Jun 02, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Forest owners are active in securing the biodiversity of Finnish forests. The METSO programme, i.e. the biodiversity preservation programme for Southern Finland 2008 - 2016, is based on voluntary initiatives by forest owners. They can offer their forest for protection under the auspices of the programme, Nordic Forest Owners' Associations said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Forests are assessed on the basis of what kind of living environment trees can offer and which are the important elements for preserving biodiversity. The assessment is based on natural science selection criteria and it is made on the spot by experts. If the forest is selected for METSOprotection, the State reimburses the forest owner for his or her costs and economic loss resulting from ceased timber production and the preservation of natural values. Mr Markku Nissinen, environment manager of the Western Finland Forest Owners' Association says that protecting forest biodiversity and natural values has become an interesting alternative to traditional economically oriented forestry. The METSO programme now makes such protection economically advantageous. However, protection constitutes no threat to the Finnish forest industry; on the contrary industrial exploitation will remain the primary way of using forest resources. Mr Nissinen says that for many forest owners joining the METSO programme means financial compensation also for past protection measures in the form of minimizing economically oriented forestry. The profile of forest owners has changed as a result of generation changes. Timber production is no longer the primary objective; preserving the natural values of forests is becoming an increasingly important element for new forest owners. Passive forest protection is the primary element under the METSO programme, i.e. the forest is left to grow and develop on its own. However, in some cases biodiversity can be promoted by active measures, such as ring-barking and filling in ditches dug for the purpose of promoting forest growth.