriginalityCheck service. Copyright ©2020 author Cover design: Roihu Inc. ISBN 978-952-03-1734-8 (print) ISBN 978-952-03-1735-5 (pdf) ISSN 2489-9860 (print) ISSN 2490-0028 (pdf) http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-03-1735-5 PunaMusta Oy – Yliopistopaino Vantaa 2020 ABSTRACT Digitalization is an important modern phenomenon, and examples can be found both in our daily lives as well as in the business world. Digitalization challenges us to question existing business processes and makes it possible to increase their flexibility and functionality. Fully utilizing the opportunities offered by digital technology is currently one of the most significant challenges for organizations. This research is geared toward understanding organizations’ digitalization preparedness.
    [Show full text]
  • Business | Hkscan Annual Report 2016
    TABLE OF CONTENTS Business ..............................................................................................................................................................................................6 HKScan in brief..............................................................................................................................................................................6 Market areas............................................................................................................................................................................8 Operating environment ...................................................................................................................................................... 10 Graphs................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 CEO's review .............................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Strategy....................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Corporate responsibility .............................................................................................................................................................. 24 Value chain ................................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Finland's Dependence on Russian Energy—Mutually Beneficial Trade
    sustainability Article Finland’s Dependence on Russian Energy—Mutually Beneficial Trade Relations or an Energy Security Threat? Jaakko J. Jääskeläinen 1, Sakari Höysniemi 2,* , Sanna Syri 1 and Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen 2 1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 14100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; jaakko.j.jaaskelainen@aalto.fi (J.J.J.); sanna.syri@aalto.fi (S.S.) 2 Aleksanteri Institute, Faculty of Arts, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 24, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; veli-pekka.tynkkynen@helsinki.fi * Correspondence: sakari.hoysniemi@helsinki.fi; Tel.: +358-50-3148944 Received: 31 August 2018; Accepted: 25 September 2018; Published: 27 September 2018 Abstract: Studies on energy security in the context of relations between European Union (EU) and Russia tend to focus on cases, with an open conflict related to supply, such as “hard” energy weapons, or on only one fuel, often natural gas. However, there is a need to understand the long-term impacts that energy relations have politically, economically and physically, and their linkages between resilience, sustainability and security. We analyse the Finnish-Russian energy relations as a case study, as they are characterised by a non-conflictual relationship. To assess this complex relationship, we apply the interdependence framework to analyse both the energy systems and energy strategies of Finland and Russia, and the energy security issues related to the notable import dependence on one supplier. Moreover, we analyse the plausible development of the energy trade between the countries in three different energy policy scenarios until 2040. The findings of the article shed light on how the trends in energy markets, climate change mitigation and broader societal and political trends could influence Russia’s energy trade relations with countries, such as Finland.
    [Show full text]
  • ESPN Thematic Report on Financing Social Protection – Finland, European Social Policy Network (ESPN), Brussels: European Commission
    EUROPEAN SOCIAL POLICY NETWORK (ESPN) Financing social protection Finland Olli Kangas Laura Kalliomaa-Puha Social Europe EUROPEAN COMMISSION European Social Policy Network (ESPN) ESPN Thematic Report on Financing Social Protection Finland 2019 Olli Kangas and Laura Kalliomaa-Puha Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion 2019 The European Social Policy Network (ESPN) was established in July 2014 on the initiative of the European Commission to provide high-quality and timely independent information, advice, analysis and expertise on social policy issues in the European Union and neighbouring countries. The ESPN brings together into a single network the work that used to be carried out by the European Network of Independent Experts on Social Inclusion, the Network for the Analytical Support on the Socio-Economic Impact of Social Protection Reforms (ASISP) and the MISSOC (Mutual Information Systems on Social Protection) secretariat. The ESPN is managed by the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) and APPLICA, together with the European Social Observatory (OSE). For more information on the ESPN, see: http:ec.europa.eusocialmain.jsp?catId=1135&langId=en Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers to your questions about the European Union. Freephone number (*): 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (*) The information given is free, as are most calls (though some operators, phone boxes or hotels may charge you). LEGAL NOTICE This document has been prepared for the European Commission, however it reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
    [Show full text]
  • Council of Europe European Landscape Convention
    COUNCIL OF EUROPE EUROPEAN LANDSCAPE CONVENTION National Symposium on the implementation of the European Landscape Convention in Georgia Interministerial Round-Table: Integration of the landscape into policies Tbilisi, Georgia 9-10 March 2018 _________ Implementation of the European Landscape Convention: Experiences of parties to the convention Experience of Finland: Landscape awareness, training and education Mr Tapio HEIKKILÄ Senior Environmental Counsellor, Ministry of the Environment, Finland Landscape is an excellent tool when considering the relationship between humans and their environment. We are surrounded by landscapes, in nature and in towns, in the countryside and in suburbs. The landscape is both a concrete phenomenon and a subjective concept. According to the European Landscape Convention, “Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors”. Landscapes consist of numerous layers that reflect human history. Both positive and negative actions have left their trace on the landscape. When people become aware of the positive, valuable, elements of the landscape, we tend to believe that they will preserve these features or even act to produce more of these elements. When people see different kinds of damage in the landscape, we believe that they will act to repair the damage. Of course, this is an optimistic view, and it often does not come true for many economic, social and individual reasons. If we strive, nevertheless, to reach this optimum outcome, what is most important is that a high number of people exhibit a strong enough will to try to make a difference.
    [Show full text]