The problems of global afforestation projects are depicted in Finnish debate

The article addressed – quite on-topic – how diversity is actualized in afforestation projects but completely ignored possible solutions and those developing them. The reader is left with a feeling that the whole diversity issue in the industry is ignored. There are a wide variety of businesses in this industry, both Finnish and global, that are still implementing compensation in the best way they see fit. It’s a task left for the service providers to create a solution that is as seamless and functional as possible, both from the point of view of nature and corporations.

The wide range of afforestation projects carried out with compensation in mind also received less attention in the article. That is, nevertheless, a critical issue in terms of carbon absorption: By afforesting peatlands, we prevent the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, in addition to the carbon absorbed to trees.

Ground rules build up accountability in the industry

Emission compensation alone does not solve the critical increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but – combined with other climate change actions – is an excellent way to absorb carbon dioxide already released into the atmosphere. The Helsingin Sanomat article listed failed afforestation projects from around the world, and Finland also desperately needs rules and regulations in compensation work. This way we can avoid unfavourable projects in terms of biodiversity. Even though industry standards are still a work in progress, we can already follow the four basic pillars of compensation activities: additionality, permanence, avoiding double counting and avoiding carbon leakage. Read more about the current state of the compensation market and prospects in our article.