Plans for national park in Central Ostrobothnia spark local activism and biodiversity interest

In 2021, the wetland areas of Eteläneva, Viitasalonneva, and Seljäsenneva, located in the municipalities of Kannus and Kokkola, were designated as a nature reserve in Central Ostrobothnia. Consequently, efforts commenced to incorporate this wetland complex into Finland’s national parks. A standout feature of this area is that it remains completely untamed, with sandy ridges, known locally as kaarrot, adorning the landscape. These ridges are notably elevated compared to their surroundings and are rich with trees, shrubs, and lichens, having formed from sand and gravel since the Ice Age, according to Olli Breilin, Operational Director of the Geological Survey of Finland.

The ridges, which emerged around 5,000 to 7,000 years ago, may have served as pathways for ancient Finnish inhabitants. Today, they provide excellent walking routes for both people and wildlife. Kyösti Karvonen, a local birdwatcher, highlights the rich biodiversity of the area, which includes various bird species, as well as larger mammals such as bears, wolverines, and moose.

Active discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of a national park in this area, currently supported at the local level. A crucial component for advancing this initiative depends on Kokkola’s involvement, as the proposed park would require a minimum size of 1,000 hectares. Additionally, there are several pending proposals for new national parks submitted to the Ministry of the Environment, indicating a broader interest in expanding Finland’s protected natural areas.

Local nature activists advocate for preserving the area in its natural state, opposing planned industrial developments such as large wind farms, which they believe would disrupt the region’s tranquility and landscape.