Stora Enso Suspends Logging After Mussel Destruction

Finnish forestry company Stora Enso has halted all logging operations in environmentally protected areas following the destruction of thousands of endangered freshwater pearl mussels. The suspension will remain until the company reassesses its guidelines. Stora Enso also initiated additional environmental training and committed to funding the restoration.

Finnish forestry group Stora Enso has put a complete halt to logging activities in environmentally sensitive areas in Finland. This decision follows the company's acknowledgment of significant damage to freshwater pearl mussels near one of its sites earlier this month.

Forestry machines crossing the Hukkajoki river in central Finland on Aug. 15 are suspected to have damaged 150-200 meters of riverbed, crushing thousands of endangered mussels. Stora Enso CEO Hans Sohlstrom announced on Monday that immediate changes have been implemented to prevent future incidents.

Police are investigating the incident as a serious environmental crime. In the meantime, Stora Enso has committed to suspending all harvesting activities in regulated areas under Finland's Water, Forest, and Nature Conservation Acts until operational guidelines and site-specific risks are reassessed. The company is also providing additional environmental training for its workforce and has taken on the financial responsibility for the ongoing restoration efforts.

The halt impacts Finland's significant pulp and paper production industry. Stora Enso emphasized the high priority of the review process and aims to conclude it as swiftly as possible.

(With inputs from agencies.)