On Thursday 15 August, an environmental incident was discovered at a Stora Enso harvesting site in Kainuu, Finland, and the incident is being investigated as an aggravated nature conservation offence. Forestry machinery has crossed a river where there is a population of the highly endangered freshwater pearl mussel. Stora Enso takes the matter extremely seriously. The authorities and the company have strict responsibility requirements and comprehensive guidelines for the consideration of freshwater pearl mussel in harvesting operations. “It is evident that our guidelines have not been followed. What has happened is completely contrary to our values and sustainability commitments,” says Seppo Parvi, Country Manager for Finland at Stora Enso.
Stora Enso is cooperating with the police and other authorities to find out what happened at Hukkajoki. As a result of this and our own investigation, our guidelines and procedures will be refined to ensure that everyone involved in harvesting in valuable natural areas is aware of them in the future. This applies both to Stora Enso employees and to our partners, such as contractors and forest owners.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that this never happens again. We have taken immediate steps to tighten up our procedures, including forestry planning, environmental training, guidelines and information systems. The police investigation is ongoing, but it is clear that Stora Enso bears its responsibility in this case, both environmentally and financially,” says Seppo Parvi.
At the moment, the priority is to repair the damage and prevent further damage in Hukkajoki. Stora Enso is supporting the restoration work led by Metsähallitus on site both financially and materially. Stora Enso has also decided to participate in the LIFE Revives programme. “Participation in this programme will not repair the damage already done, but it is the least we can do in this case,” says Parvi.
The case has led to increased monitoring of harvesting sites. This also applies to buffer zones. For example, in the important mussel habitats in particular all requirements must be strictly enforced. “We cannot undo what has been done. Sustainability is an essential part of Stora Enso’s strategy, and we will do everything we can to ensure that it is implemented in all our operations, both by our own employees and our partners,” says Seppo Parvi.
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