A Strategy for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

1. A Strategy for Biodiversity and Healthy or restored biodiversity is a prerequisite for Ecosystem Services responsible long-term economic development and human prosperity. Analogously, loss of biodiversity The Government’s assessment: The milestone and ecosystem services can lead to major economic targets for biodiversity and ecosystem services costs. Conserving and sustainably utilising that the Government has adopted, together with biodiversity is therefore an investment in prosperity. the initiatives described in this bill, constitute the Government’s overall strategy for biodiversity and The value of ecosystem services needs to be made clear ecosystem services for the period up to 2020. The strategy contributes to achieving several of the The term ‘ecosystem services’ encompasses Swedish environmental quality objectives and the ecosystems’ contribution to human well-being. generational goal. The strategy also contributes Ecosystem services reveal humans’ dependency to achieving the targets in the EU Biodiversity on the natural world and that the diversity of, Strategy to 2020 and those in the Strategic Plan for example, plant and animal species in forests, for Biodiversity 2011–2020, adopted as part of the oceans, lakes, wetlands and other ecosystems Convention on Biological Diversity. supplies humanity with a wide range of utilities. The more visible ecosystem services, such as the Reasons for the Government’s assessment production of food, bioenergy and wood products, affect and are dependent on other ecosystem Work with biodiversity is one of the Government’s priorities services, for example the formation of soil and the regulation of water and nutrients. In addition, one The conservation of biodiversity is a cornerstone single ecosystem can contribute more than one of the Government’s environmental policy. ecosystem service. Biodiversity is a basic prerequisite for the long-term capacity of ecosystems to contribute to human In the Government Bill ‘Sweden’s Environmental well-being. Ecosystem services are a foundation Objectives – For More Effective Environmental on which the Swedish economy and welfare are Action’ (Govt Bill 2009/10:155), the Government built. Both the public and the private sectors are announced that a strategy containing tools to directly or indirectly dependent on the services thatdemonstrate the value of ecosystem services and ecosystems provide. their relevance to different sectors and industries is to be developed. In the same environmental Great progress has been achieved in efforts objective bill, the Government concluded that by involving biodiversity in Sweden. Sweden was the better defining the economic value of ecosystem first country in Europe to establish national parks, services and integrating these values into the over one hundred years ago. In recent decades, economy as a whole, humanity will be better efforts to create nature reserves, contribute to a equipped to utilise ecosystems sustainably and European ecological network and to protect key to increase their capacity in the long term. A biotopes have intensified. The previous interim well-functioning ecosystem, with its functions target of exempting an additional 900 000 hectares preserved, involves a higher degree of certainty in of woodland from forestry production by 2010, terms of the production of necessary ecosystem compared with the level of protection for 1998, has services. An ecosystem in which many species been achieved. New drainage of wetlands has been have vanished is more sensitive to, for example, reduced to a minimum and action programmes for an infestation of parasites and is significantly endangered species have been established. Sweden less resistant to the impact of climate change. now has over 4 000 Natura 2000 areas, 550 of Consideration for biodiversity reinforces which are specifically designated for birds, as well ecosystems’ resilience (i.e. their ability to cope as 66 wetland areas that are protected in accordance with changes and develop further, so that they can with the Ramsar Convention. Sweden’s first marine remain productive and supply ecosystem services). national park, Kosterhavet in Västra Götaland County, was established in 2009. 1. This creates opportunities for the development It is particularly desirable that companies take of the enterprise sector and economies. The into account their dependence on and impact on various functions of forests, such as wood ecosystem services in business plans and strategies products and bioenergy, food, climate regulation, and counteract detrimental effects that harm the pollination, flood protection, ground stability and environment and society. nature experiences, with everything this means to individual people’s quality of life and for tourism, A developed practice is required for how business are ensured through protection and environmental development can take into account the fact that considerations in forestry. natural resources are limited. A more effective use of resources should be possible through better The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) utilisation of the multifunctionality of ecosystems. estimates that around 70 per cent of the species This may involve applying traditional knowledge that constitute important agricultural crops in the about the utilisation of natural resources to world are dependent on insects for pollination, modern problems, as well as acquiring new including common Swedish crops such as rapeseed knowledge based on an awareness of the need and turnip rape. to maintain ecosystem services in the long term. These perspectives can also bring with them new However, studies show a sharp reduction in the business opportunities. Business opportunities number of pollinating insects all over the world. In based on ecosystem services can be found within, parts of the world, natural pollinators have declined for example, agriculture and forestry and the to such an extent that trials involving manual utilisation of the oceans’ resources and within rural pollination have been necessary. development and tourism. The benefits to industry, organisations and authorities of Forward-looking municipalities and government visualising the value of ecosystem services authorities have long been integrating their dependence and impact on ecosystems into their Businesses and their operations constitute an planning and strategies. An increasing number of important basis for economic and environmental municipalities and county administrative boards development. Four of the ten most important are integrating the value of ecosystem services into economic risk factors identified in the World their planning. Economic Forum’s synthesis Global Risks 2014 are associated with a reduced future capacity among Ecosystem services’ values to agriculture and forestry important ecosystem services. The ecosystem services on which agriculture and Businesses’ activities are directly or indirectly forestry are based are food production and wood dependent on several ecosystem services. production. These services are priced according to Businesses can contribute to the preservation of market demand. Several other ecosystem services biodiversity and ecosystem services. Businesses that agriculture and forestry depend on are not can also have a detrimental impact on ecosystems. priced in the same way. Such ecosystems can be Efforts by businesses to contribute to strengthened directly beneficial to agriculture and forestry by ecosystems and to minimise or refrain from ensuring the supply of nutrients, natural pest detrimental activities are important to the control, pollination and resistance to extreme achievement of various biodiversity and ecosystem weather events. Forests are home to a multitude services targets and to making a contribution of mycorrhizal fungi that supply all trees with to the transition to a green economy. The the nutrients and water they require and that also Government’s vision for sustainable enterprise is constitute a major carbon sink. Applying a value to that all businesses have a long-term view of value such ecosystems provides an opportunity to obtain creation and undertake operations that benefit the full benefit of them. sustainable development – economically, socially and environmentally. 