The University of Jyväskylä is a pioneer in the impact of ecological compensation research

Research on ecological compensation carried out at the University of Jyväskylä has become a significant player in Finnish environmental policy. The university leads the BOOST for biodiversity offsets consortium, funded by the Strategic Research Council (STN), which is a concrete example of how long-term research can directly influence legislative preparation and practical decision-making.

Professor of Ecology Janne Kotiaho from the University of Jyväskylä is the director of the BOOST consortium.

Published

16.6.2026

The “Biodiversity offsetting as an operational tool for a just sustainability transition towards no net loss of ecosystems and biodiversity (BOOST)” project has taken on a central role especially in the development of nature value markets and ecological compensation. The results of the research have been used in the regulation of voluntary ecological compensation under Finland’s Nature Conservation Act and in the preparation of the Ministry of the Environment’s compensation regulation. The project has also received praise from its partners.

- It is satisfying to see how long-term research, scientific consulting and close cooperation with policymakers have a direct impact on regulation and society, says Professor of Ecology Janne Kotiaho from the University of Jyväskylä, who is also the director of the BOOST consortium.

Nothing ever happens by chance

The project was driven by a strategic decision to focus on societal impact. Researchers have spent thousands of hours developing research results in collaboration with public decision-makers and other stakeholders.

One concrete example of impact is a series of workshops held for the City of Helsinki, which led the city to promote the use of ecological compensation.

- At the same time, we have led the development of key rules and metrics for ecological compensation in collaboration with public authorities and a broad network of experts. This ensures that research results do not stay at an abstract level but are converted into individual decisions and practices that guide the entire system, explains Kotiaho.

Cooperation is at the heart of the project

The Ministry of the Environment has been a key partner in the project, but cities, companies and the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) have also actively participated in the work. The large network of partners has enabled the rapid practical application of research findings.

- Our research on ecological compensation and nature value markets is a strong example of how research can be a significant force for societal change. Close cooperation with public decision-makers and scientific advisory work take a lot of time and producing less traditional academic merits, but the research findings are directly transferred to decision-making through this work, and its impact extends to the heart of Finnish environmental policy, emphasizes Kotiaho.

JYU.Wisdom

BOOST for biodiversity offsets

Janne Kotiaho

Professor

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