Finland turns to nature as new line of defence against Russia
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western nations have raced to rearm—buying drones, rebuilding arsenals, and even reconsidering 1990s-era bans on landmines. But Finland, who shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia, is also looking at an additional kind of fortification: nature itself.
Helsinki announced a new working group on Thursday that will examine how to bolster border defence through restoring wetlands, bogs and storm-damaged forests.
The plan—led by Finland’s Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Defence—aims to see whether natural obstacles like re-wetted mires or fallen trees might serve as significant barriers to enemy military movements, while also helping to restore biodiversity.
“The natural environment offers solutions that promote security and strengthen the resilience of the whole society,” Climate and Environment Minister Sari Multala said in a statement on Thursday.
“The initiative also supports the EU’s new Nature Restoration Regulation, which requires member states to revive degraded ecosystems,” Multala said.
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said Finland has long used its landscape to its advantage.
“Through this project we will take concrete steps to combine security with environmental targets,” Häkkänen said.
The working group will run until May 2026, starting with a pilot project on state-owned lands in eastern Finland.
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Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Amid threats of annexation, could Canada and Greenland grow closer?, CBC News
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Finland: Finland pushes EU drone wall as northern countries’ security investments expand, Eye on the Arctic
Iceland: Europe’s Von der Leyen strengthens Arctic security ties with Iceland during visit, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: German naval ships firing at Norwegian Arctic test range, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russia trains coastal attack scenario 30 km from border with Norway, The Associated Press
Sweden: Sweden to lead NATO force in challenging Arctic region, Radio Sweden
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