Natural diversity at its best
The nature of the archipelago differs from the little rocks in the outer sea to the beautiful wide woody islands. The formation of the varied habitats and environments has been influenced by the brackish water, the land uplift, fragmentariness and traditional land use.
The decrease of the natural diversity is one of the most significant environmental problems in the archipelago area.
Human being both enriches and declines the natural diversity. Traditional land use has for example created unique environments in the archipelago, and many endangered species are dependent on the areas cultivated by people.
ASSIGNMENT 9
Why are the traditional landscapes disappearing? How are they restored?
Diversified nature is a lot more resistant to the negative environmental impacts than homogenous. Human related eutrophication and climate change are decreasing the natural diversity both under and above the sea. They are changing the functions of the entire ecosystems.
Plenty of flora and fauna
There are many species, like mushrooms, moss and lichen, living in the archipelago area. Among them are many endangered and rare species. Elder-flowered orchid for example grows only on the south-west coast and Åland. It requires chalk, which exists in the soil of the archipelago.
Many varied animal species also thrive in the archipelago. Especially abundantly there are invertebrates, like butterflies and beetles. Mammal species are found about 20, grey seal for example which is endangered. Bird enjoy archipelago particularly and there are over hundred species nesting in the area. Archipelago Sea is an important area for the birds breeding, and as a resting place for migratory birds.
More information:
Outdoors.fi: Archipelago National Park: Nature
