The City of Helsinki has launched an ambitious new Nature Conservation Area Programme (2025–2038), aiming to safeguard 10% of its total land and marine areas by 2038. Approved on 23 June 2025, the plan introduces protection for 98 new land zones and 22 new marine areas, significantly boosting the city’s environmental conservation efforts.
Already known for its lush green infrastructure—nearly 40% of Helsinki’s land is covered by parks, forests, and meadows—the city will now double the total land under protection and increase marine conservation areas tenfold. With over 300 islands and more than two-thirds of its area covered by sea, Helsinki is enhancing its status as one of the greenest and most maritime-friendly capitals in the world.
The initiative supports both biodiversity and urban well-being, offering protected natural spaces for public recreation, hiking, and nature appreciation. Residents will benefit from expanded access to natural areas through new nature routes and observation points.
By implementing this plan, Helsinki becomes one of the first cities to voluntarily align with the EU Biodiversity Strategy target—strictly protecting one-third of 30% of conserved land and marine territories.
