Google subsidiary illegally cleared flying squirrel habitat in Hamina
Published
A Google subsidiary has caused environmental damage in Hamina. The company felled trees in an area of approximately 1.3 hectares without the necessary permits. The area is home to flying squirrels, which are strictly protected animals in Finland.
The cleared forest area was an important part of the flying squirrels' habitat. As a result of the logging, the squirrels' nesting trees were destroyed, and their travel corridors and feeding grounds were severed. Flying squirrels require continuous forest areas to be able to move and survive in the wild.
Authorities are currently investigating the case. Proper permits should have been sought for the management of the area's forests, which would have taken into account the requirements of the Nature Conservation Act. Logging carried out without a permit can lead to legal consequences.
Google has stated that it is aware of the incident and is cooperating with the authorities to resolve the matter. The case has sparked a discussion about the responsibilities of large companies in the Finnish wilderness and the importance of environmental protection in connection with construction projects.
Sources: Yle
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