The Island Committee works to counterbalance the drawbacks of island life and to ensure the controlled utilisation of Finland's unique coastal waters and protection of their natural diversity.
The Island Act, which came into force in 1981, obliges the State and municipalities to work to safeguard businesses, availability of transport and services on the island areas and to protect their environment. An island comprises masses of land surrounded by water with or without permanent road connections. An island-like area separated by waterways is also considered to be an island.
The Island Committee is a permanent statutory advisory committee, attached to the Ministry of the Interior. The Committee participates in developing island areas jointly with municipalities, Regional Councils, State authorities and other relevant parties.
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