Finland to include dam removal in their national policies!

Two days after the removal of the Tikkurila Dam in Vantaa, Finland, the first Government of Finland released their new National Programme that allocates 18 million Euros to barrier removals.

The aim of the first Government of the new decade is a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable Finland by 2030. To achieve this, the Government of Antti Rinne has come up with a new National Programme for a more inclusive and competent Finland.

As a part of this National Programme, the Government of Antti Rinne promises to increase the total amount of funding for nature conservation by 100 million EUR at the annual level. Of this 100 million, 18 million will be used for the National Programme to restore migratory fish stocks. More specifically, their new Programme states, “Migration barriers will be removed and fish breeding grounds restored. Solutions will be introduced to help fish get past the barrier.”

Dam removal in governmental policy is the way forward and Finland is paving the path. They are among the first European countries to include dam removal in political agenda. We are incredibly excited about Finland’s new National Programme as this will shine a light on how dam removal contributes to restoring rivers to “good” ecological status by Water Framework Directive standards.

“The world of the 2020s needs trailblazers. An ecologically sustainable Finland shows the way in mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity. The Government is drawing a roadmap for an emissions-free Finland. The Nordic welfare model, combined with responsible and decreasing use of natural resources, is a model that will guarantee the future competitiveness of our country.”

Who is next?