From Nova Scotia to Finland: Growing Relationship Will Benefit the Sector
Finland and Nova Scotia governments signed a cooperation agreement to help the forestry sector grow.
The agreement will help:
The traditional forestry sector
Nova Scotia increase the use of biomass and district heating
Train more Nova Scotians to work in forestry
Find new uses for forest fibre and waste
At the time, Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore said, “As an organization, we want to ensure the sector is ready to capitalize on the opportunities created by this agreement.”
“We want all the forestry groups to sit at the same table to discuss how we can take action to help the sector grow,” added Moore.
Nova Scotian delegates included Stephen Moore (Forest NS), Todd Burgess (Forest NS), Ian Ripley (Athol), Geoff Clarke (Port Hawkesbury Paper), Dennis Boulet (Port Hawkesbury Paper), and Matt Bezanson (forestry student).
June 2024 Trade Mission
Todd Burgess (left) and Matt Bezanson (right).
Earlier this month, six Nova Scotians joined a trade mission hosted by Business Finland. The participants viewed the latest training and technology being developed in Finland. Forestry student Matt Bezanson also joined us.
On the trade mission, the Nova Scotia delegation visited and met with officials at the headquarters of Stora Enso, UPM, Valmet, and others. These visits focused on future uses for forest fibre and waste, paving the way for a more sustainable future. Research is working on turning forest fibre into batteries, materials for wound care, and textiles for more sustainable clothing.
Delegates visited the headquarters of Ponsse, the leading manufacturer of forestry equipment. While at Ponsse, guests spoke with company leaders, toured its facilities, and saw how the company helps make foresters more productive and efficient.
Productivity and efficiency are central to the Finnish forestry sector. The trade mission visited Riveria, Finland’s leading forestry training institute. While Ponsse designed and tested its equipment to ensure maximum efficiency, the training institute was detail-focused, and its philosophy focused on producing operators who were as efficient as humanly possible.
Just one example is how Riveria tracks eye movements. Students at Riveria have their eyes tracked using technology. This happens because students can shave seconds off each movement by tracking how they view a work site. Over time, these seconds add up and amount to substantial savings every year.
What’s Next?
Forest Nova Scotia plans to bring other forestry groups together with representatives from Business Finland. By working with the other groups, Forest NS plans to identify concrete steps it can take to benefit Nova Scotia forestry and strengthen our relationship with Finland.
“We value our Finnish friends,” said Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore. “We want to see the sector band together in Nova Scotia so we can work with representatives in Finland.”
Moore said Forest Nova Scotia will provide its members with ongoing updates on the steps it is taking to work with Business Finland as it grows the sector in Nova Scotia.
