Ecosystem Accounting in Finland – Recommendations and Measures to Support Utilisation

Summary

This report summarises the results of a stakeholder process carried out in Finland in autumn 2025. In the process, representatives from ministries, research institutes, companies and interest organisations identified various decision-making contexts in which ecosystem accounting data (SEEA EA) could be utilised.

Many of the identified use cases relate to risk analyses in the public, private and financial sectors, such as scenario analyses examining the impacts of nature-related risks. In the public sector, potential applications were also identified in supporting assessments of fiscal sustainability, cost– benefit analyses and impact assessments, as well as in underpinning national strategies and targets. In addition, use cases were identified in land-use planning processes.

The stakeholder process produced ten recommendations to support the use of ecosystem accounting in Finland. To place user needs at the centre of ecosystem accounting development, the report recommends establishing a working group, developing a roadmap, and implementing pilot projects. The proposed measures also promote the continuity of data production, data availability, effective communication, the utilisation of synergies, cooperation among key actors in environmental statistics, and knowledge exchange in international forums.

In addition, drawing on the findings of the stakeholder process and a literature review, the report outlines a concept for possible ecosystem accounting in Finland. The concept describes an approach through which Finland could advance the integration of ecosystem accounting into decision-making.

For ecosystem accounting data to be effectively used in decision-making in Finland, further development requires a clear mandate, adequate resources, and clearly defined responsibilities. Commitment of political decision-makers and the leadership of key organisations support the fulfilment of these preconditions.

When properly implemented and utilised, ecosystem accounting can serve as a key tool for strengthening the evidence base for decision-making and enable Finland and Finnish organisations to contribute to nature-positive outcomes and to the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

contact

Tatu Leinonen

Specialist, Health from nature

Samuli Puroila

Specialist, Programmes