LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS
National legislation and international agreements apply to the protection and hunting of Finland’s large carnivores.
Wolverine, photo Kimmo Pöri
The Hunting Act and the relevant decrees
The bear, the wolf, the lynx and the wolverine are considered game animals. Legislation concerning game animals is laid out in the Hunting Act. More detailed provisions are found in the Hunting Decree, the Government Decree on Derogations Laid Down in the Hunting Act, and the species-specific Decrees issued by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Read more about the the Hunting Act.
The Nature Conservation Act and Decree
The goal of the Nature Conservation Act is to maintain biodiversity in Finland. In accordance with the Decree, the Ministry of the Environment organises the monitoring of Finland’s native species and directs the evaluation of their conservation status. Read more about the Nature Conservaton Act.
EU and the conservation of large carnivores
As a member of the European Union, Finland commits to taking EU legislation into account in its decision making. The Directives of the European Community are incorporated into national legislation, which extends their reach to also cover all private operators. The status of large carnivores is regulated by the EC Habitats Directive, and the regulations of the Directive have also been incorporated into the Finnish Hunting Act and Hunting Decree. Read more about EU legislation on the protect of large carnivores.
International agreements
Finland's obligations. Read more about international agreements for the protection of large carnivores.
EU and the conservation of large carnivores
As a member of the European Union, Finland commits to taking EU legislation into account in its decision making. The Directives of the European Community are incorporated into national legislation, which extends their reach to also cover all private operators. The status of large carnivores is regul...
The Hunting Act and Hunting Decree
The bear, the wolf, the lynx and the wolverine are considered game animals. Legislation concerning game animals is laid out in the Hunting Act. More detailed provisions are found in the Hunting Decree, the Government Decree on Derogations Laid Down in the Hunting Act, and the species-specific Decree...
The Nature Conservation Act and Decree
The goal of the Nature Conservation Act is to maintain biodiversity in Finland. In accordance with the Decree, the Ministry of the Environment organises the monitoring of Finland’s native species and directs the evaluation of their conservation status.
