Sustainability

New conservation area strengthens biodiversity

OX2 has supported the work of the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation with a donation that will enable the protection and restoration of a 27.85-hectare forest property in Halsua, Central Ostrobothnia, Finland. The donation is linked to biodiversity enhancement measures associated with OX2's Kannisto wind farm project, which is currently under construction.

The Virvatuli conservation area is located on the border between Halsua and Perho in Central Ostrobothnia. A new 27.85-hectare protected area, located around five kilometres from OX2's Kannisto wind farm project, will expand the existing conservation area to approximately 90 hectares.

The Virvatuli conservation area is located on the border between Halsua and Perho in Central Ostrobothnia.

Strong potential for ecological restoration

The area includes a diverse mix of forests and wetlands with strong potential for ecological restoration. By permanently protecting these habitats as part of the wider conservation network, the initiative will support local biodiversity and improve conditions for species such as the wild forest reindeer and the golden eagle.

"The expansion of the Virvatuli conservation area strengthens the region's ecological network and supports the preservation of biodiversity. We are very pleased that OX2 is among the frontrunners of companies driving the green transition and is committed to safeguarding biodiversity through concrete actions. We hope that other companies in the industry will follow suit," says Timo Huhtamäki, CEO of the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation.

The area includes a diverse mix of forests and wetlands.

Continued collaboration

OX2's goal is to develop solar and wind farms with a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2030. The expansion of the Virvatuli conservation area is OX2s second large-scale biodiversity initiative in Finland.

The project builds on an earlier collaboration with the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation to protect valuable forest habitats and old-growth forest. Together, the two initiatives have expanded protected areas and supported biodiversity conservation in Finland.

"The protection and restoration of the Virvatuli conservation extension area is a great example of concrete actions for biodiversity in renewable energy projects. Thanks to our continuing cooperation with the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation, we can safeguard and improve habitats for valuable species nearby the Kannisto wind farm area in Halsua."