Sixth National Report
()
Section I. Information on the targets being pursued at the national level
Specification: Habitats and species that occur naturally in Sweden have a favourable conservation status and the status of threatened species has improved, and sufficient genetic variation is maintained within and between populations. ()
This is a specification of the Environmental Quality Objective A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. This EQO presents a comprehensive objective relating to biological diversity and facilitates references to international agreements such as in particular the CBD. There is a great degree of overlap between the EQO:s relating to the biological diversity of various ecosystem types (fully reported in Sweden's 5th National Report). Biological diversity is also included in the objectives on Zero Eutrophication (specification: Atmospheric deposition and land-use activities do not result in ecosystems showing any substantial long-term harmful effects of eutrophying substances in any part of Sweden) and A Non-Toxic Environment (specification: Total exposure to chemical substances though all routes is harmless for people as well as for biological diversity). Measures under these two EQO:s are not reported in section II as they are not included in Sweden's NBSAP as such, but summarised in section IV.
This specification is one among several specifications to the Environmental Quality Objectives that were adopted by Parliament in 1999 (Government Bill 1997/98:145) and 2004 (Government Bill 2004/05:150). The specification was developed on the basis of a proposal by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on commission from the government. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier) outlines how milestone targets and their associated implementation measures contribute to the achievement of the Environmental Quality Objectives, with their specifications.
Specification: The increased risk of extinction indicated by climate scenarios is reduced regarding species and habitats facing the greatest risk of being affected adversely by climate change. ()
This is a specification of the Environmental Quality Objective A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. This EQO presents a comprehensive objective relating to biological diversity and facilitates references to international agreements such as in particular the CBD. There is a great degree of overlap between the EQO:s relating to the biological diversity of various ecosystem types (fully reported in Sweden's 5th National Report).
This specification is one among several specifications to the Environmental Quality Objectives that were adopted by Parliament in 1999 (Government Bill 1997/98:145) and 2004 (Government Bill 2004/05:150). The specification was developed on the basis of a proposal by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on commission from the government. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier) outlines how milestone targets and their associated implementation measures contribute to the achievement of the Environmental Quality Objectives, with their specifications.
Specification: Ecosystems have the ability to cope with disturbances and adapt to change, such as a changed climate, so that they can continue to provide ecosystem services and contribute to combating climate change and its effects. ()
This is a specification of the Environmental Quality Objective A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. This EQO presents a comprehensive objective relating to biological diversity and facilitates references to international agreements such as in particular the CBD. There is a great degree of overlap between the EQO:s relating to the biological diversity of various ecosystem types (fully reported in Sweden's 5th National Report).
This specification is one among several specifications to the Environmental Quality Objectives that were adopted by Parliament in 1999 (Government Bill 1997/98:145) and 2004 (Government Bill 2004/05:150). The specification was developed on the basis of a proposal by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on commission from the government. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier) outlines how milestone targets and their associated implementation measures contribute to the achievement of the Environmental Quality Objectives, with their specifications.
Specification: A functioning green infrastructure is in place and maintained through a combination of protection, restoration and sustainable use within sectors, so that fragmentation of populations and habitats does not occur and the biological diversity the biological diversity of the landscape is preserved. ()
This is a specification of the Environmental Quality Objective A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. This EQO presents a comprehensive objective relating to biological diversity and facilitates references to international agreements such as in particular the CBD. There is a great degree of overlap between the EQO:s relating to the biological diversity of various ecosystem types (fully reported in Sweden's 5th National Report).
This specification is one among several specifications to the Environmental Quality Objectives that were adopted by Parliament in 1999 (Government Bill 1997/98:145) and 2004 (Government Bill 2004/05:150). The specification was developed on the basis of a proposal by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on commission from the government. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier) outlines how milestone targets and their associated implementation measures contribute to the achievement of the Environmental Quality Objectives, with their specifications.
Specification: Genetically modified organisms that can threaten biological diversity are not introduced ()
This is a specification of the Environmental Quality Objective A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. This EQO presents a comprehensive objective relating to biological diversity and facilitates references to international agreements such as in particular the CBD. There is a great degree of overlap between the EQO:s relating to the biological diversity of various ecosystem types (fully reported in Sweden's 5th National Report).
