Finnish forest reindeer and wind power development on a collision course: Situation overview and paths to resolving tensions in Central Ostrobothnia
Akordi’s new publication examines the rapidly developing situation in Central Ostrobothnia in the context of wind power and Finnish forest reindeer from different perspectives and proposes initial steps to resolve tensions. The case is important because it reflects the broader friction associated with the green transition; the challenges are not limited to Finnish forest reindeer and wind power.
For the publication, Akordi conducted confidential interviews and held discussions with various stakeholder groups in the Kaustinen region at the end of 2025. The build-up of tensions is described from the perspectives of municipal and wind power actors, environmental authorities, researchers, and regional conservationists.
The forms and quality of current interaction, mainly within the framework of the EIA process, are reflected in the fact that all parties shared the experience that others do not properly understand their starting points, responsibilities, or concerns. However, all the stakeholder groups interviewed had a clear desire to move forward constructively, as the current situation is perceived as emotionally draining and not serving anyone’s long-term interests.
The publication proposes further steps to resolve the identified challenges and tensions, which would enable more considered progress between the various actors through collaborative management and facilitated dialogue. The aim is to address uncertainties and conflicts proactively, before they escalate into legal disputes, and to build trust and create a shared understanding and acceptable practices through negotiation.
Summary:
- The rapid growth of wind power has brought green energy and investment to several municipalities in Central Ostrobothnia, but its combined effects pose a risk to the region’s Finnish forest reindeer population.
- The new Natura protection zones for forest reindeer defined by the authorities have frozen local wind power development.
- Municipal and project developers have questioned the authorities’ interpretation and the studies behind it; the protection zones have been perceived as an overreaction.
- The rapidly escalating situation has led to harsh rhetoric, growing mistrust, and legal action, the consequences of which serve no one’s interests.
- A faster and more sustainable solution than legal action would be to proceed through collaborative management and facilitated dialogue, which would enable more considered progress between the various actors.
The publication is based on a project funded by the TAH Foundation and the RELEX Foundation and implemented by Akordi, which aims to roll out, scale up, and establish new collaborative operating models for addressing conflicts related to the green transition.
Read more (in Finnish):
Publication: Kotilainen, J. & Banafa, T. (2026). Metsäpeura ja tuulivoimakehitys törmäyskurssilla: Tilannekuvaus ja polkuja jännitteiden ratkaisemiseksi Keski-Pohjanmaalla. Akordi Oy publications.
Press release: STT Info / Metsäpeura ja tuulivoimakehitys törmäyskurssilla: Tilannekuvaus ja polkuja jännitteiden ratkaisemiseksi Keski-Pohjanmaalla
Yle news 12.3.2026: Metsäpeura ja tuulivoima törmäyskurssilla Pohjanmaalla – kuntapäättäjien luottamus viranomaisiin ja tutkijoihin rapisee
