Environmental damage from raakku loss investigated in Suomussalmi, Finland

The environmental damage caused by the rare freshwater mussels, known as raakku, in Suomussalmi is unprecedented in Finland, with few comparable incidents, according to Kai Kokko, a professor of environmental law at the University of Helsinki, in an interview with Yle on Monday. Last year, Finnish police had 57 environmental protection cases under preliminary investigation, although not all lead to court rulings. The severity of these cases varies.

The police are currently investigating a case in Hukkajoki, Suomussalmi, as a serious environmental crime. Thousands of critically endangered raakku are believed to have perished after forestry machinery from Stora Enso traversed their habitat last week. On Monday, the police reported they had no new updates regarding this situation.

Kokko and Tapani Veistola, Executive Director of the Finnish Nature League, both emphasized the need for stronger legislation to prevent environmental damage. They argued that mere recommendations for nature conservation actions are insufficient. For example, protective buffer zones are not explicitly mandated in forestry legislation.

The experts stress the necessity of legal frameworks, as existing internal controls and certifications often lack the needed enforcement power. Veistola suggested establishing a specialized police unit for environmental crimes in Finland, as local police may lack the expertise to handle all cases effectively. Collaboration among authorities has improved, but a dedicated environmental police would concentrate resources and expertise.

Kokko also highlighted the crucial role of local environmental authorities, particularly ELY Centers, responsible for monitoring environmental quality. With ongoing regional administrative reforms, maintaining these units is essential to uphold effective environmental oversight in municipalities.