FE266 Finnish Government Programme for Sustainable Development

Council of State Decision-in-Principle on the Promotion of Ecological Sustainability

The Finnish Environment 266, Environmental Policy, p.56. Only available in print (952-11-0390-6).

Abstract

The Government’s programme for sustainable development is designed to promote ecological sustainability and the economic and social and cultural p reconditions for achieving this end. The Council of state decision-in-principle on the programme sets a framework policy for the promotion of ecological sustainability. In addition, the decision-in-principle defines the strategic objectives and lines of action for key sectors of sustainable development. These sectors were selected with an emphasis on ecological sustainability.

In terms of ecological sustainability, the primary goals of the programme are to reduce the usage of nonrenewable resources, to preserve nature’s generative capacity and ecological values, and to generally improve the condition of the environment. The programme also proposes lines of action for solving far reaching environmental problems through international cooperation. Improving the condition of the natural environment and the environments in which people live also has beneficial consequences for human health. In striving to achieve social and cultural sustainability, the programme is designed to equip society with the skills and knowledge required for meeting the challenges of sustainable development, thereby also generally improving social well-being. With respect to the target of economic sustainability, the programme is designed to improve Finland’s economic competitiveness and employment and to reduce the environmental burden of production and consumption.

The programme was prepared by a strategy working group set by the Ministry of the Environment on 23 April 1996. The working group included representatives from Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Transport and Communications. In addition, regular consultations with other ministries took place. The programme was also discussed in the broad based Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development.

More information

Environment Counsellor Sauli Rouhinen,Ministry of the Environment,
firstname.surnamer@ymparisto.fi