Nature reserves

Nature reserves have been set up on State-owned land in accordance with acts and decrees. There are nature reserves on private land as well. National parks are large nature reserves with plenty of variety where, by and large, the flora and fauna are left in their natural state. Areas that have previously been used for commercial purposes can be encouraged to return to their natural state more quickly.

National parks and other conservation areas are taken care of by various bodies including Metsähallitus. There may sometimes be restrictions on moving about in conservation areas. Especially in strict nature reserves movement is restricted or sometimes even prohibited, except for research purposes.