From a conflict management perspective, the way the two consecutive
Kainuu Natural Resource Plans were sidelined is worthy of attention,
because both the Finnish government and Metsähallitus have
defined the regional Natural Resource Planning (NRP) and the collaborative
processes it entails as a key tool for conflict management
and for ensuring that adequate attention is given to Metsähallitus' societal
obligations vis-à-vis its business operations (Government bill
154/2004 on the Act on Metsähallitus). The purpose of NRP is to
choose a strategy for the coming decade for the management of the
different natural resources (most notably the commercial forests)
under Metsähallitus' administration in a region consisting of one or
more counties. Metsähallitus formulates, assesses and chooses among
different forest management scenarios in collaboration with regional
and local actors representing forestry, nature conservation, tourism,
hunting, the affected municipalities, etc