This report examines Finland’s progress since the previous OECD Environmental Performance Review in 1997, and the extent to which the country has met its domestic objectives and honoured its international commitments. The report also reviews Finland’s progress in the context of the OECD Environmental Strategy for the First Decade of the 21st Century.** Some 43 recommendations are made that should contribute to further environmental progress in Finland.

Features • Particulate emissions • Ambient air quality • Transboundary air pollution • Transport emissions • Renewable energy

Features • Noise abatement objectives • Sources of excessive noise • Managing noise exposure • Financing noise abatement and control • Designating quiet areas

Features • Policy framework • Progress towards waste reduction targets • Waste recovery • Waste disposal and thermal treatment • New initiatives for increasing material efficiency

Features • Species protection • Nature reserves and wilderness areas • Protection of water habitats • Forest biodiversity • Nature tourism • International co-operation 

Features • Sustainable development and institutional integration • Environment-related taxes and subsidies • National environmental planning • Environmental permitting and compliance assurance • Economic instruments • Private sector initiatives • Land use planning

Features • Environment and health • Environmental democracy and access to justice • Sustainable development in education • Environment and employment 

Features • Climate change challenges • Marine pollution • Official Development Assistance • Bilateral co-operation with Russia • Regional co-operation (Nordic, Arctic and Baltic)