The development of the natural state of almost a hundred sites is being monitored in Riihimäki

A report on the status of Riihimäki's biodiversity-rich natural sites has now been published. The report brings together the latest inventory data for 96 valuable natural sites. The data describes the areas' biodiversity, vegetation and landscape value.

"Diversified nature helps with adaptation and provides resilience to the impacts of climate change, among other things. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition and development of valuable natural areas and protect them from land use changes," says Acting Director of the Environment Jenni Lehtonen.

Monitoring data also provides a valuable overview of endangered species and the development of the natural state of various habitat types in the built and unbuilt environment.

Utilized in planning and land use

The up-to-date information produced by the monitoring is utilized, for example, in the city's land use planning and zoning.

Land use planning plays a central role in protecting biodiversity, as the city guides land use through zoning. Valuable natural sites can be protected effectively not only through conservation procedures, but also through zoning.

The condition of the sites varies from good to deteriorated

Based on monitoring, the natural condition of the sites varies from good to deteriorated. Some of the sites have developed naturally, for example, the trees in the forests have aged and the amount of rotten wood has increased. However, in some of the sites, the natural condition has deteriorated as a result of logging, drainage and changes in land use.

The city also weakens the natural state of the sites through its own actions (land use, construction). However, the city also strives to protect valuable natural sites located on the land it owns.

The Riihimäki biodiversity monitoring program includes monitoring the natural state and species of the sites, checking the boundaries, and assessing the need for protection, management, and monitoring. The first inventory was conducted in 1990.

Valuable natural sites refer to areas in Riihimäki that are important for biodiversity. They may contain valuable habitats, endangered species or areas of significant landscape. They are not protected under the Nature Conservation Act and do not necessarily meet all the criteria required for protection.

The monitoring report can be read on the city's Other valuable natural sites website.