Press releases

A new assessment of threatened species indicates an increasing loss of biodiversity in Finnish nature. Of the 22 000 species evaluated, 11.9% were classified as threatened, compared to 10.5% in the previous assessment. All species groups include threatened species, and the highest proportion can be found among birds and bryophytes (mosses). The primary cause of threat is the decline and deterioration of natural habitat. Much can be done to stop this development, but urgent action is needed

The duration of the ice cover on Finnish inland waters has shortened due to milder winters. Correspondingly, the seasonal river discharges in winter and spring have increased, reports a new doctoral dissertation. Johanna Korhonen, Development Manager of the Finnish Environment Institute, studied the long-term changes and variability of the winter and spring season hydrological regime in Finland. Her doctoral dissertation will be examined at the University of Helsinki on 22 February.

Seaguide.fi is a new map for boaters, people with holiday homes and anyone on the coast. The service provides information generated by several Finnish organisations on topics such as the weather and conditions at sea, guest harbours, places of interest and nature and the state of environment. It also offers photographs, satellite imagery and many other types of interesting information.

The impact of nutrient load on the quality of coastal waters can now be modelled with improved precision and realism. The new model system developed in the Finnish Environment Instute offers a new tool for monitoring water quality, planning river basin management measures and assessing the environmental impact of various human activities.

Dr Eeva Primmer, PhD in Agriculture and Forestry, Docent (Adjunct Professor) in Environmental Policy at the University of Helsinki, has been appointed as the new Research Director of the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). She will take up her five-year office at the beginning of February.