This specification is one among several specifications to the Environmental Quality Objectives that were adopted by Parliament in 1999 (Government Bill 1997/98:145) and 2004 (Government Bill 2004/05:150). The specification was developed on the basis of a proposal by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on commission from the government. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier) outlines how milestone targets and their associated implementation measures contribute to the achievement of the Environmental Quality Objectives, with their specifications.
Specification: Alien species and genotypes do not threaten biological diversity ()
This is a specification of the Environmental Quality Objective A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. This EQO presents a comprehensive objective relating to biological diversity and facilitates references to international agreements such as in particular the CBD. There is a great degree of overlap between the EQO:s relating to the biological diversity of various ecosystem types (fully reported in Sweden's 5th National Report).
This specification is one among several specifications to the Environmental Quality Objectives that were adopted by Parliament in 1999 (Government Bill 1997/98:145) and 2004 (Government Bill 2004/05:150). The specification was developed on the basis of a proposal by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on commission from the government. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier) outlines how milestone targets and their associated implementation measures contribute to the achievement of the Environmental Quality Objectives, with their specifications.
Specification: The biological cultural heritage is managed so that important natural and cultural values are preserved and the conditions for continued preservation and development of these values are in place. ()
The biological cultural heritage is part of the biological diversity. It is composed of ecosystems, habitat types and species that have been formed, developed or supported by human utilization of the landscape. A particular emphasis is given to traditional use and knowledge within agriculture, including in coastal ecosystems, and in mountainous areas. A varied agricultural landscape with natural and cultural values depends to a large extent on traditional land management practices. Securing these values is important for maintaining the attractiveness of the agricultural landscape and for recreation. The genetic diversity of domesticated species are part of the biological cultural heritage and their wild relatives are a resource for the long term development and breeding of these species. Many cultuvated plant species and domesticated animal breeds that have been traditionally used constitute an important gene pool that risks being lost in the absence of dedicated measures, thereby risking the fulfilment of potential future needs relating to such traits that are neglected in commercial plant and animal breeding. Cultural environment values in the mountain areas that bears traces of human influence should have a long term protection against exploitation. The influence from traditional reindeer herding among the Sami people is especially highlighted in this context. Local and traditional knowledge pertaining to historical and present utilization of land, biological resources and biological cultural heritage should be documented and used for identification, selection, restoration and management of valuable mountain areas. Humanity's role as an ecological factor should be clarified. Long term survival and development requires continued use and conservation management.
This is a specification of the Environmental Quality Objective A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. This EQO presents a comprehensive objective relating to biological diversity and facilitates references to international agreements such as in particular the CBD. There is a great degree of overlap between the EQO:s relating to the biological diversity of various ecosystem types (fully reported in Sweden's 5th National Report).
It summarizes specifications pertaining to biological cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and customary sustainable use related to relevant habitat types among the Environmental Quality Objectives, where a particular emphasis is given to traditional use and knowledge within agriculture, including in coastal ecosystems, and in mountainous areas.
This specification is one among several specifications to the Environmental Quality Objectives that were adopted by Parliament in 1999 (Government Bill 1997/98:145) and 2004 (Government Bill 2004/05:150). The specification was developed on the basis of a proposal by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on commission from the government. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier) outlines how milestone targets and their associated implementation measures contribute to the achievement of the Environmental Quality Objectives, with their specifications.
Specification: Natural environments near urban areas that are valuable for outdoor recreation, cultural heritage and biological diversity are safeguarded and maintained, and are accessible to the public. ()
This is a specification of the Environmental Quality Objective A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. This EQO presents a comprehensive objective relating to biological diversity and facilitates references to international agreements such as in particular the CBD. There is a great degree of overlap between the EQO:s relating to the biological diversity of various ecosystem types (fully reported in Sweden's 5th National Report).
This specification is one among several specifications to the Environmental Quality Objectives that were adopted by Parliament in 1999 (Government Bill 1997/98:145) and 2004 (Government Bill 2004/05:150). The specification was developed on the basis of a proposal by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on commission from the government. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier) outlines how milestone targets and their associated implementation measures contribute to the achievement of the Environmental Quality Objectives, with their specifications.
