Finnish Forestry Companies Pledge Wildlife Protection after Mussel Incident

Finnish forestry companies are collaborating with the government to protect wildlife following an incident that endangered river pearl mussels. The aim is to prevent future occurrences and restore trust. Police are investigating the environmental crime, while the companies take steps to improve their practices.

Finnish forestry companies will collaborate with the government to prevent wildlife harm and avoid incidents like the recent crushing of endangered river pearl mussels by logging machinery, Environment Minister Kai Mykkanen announced.

Mykkanen, in an online briefing, stated, "We met with top forest company executives to start a process aimed at restoring trust and ensuring such cases don't repeat." Thousands of river pearl mussels were inadvertently killed last month when forestry machines transported logs across a river at a Stora Enso logging site in northern Finland.

Scientific diver Myyri Sysivesi discovered the devastating impact while researching pearl mussels. "On arrival, we heard the forestry machine and saw the riverbed covered in thick sludge," Sysivesi recalled, noting shattered shells and dead mussels deprived of oxygen-rich gravel. Finnish police are investigating the event as serious environmental crime.

Stora Enso cited communication errors and human mistakes for the mishap. The company has since halted logging in protected areas for two weeks and promised to fund river restoration. Their own investigation revealed similar damage at another site, leading to pledges for improved logging oversight.

Notably, Finland is a key producer and exporter of pulp and paper from its vast forests.

(With inputs from agencies.)