Finland's forests are primarily owned by private individuals and families. More than 600,000 Finns own forest land, and private forests account for most of the country's annual timber supply. Supporting these forest owners has been the mission of Finland's Forest Management Associations (FMAs) for over a century.

The first Forest Management Associations were established in the early 1900s to help forest owners improve forest productivity and gain access to professional forestry expertise. Today, the Finnish FMA network consists of more than 40 regional associations operating across the country. Together, they employ approximately 1,000 forestry professionals and work closely with a large network of forestry entrepreneurs and contractors who carry out practical forest management operations in the field. This combination of local presence and professional expertise enables forest owners to access services regardless of where their forests are located. FMAs are the local associations of MTK.

Forest Management Associations provide a broad range of services throughout the forest ownership lifecycle. These include forest management planning, regeneration and tending of young forests, timber sales support, nature management services, and advice on forest legislation and taxation. The associations help owners make informed decisions based on their personal objectives, whether these relate to income generation, biodiversity conservation, recreation, climate benefits, or family succession planning.

The operating environment of forestry is changing rapidly. Forest owners face increasing expectations related to biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and sustainable use of natural resources. At the same time, many owners live far from their forests and depend on trusted local experts for guidance.

To meet evolving needs, the FMA network is continuously developing new services and digital tools. Current initiatives include solutions that improve forest profitability, support biodiversity conservation, and help forest owners participate in emerging climate and nature value markets.

By combining local knowledge, professional expertise, and a strong commitment to sustainable forestry, Finland's Forest Management Associations continue to play a vital role in ensuring that forests remain productive, resilient, and beneficial for both current and future generations. FMA’s could also work as a best practice for other countries.

In cooperation with smurfproject.eu