Milestone target on ecosystem services and resilience: Important ecosystem services and factors that affect their maintenance are to be identified and systematised by 2013. ()
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2012, following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities (Ds 2012:23). The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Milestone target on the importance of biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services: By 2018, the importance of biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services are to be generally known and integrated into economic positions, political considerations and other decisions in society where it is relevant and reasonable to do so. ()
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Milestone target on threatened species and habitat types: Action plans to achieve favourable conservation status for those threatened species and habitat types that cannot be safeguarded through ongoing measures for sustainable use of land and water and existing site protection are to be implemented, or in the process of being implemented, by 2015. ()
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Milestone target on invasive alien species: The impact of invasive alien species in Sweden as regards biodiversity, and their socio-economic impact on health etc., are to be assessed and prioritised measures to control them are to be initiated by 2015. ()
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Milestone target on knowledge about genetic diversity: Mapping and monitoring of genetic diversity are to be initiated by 2020. ()
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2012 (Ds 2012:23), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier). It was to be reached by 2015. However, this was not achieved and in 2017, the Government prolonged the target to 2020, in anticipation of reports from the responsible agencies on their activities in the area of mapping of genetic diversity.
Milestone target on a holistic approach to the use of land: Coordination in central government administration has been strengthened by 2016 so that the holistic approach to the use of land has increased. ()
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2014, following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities (M2014/593/Nm). The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Milestone target on the protection of land areas, freshwater areas and marine areas: at least 20 per cent of Sweden’s land and freshwater areas, and 10 per cent of Sweden’s marine areas, by 2020 contribute to achieving national and international biodiversity targets. This will take place through protection or other conservation in areas of particular importance to biodiversity or ecosystem services. This conservation will take place with ecologically representative and well-connected systems, which include reserves, other effective area-based protective measures or environmentally sound usage. These systems are to be well integrated in the surrounding landscape and managed in an efficient and inclusive way. Between 2012 and 2020, at least 1 142 000 additional hectares are to be protected as follows: - High nature value forests are to be protected from tree-felling. This will take place through an increase in formally protected forest land of approximately 150 000 hectares of high nature value forests in need of formal protection below the montane forest zone. - Voluntary set-asides by the forestry industry should have increased by approximately 200 000 hectares to a total of 1 450 000 hectares of forest land in areas that are, or may develop into, high nature value areas. - The formal protection of wetlands has increased by 210 000 hectares as a result of mires (natural peatlands) of high nature value being protected under the ‘National mire protection plan. - The formal protection of lakes and watercourses has increased by at least 12 000 hectares. - The formal protection of marine areas has increased by at least 570 000 hectares. - The ecological connections have been strengthened so that protected areas and areas and biotopes conserved in other ways are well connected and integrated in the landscape, including the water and marine environment. ()
It is of great importance for biological diversity and ecosystem services to strengthen the ecologial connections in the landscape. The government therefore wants this to be developed within the landscape as a whole, and applies the term “Green infrastructure” to this issue.In addition to formal area protection, such as nature reserves, Natura 2000 sites, biotope protection areas, nature conservation areas and conservation agreements, other area-based conservation measures can in many cases be suitable components in a green infrastructure. These include the general shoreline protection that is statuted in the Environmental code, environmental considerations within forestry activities, voluntary set-asides and the legal exemption of unproductive forest areas from forestry.
This milestone target is important for achieving the Environmental Quality Objectives. It is also important in an international perspective, by showing how Sweden wants to contribute to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The government emphasises the need to achieve ecological representation and therefore includes quantitative area targets for forests as well as wetlands, lakes and streams and marine areas.
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. The marine aspects of the target was based on a commissioned report from the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. It was adopted by the government in 2014 (M2014/593/Nm), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Milestone target on environmental consideration in forestry: By 2015 the expectations of society on environmental considerations in forestry are clarified and known to the forestry industry so that they can be applied in practice. ()
The Forestry Act requires consideration of the interests of environmental protection and the protection of the cultural environment. This is called “environmental consideration”. Environmental consideration, together with an adaptive mangament and voluntary set-asides, is of crucial importance for several Environmental Quality Objectives related to forests, biological diversity, wetlands, lakes and streams, groundwater and climate change. In addition, when combined with other protective and preservative measures, it contributes to improving the conservation status of certain red-listed species, in particular when combined with measures for green infrastructure. However, the voluntary set-asides in forestry have weaknesses in that they are difficult to track and locate, and their time span is unclear.
