Nature conservation

Modern nature conservation concerns both people and nature. It includes the protection and management of natural environments, protection of species, planning for different types of landscapes and local development projects. Thus it requires skills in dialogue and local participation and management.

• • Nature in Sweden

    Sweden is 1,600 kilometres from the south to the north. This means that the nature varies in different parts of Sweden.

• • The Swedish EPA – a key player in nature conservation

    Swedish nature conservation is becoming increasingly decentralised. Many decisions are taken regionally and locally, whereas central agencies develop nature conservation strategies and methods.

• • Dialogue for nature conservation

    Modern nature conservation and wildlife management concern both people and nature. A skills development programme for Swedish nature authorities has improved the dialogue and local participation and has contributed to making processes run smoother.

• • National parks and other ways to protect nature

    Swedish nature conservation is maintained by use of numerous instruments, particularly those provided by the Environmental Code.

• • World heritages and biosphere reserves

    Sweden has 14 World Heritage Areas listed by UNESCO. Three of them have very high natural values. Kristianstad vattenrike (The Rich Wetlands of Kristianstad) has been declared as a biosphere reserved by UNESCO.

• • Wetlands in Sweden

    Sweden is one of the countries in the world in which wetlands are proportionally most abundant. The climate and the inland ice have created a landscape characterized by water. Lakes, mires and wet forests cover roughly a quarter of the total land area.