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LUMA Project – Functional and Forest-Owner–Driven Nature  Markets for Biodiversity  Duplicate 0

27.01.2026

The LUMA project develops solutions that will enable the creation of functional, reliable, and forestowner–driven nature credit markets in Finland. The goal is to strengthen biodiversity while increasing landowners’ opportunities for new, sustainable sources of income. The project is carried out in cooperation with the Kone Foundation’s Metsän puolella initiative. 

Developing Nature Credit Markets 

The project develops and implements tools that improve the functionality and usability of nature credits markets. Key areas of development include: 

  • The Luontoarvot.fi marketplace, which connects producers and buyers of nature credits 

  • Practical operating models that support the nature credit market ecosystem 

  • Services and competence development for forest management associations and other actors 

  • Expanding forest owners’ opportunities as providers of biodiversity offsetting areas and other nature positive acs 

  • Diverse communications and the organization of the Luontoarvofoorumi 

The project combines legally required procedures with a refined practical process that field operators can adopt directly. 

Forest Owners at the Centre 

Forest owners’ interest in nature value markets is growing rapidly. With this funding, MTK and forest management associations can serve them better than before and inspire new forest owners to participate in activities that strengthen biodiversity. MTK aims to make nature credit trade a fair and profitable form of income for landowners. 

According to member surveys related to MTK’s biodiversity roadmap, 80% of landowners consider safeguarding biodiversity important in their own activities. This creates a strong foundation for the responsible growth of nature credit markets. 

Operating Models, Services, and a Competence Path for Forest Management Associations 

The project will produce a comprehensive package for forest management associations, including: 

  • A clear operating model for producing nature credits 

  • A service concept that supports landowners’ needs 

  • A competence path that strengthens field organizations’ readiness to operate with biodiversity offsetting and other nature positive acts 

With these tools, forest management associations can operate even more effectively as a link between landowners and nature credit markets.