Porvoonjoki Delta (1304)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Porvoonjoen suistoalue
Central coordinates: Latitude: 60.3500, Longitude: 25.6667
System: terrestrial, marine
Elevation (m): 0 to 0
Area of KBA (km2): 9.96962
Protected area coverage (%): 84.65
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large, richly vegetated delta of the Porvoo river, with few small meadows along the shores. At the heart of the site is a largish, shallow area of open water (Stenbölefjärden) bordered by belts of <I>Phragmites</I>.</P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: One of the most important breeding and staging areas for waterbirds in the country. Probably the best single congregatory area in spring in Finland for <I>Mergus merganser</I> and <I>M. albellus. </I>Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: <I>Haliaeetus albicilla</I> (max. 2 individuals, passage), <I>Crex crex</I> (max. 3 pairs, breeding).</P>
Manageability of the site: Site identified based on BirdLife International's Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, under which manageability is strongly recommended but not explicitly documented
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 95 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Human impact is considerable in most of the area, with many parts bordered by settlements, while boating and fishing disturbs avifauna in the interior of the site. Overgrowth of the wetland is also a threat. Hunting is permitted throughout the area, except the northernmost part (Ruskis) which remains a sanctuary for staging waterbirds in autumn. A large EU LIFE project has been started in the area. A birdwatching tower is situated at Ruskis, on the mouth of the Porvoo river. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.</P>
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership