On Saturday, September 26, protests under the banner ‘Save Viiankiaapa’ are set to take place across various cities in Finland, including Helsinki, Turku, and Oulu. These demonstrations aim to urge the Finnish Parliament to reject Sakatti Mining’s proposed mining project and to prevent the government from granting exemptions to the Natura 2000 conservation regulations. The proposed mining site threatens the internationally significant Viiankiaapa conservation area located in Sodankylä, which is protected under both the EU’s Natura 2000 network and Finland’s wetland protection laws.
Viiankiaapa is renowned for its unique ecosystem, serving as a breeding ground for several endangered bird species, including the critically endangered black-tailed godwit and the globally threatened snipe. Environmental advocates, including Greenpeace Finland’s country director, Touko Sipiläinen, have voiced strong opposition to the mining project, asserting that compromising the area’s integrity for mining operations would set a dangerous precedent for conservation efforts throughout Finland.
The planned multi-metal mine by Sakatti Mining poses significant risks to the delicate ecosystem, water cycles, and unique biodiversity of the Viiankiaapa area. Finnish authorities, including Metsähallitus and the Lapland ELY Centre, have expressed concerns that the mine could severely degrade the area’s natural values. Furthermore, international mining companies have sought exploration permits in fifteen protected areas, raising fears that any exemptions granted for Viiankiaapa could lead to similar mining activities in other conservation zones.
The protests are supported by various organisations, including the Finnish Nature League, WWF Finland, and BirdLife Finland, highlighting widespread public opposition to mining in protected areas. A recent survey indicated that 79% of Finns oppose the establishment of mines in conservation zones, a sentiment that advocates hope will influence decision-making regarding mining operations in Finland. The ‘Save Viiankiaapa’ protests are expected to be a significant statement in favour of Finnish environmental conservation this autumn.
