Writers: Thusitha, Lakshani and Kshitiz
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to all of variety lives forms on earth. Such as fauna, flora ,fungi and microorganisms .It included in forest ,lake and wetlands .Which are home to many species. This is crucial for enhance ecosystem balance, ecological resilience, productivity and adaptability to environment changes.
Diversity refers to growing mixed tree species in forest instead of monoculture plantation. This helps to create biodiversity and enhance health of forest land and also resilience against climate changes. In Finland particularly Kanta -Häme, They focus to develop biodiversity by promoting Nobel trees such as maple , larch and oak. These tree species are given substantial contribution to enhance biodiversity in forest sectors.
Diverse tree species are play crucial role for biodiversity by creating structural features and varied habitats in the forest .Introducing structural elements from natural forest into manage forest are provide benefits both common and threatened species in the forest land. On increasing broad -leaved trees ,old trees and dead wood are provided substantial habitat for many organisms.
Impact of diverse tree species to increase biodiversity
In Finland, 833 forest species (9%) are threatened, depending on specific habitats. Especially, broad-leaved trees and dead wood assist specific species depending on them. Improving habitat diversity is essential for developing ecological health in the forest sector. Herb-rich forest and sunlit forest are directly important to enrich biodiversity. However, these types of forest cover a small fraction of Finland’s forest areas. Focusing development and conservation in these areas helps to enhance ecosystem balance. Enhancing long-term biodiversity refers to improving ecological biodiversity by reacting with special proportion to conservation. Some benefits are immediate, and some take decades to thrive. Turning time is decided on the importance of maintaining diverse tree species. Boreal heath forests are dominant, especially in the forest sector, and they have been threatened. There is a necessary requirement for survival of enough old trees and deadwood in boreal heath forest. Strategic conservation efforts are contributing to developing environmental value and ecological health. By enhancing diverse tree species and maintaining structural key elements, assist in increasing the number of wood species, ensuring ecosystem stability and resilience.
Current tree species and future tree species
The main tree species Norway Spruce, Scott Pine, Silver and Downy Birch are currently the dominant trees in the Kanta – Hame region and future forestry efforts are focused on expanding the diversity of tree species to enhance the health, biodiversity, sustainability and productivity of the forests. Currently Aspen, Alder , Siberian Larch and Noble trees contribute to the biodiversity of the Kanta – Hame region. Although these trees species are very slow – growing , they provide nutritious soil and support the growth of mixed forest zones. In the future , attention has been focused on expanding the diversity of tree species such as Hybrid Larch, Sitka Spruce and Lodgepole Pine.
There are several places in the Kanta – Hame region of Finland that are famous for their various tree species, such as Aulanko Nature Reserve, Evo, Lepaa, Mustiala, Honkalanranta Nature Reserve and Lammi Biological Center. These places includes nature trail, a bird watching tower and a variety of long standing trees. These areas are focusing on the rich biodiversity in Finland as well as research and education.
References
Rytter L., Ingerslev M., Kilpeläinen A., Torssonen P., Lazdina D., Löf M., Madsen P., Muiste P., & Stener L-
G. (2016). Increased forest biomass production in the Nordic and Baltic countries – a review on current and future opportunities. Silva Fennica
(Rytter et al., 2016)
More, D. & Johnson, O. (2004). Collins Tree Guide. HarperCollins
Finnish Forest Industries.(2023,March 20).Diverse forest improve the status of many threatened species. https://metsateollisuus.fi/en/uutishuone/diverse-forests-improve-the-status-of-man
Harrison,G.(2024,January 22).Biological Diversity in Finland. https://biodiversity.fi/biological-diversity-in-finland-a-rich-tapestry-of-flora-and-fauna/