There has been a positive development for the environmental concerns within forestry activities since 1993 when the new forest policy was established. Yet, a situation remains in which the range of different forest biotopes has been limited by forestry, hydrology has been negatively affected by earlier draining activities. This is mostly due to the development of large scale forestry in the 1960:s to 1980:s, but to some degree also to current forestry activities. According to the National Board of Forestry, current practices are often adequate in terms of the extent of environmental consideration, but sometimes suboptimal in terms of conservation of biological diversity. The most common shortcomings are related to damage to the ground or soil, water concerns, historical relics and particularly sensitive biotopes. Evaluation of environmental consideration is methodologically complex and relies to some degree on subjective assessments rather than measurable parameters. Currently, the fact that opinions on this matter differs widely among stakeholders and authorities makes it difficult to take legislative measures to improve the situation. Continued and improved dialogue between stakeholders is an important next step.
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2014 (M2014/593/Nm), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Milestone target on varied forestry: Provisions have been clarified so that by 2015 there are good conditions for varied forestry. ()
Forests can be used for many purposes, for example wood or biomass production, recreation, hunting, raindeer herding and tourism. One may speak about multifunctionality and multi-use. In current forestry, clear-cutting is the dominant practice. There is however a number of alternatives to this. A varied forestry can be achieved in many different ways, partly within current clear-cutting practice and partly with alternative methods. The definition of clear-cutting is not precise. Knowledge is limited when it comes to the effect of alternative management practices on production, economy, climate, biological diversity, cultural environment values, forest water etc. This is due to the fact that these practices have been used to a very limited extent during the last 60-70 years. The government has taken a three-year initiative for developing adaptive forest management. A model has been developed that facilitates the testing and evaluation of forest management practices in terms of production as well as environmental aspects. New methods may be developed through a successive learning process. There should not be unnecessary obstacles for certain forestry practices. It is therefore important not to obstruct alternative management practices. At the same time, the Forestry Act stipulates a number of conditions, inter alia with a purpose of securing the land’s wood production potential and of avoiding so-called exploitative forestry. These provisions may need to be reviewed in order to ensure that they do not obstruct management practices that may be in a land-owners interest and that may be suitable in the particular case.
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2014 (M2014/593/Nm), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Milestone target on a dialogue process in a national forestry programme: An open dialogue with stakeholders in forests and their value chain has been established by 1 July 2015. This dialogue covers economic, social and environmental values and aims for forests and their value chain to further contribute to the development towards a sustainable society and a growing bio-based economy. ()
This target was formulated on the basis of a proposal by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives, a parliamentary committee that was tasked with developing strategies and milestone targets for the national Environmental Quality Objectives. It was adopted by the government in 2014 (M2014/593/Nm), following a wide consultation with stakeholders and institutions, including relevant research institutions and authorities. The target was formally included in the NBSAP that was adopted by Parliament in 2014 (Government Bill 2013/14:141 - submitted earlier).
Interim target on methods for urban green spaces and ecosystem services in urban environments: By 2020, municipalities must have access to a refined method for making use of and integrating urban green spaces and ecosystem services in urban environments in the planning, building and managing of cities and towns ()
Urban green spaces include nature areas, parks, trees, tree avenues, shrubberies, hedges, plantations, churchyards, green roofs and walls in urban areas. In addition, certain beaches, water areas, wetlands, watercourses, ditches and stormwater management installations can be counted as urban green spaces.
Urban green spaces constitute an important condition for ecosystem services, such as clean air, noise reduction, stormwater runoff management, conservation of biodiversity and cultural environment heritage, and also offer recreation and health-promoting environments. Urban green environments also help regulate temperature, winds, air quality and moisture, and thereby mitigate the effects of climate change in cities. Cities are particularly sensitive to climate change such as flooding and increased temperatures. Therefore, it is important that spatial planni