A scientific panel clarified Finland’s transformation paths for nature-conscious economy

Economic growth has been built at the cost of natural capital. We coordinated a scientific panel developing measures to bring nature side-by-side with the economy in Finnish decision making.

Sir Partha Dasgupta's review, which attracted worldwide attention, sought ways to better integrate nature and the human well-being it provides into the functioning of the social and economic system. A science panel coordinated by Luke was commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment to investigate what the ten options for change (OC) described by Dasgupta mean in concrete terms for Finland.

Based on Dasgupta's OCs, a multidisciplinary team of experts created a national perspective, reporting a current situation overview, information needs and policy proposals. Experts from universities (Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Åbo Akademi and Hanken), research institutes (Luke, VATT, LABORE) and Statistics Finland were involved.

To support the work of the experts, a workshop was organised where different stakeholders (ministries, companies, organisations) participated in the brainstorming and evaluation of the OCs. The national OCs were used to articulate the ways and means to integrate nature as capital into economic and social activities.

Finland's Dasgupta assessment illustrates for policy makers the kind of action that will be needed in the future to balance supply and demand for nature in different sectors of the economy. The assessment also looks at how far along these paths Finland already is. Cost-effectiveness requires a wide range of actions, but not all the changes are complex.

"The options for change outlined provide plenty of concrete guidance for us as politicians and especially for the incoming government. The measures outlined in the report include nature conservation, restoration, changing consumption patterns, changing production technologies, trade policy measures, removing subsidies that are harmful to nature, changing economic indicators and institutional changes in areas such as financial markets and education," said Minister Maria Ohisalo in a press release from the Ministry of Environment.

The assessment received wide coverage in the national media and in the social debate. The Confederation of Finnish Industries and the Martha Association referred to the report in their statements to the incoming government in spring 2023. The reports proposals have also been taken into account in the preliminary study on options for developing legislation to protect biodiversity and in the Nature Panels output on measuring nature objectives.

The assessment has stimulated debate on the benefits of nature for Finns, the depletion of natural capital and the acceptability of measures to prevent harmful development.

The assessment has strongly highlighted the need for change at all levels and sectors of society. Genuine change requires a holistic approach and good cooperation, says Research Professor Eija Pouta.