Lapland’s Forest Resources: An Untapped Economic and Cultural Asset
Blogpost by Mikko Kurttila and Esa Huhta
Finland’s forests are more than just a source of timber—they are a vast natural pantry brimming with wild berries, mushrooms, and other non-wood forest products (NWFPs). Covering 75% of the country’s land area, these forests offer an abundance of resources that remain largely underutilized. In Lapland, where pine, spruce, and birch dominate the forested landscapes, nature’s hidden riches hold both economic and cultural significance. In Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, TRANSFORMIT’s Finnish Living Lab is located, and for the International Day of Forests 2025 we looked deeper into the role that non-wood forest products play for local communities, cultural heritage, tourism, and economic development.
Each year, between 500 and 1,000 million kilos of wild berries—mainly bilberries and cowberries—ripen across Finland’s forests. Yet, only about 10% are harvested. The numbers are even lower for mushrooms: out of an estimated 1,000 million kilos, less than 1% makes it into kitchens or markets. Despite this, foraging is deeply embedded in Finnish culture. More than half of Finns collect berries, with the rate soaring to 78% in Lapland. The traditional practice is supported by Finland’s “Everyone’s Right,” allowing people to forage for personal or commercial use, except for certain products like mosses and woody plant parts, which require landowner permission.
Beyond food, these natural products have growing value in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and craft industries. Active compounds extracted from berries and plants are increasingly used in supplements and health products, adding to their economic potential.
Figure 1-2: Typical NWFPs from pine forests of Lapland: Boletus and cowberries. Photos: Erkki Oksanen, LUKE
Reindeer: Lapland’s Cultural and Economic Icon
Another pillar of Lapland’s natural wealth is reindeer husbandry, a practice that spans centuries and remains vital to local communities. Covering 36% of Finland’s land area, reindeer herding generates an estimated one billion euros annually in direct and indirect economic benefits. Reindeer are not just an economic asset but also a cultural symbol, especially for the indigenous Sámi people.For visitors, reindeer tourism is a major draw. From sleigh rides through snowy landscapes to hands-on experiences with herders, the demand for authentic encounters is growing. Tourists are also showing interest in traditional reindeer crafts, fueling a resurgence in indigenous artistry and working methods.
Figure 3: Reindeers are abundant in Lapland. They have many roles: they are source of forest food and they have an impact on the other forest foods as they use them as forage. Photo: Erkki Oksanen, Luke.
Forest Management and the Future of Lapland’s Natural Resources
Most of Finland’s forests are actively managed for timber production. However, forestry practices impact the diversity and availability of forest foods. Traditional even-aged forestry, which involves clear-cutting and replanting, favors lingonberries, raspberries, and some mushroom species. Meanwhile, continuous cover forestry (CCF), which avoids clear-cutting and allows forests to regenerate naturally, creates better conditions for bilberries.
As demand for natural products rises, balancing forestry with the provision of NWFPs is becoming increasingly important. With sustainable management and greater awareness, Finland’s forests could provide even more economic opportunities while maintaining their ecological and cultural heritage. This is the approach TRANSFORMIT’s Living Lab in Lapland is further exploring, and in the next years we will share more insights about the impacts of adapted management strategies on both the provision of NWFPs and local traditions.
Figure 4: Various different NWFPs occur in different stages of forest rotation in even-aged forest management. For CCF, the occurrence is different and needs more research.