The project, known as the "Metso" programme will be getting more money next year mainly because many other programmes run by the Ministry of the Environment are reaching completion.
Oili Hintsala, who is the ministry's economic director, told YLE that the new funding will be used to protect around 5,000 hectares of forestland. The programme is getting a boost from the present low market price of timber, which means that sales of forestland and compensation paid to owners for inclusion in protected areas have become increasing attractive.
This year, for the first time, forest owners' associations have been offered financial incentives to help in shifting forestland into environmental protection programmes. Local associations that carry out initial negotiations with landowners on the protection of suitable forests have been given cash bonuses, if and when the lands are included in the Metso programme.