Finnish water ecosystems are both material and immaterial natural resources. Strong water currents in rivers and brooks have been used for centuries as a source of energy, first in milling and later in hydroelectric power plants. Most industries require a lot of clean water to produce goods, whereas most power plants require water to cool down busy machinery. 

Fishing is a popular recreational activity in Finland, and the nation is home to approximately 1,2 million recreational fishers. For about 50 000 of them, fishing is their most important hobby. Over half a million summer houses are located on the shores of Finnish lakes and rivers, as well as on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Beaches are also important recreational places for Finns, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, grilling, boating and enjoying the beautiful scenery during the summer.


Finnish lakes are often calming.

The Finnish lakes attract many tourists every year. For them, the well-known Finnish landscapes are exotic and beautiful both in the summer and during the winter. For these tourists, the Finnish lakes are immaterial natural resources. However, tourism also produces billions of euros worth of economic profit for us Finns through various services. Finnish tourism is growing, and it already comprises approximately 10 percent of the nation's exports.