UPM Biofore Magazine 1-2019

information about forests due to their fastidious habitat requirements. The birds build their nests from dead branches in the tallest available pine tree, which must provide a clear line of sight across the surrounding area. Koivu says their nests are at least a metre in diameter and 30–100 centimetres tall. An osprey will live in the same nest with its mate for its entire life – decades at best – assuming there are no taller trees in the area and conditions otherwise remain favourable. Only a certain type of tree top will do, as the nests are so large and heavy that the branches must be broad and sturdy. Tall, old-growth pines are rare in commercial forests, but efforts are being made to increase their number by retaining stands of older trees during harvesting. “We’re moving in the right direction: the osprey population has increased. UPMhas collaborated with the Osprey Foundation ever since it was established. They have a large environmental division and researchers, and the people at UPM have always been interested in the biodiversity of the forest environment,” says Koivu. “Over the years, we have collaborated in various projects, such as the implementation of an extensive artificial nest programme, the monitoring of osprey nesting with nest cameras, the creation and distribution of informative and educational material, and the utilisation of a GIS system to record osprey nesting data,” explains Koivu, who is pleased with the results of this long-term teamwork. World first in proactivity Timo Lehesvirta , International Sustainable Forestry Lead at UPM, is closely involved not only in the bracket fungus transplant project and osprey work, but also in all of UPM’s other biodiversity initiatives. “We’ve been systematically implementing a forest biodiversity programme for over 20 years now.

The programme comprises research projects, practical measures and collaborative projects, and we have made a lot of good progress. The tree mix has become more diverse and the amount of dead wood has increased, which is important because a quarter of forest species live in dead wood,” he observes. “In November, we published our new biodiversity target, which is part of UPM’s 2030 responsibility targets. This is a world first – no other bioeconomy enterprise has taken such a proactive stand on protecting biodiversity. Our biodiversity targets are being monitored by an independent group of researchers.” Protecting life itself Lehesvirta points out that as recently as only 10–20 years ago, biodiversity was a topic primarily addressed by conservationists. These days, it is understood to be an issue that is relevant to everyone – biodiversity has finally become mainstream. “Biodiversity yields benefits for everyone. Nature has intrinsic value and it should be protected. Every species that is lost is gone for good, and humans have an ethical responsibility to look after other species. Our health and wellbeing are dependent on the organic world, frommorning to night. When we protect nature and its diversity, we’re protecting life itself.” From an economic perspective, biodiversity is the cornerstone of the entire bioeconomy, offering a sound economic argument for taking care of nature. “By promoting biodiversity and utilising natural resources responsibly, we are creating opportunities for growth as we inevitably leave behind the fossil fuel era. When we talk about biodiversity, we’re talking about the whole spectrum of life and everything that nature offers us, from food and medicines to housing and recreation.”

OSPREY NESTS are at least a metre in diameter and 30–100 centimeters tall.

JUHANI KOIVU has been bird- watching all his life. He is the founder of the Finnish Osprey Foundation.

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