2. The value of ecosystem services that benefit outdoor Mechanisms to safeguard ecosystem services recreation need to be developed within many policy areas and sectors of society. Both laws and economic Ecosystems provide opportunities for people to incentives need to be adapted to reflect the value of enjoy outdoor recreational activities. This is an ecosystem services. Educational and informational important general interest. The central government initiatives are also required. All in all, these has a responsibility to create the conditions for mechanisms should contribute to safer and more rich and varied outdoor recreation and to ensure efficient production, more secure welfare and to access and improve the accessibility of the natural improving society’s potential to achieve sustainable and cultural landscape. It is of great importance development. that there are attractive and inspiring natural and cultural environments in all parts of the country, It is very important that the value of ecosystem especially in the proximity of built-up areas. In services is integrated into business intelligence, December 2010, the Riksdag adopted overarching impact analysis, risk assessment and business objectives for the outdoor recreation policy (Govt development; something which is already done by Bill 2009/10:238, bet. 2010/11:KrU3, Riksdag many municipalities, county administrative boards, Comm. 2010/11:37 and 2010/11:38). The outdoor authorities and businesses. recreation policy’s overarching goals are to support people’s opportunities to spend time in nature and Objectives for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services enjoy outdoor recreational activities, with the right of public access being a foundation for outdoor There are objectives for biodiversity and ecosystem recreation. services at various levels – nationally, at the EU level and globally. A short description of the All people are to have the possibility to experience various objectives and how the Government’s nature, for their well-being, social interaction and strategy relates to them is provided here. A more to learn more about the natural world and the detailed description of the objectives and how they environment. The Government has also developed relate to one another is provided in Section 2. ten measurable targets for outdoor recreation. They were reported to the Riksdag in December 2012 in the communication Mål för friluftslivspolitiken National objectives for environmental work [Objectives for the outdoor recreation policy] Sweden was among the first to develop overarching (Comm. 2012/13:51). objectives for the environment. The first environmental quality objectives were adopted by Ecosystem services’ qualitative and quantitative values need the Riksdag as early as 1999. Seven of these have to be ensured a clear focus on biodiversity. These are Flourishing Lakes and Streams, Good-Quality Groundwater, To the greatest possible extent, the value of A Balanced Marine Environment, Flourishing ecosystem services should be defined in both Coastal Areas and Archipelagos, Thriving Wetlands, qualitative and quantitative terms. To the greatest Sustainable Forests, A Varied Agricultural possible extent, the value of ecosystem services Landscape, A Magnificent Mountain Landscape should be defined in both qualitative and and A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. quantitative terms. In order to demonstrate values, it is necessary to identify the ecosystem services The Government decided on five milestone target that are of great importance to different groups with a focus on biodiversity in 2012. These concern in society. The scope of the knowledge that is ecosystem services and resilience, the importance required in order to make well-founded decisions of biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services, is often difficult to estimate in advance. Integration threatened species and habitat types, invasive alien of the value of ecosystem services into decision- species and knowledge about genetic diversity. making processes is therefore best done through a successive learning process. 3. In February 2014, the Government decided on Global objectives (the Aichi Targets) another five milestone targets, which involve a holistic approach to the use of land, the protection A strategic plan for biodiversity was adopted at the of land areas, freshwater areas and marine areas, tenth meeting of the parties to the Convention environmental consideration in forestry, varied on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Nagoya in 2010. forestry and on a dialogue process in a national Sweden was a strong driving force in the work to forestry programme. draw up this plan. In Government Bill ‘Towards a toxin-free everyday The strategic plan’s vision is a world of “living in environment – a platform for chemicals policy’ harmony with nature”, where “by 2050, biodiversity (Govt Bill 2013/14:39), the Government has is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, reported an overall strategy for achieving the maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy environmental quality objective A non-toxic planet and delivering benefits essential for all environment and parts of the generational goal. people”. The intention of the strategic plan is for The strategy consists of the eight milestone effective and prompt action to be taken in order targets for harmful substances decided on by the to halt the loss of biodiversity so that, by 2020, Government and the initiatives that contribute to ecosystems are resilient and can continue providing achieving the milestone targets needed to achieve essential services. This ensures the variation of the objectives. The strategy encompasses all life on this planet and contributes to people’s well- objectives because the initiatives that result from being and to poverty reduction. The strategic plan the milestone targets for hazardous substances contains 20 overarching targets, known as the Aichi also improve the chances of achieving other Targets. environmental quality objectives, including A In its reporting to the Convention on Biological Varied Agricultural Landscape, A Rich Diversity Diversity, Sweden has provided an account of Plant and Animal Life, A Balanced Marine of how it is implementing the convention’s Environment, and Flourishing Coastal Areas and provisions concerning national strategies, plans or Archipelagos. programmes for conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity and concerning the integration EU targets of biodiversity in relevant sectors. The Government has been a driving force The strategy described in Government Bill in encouraging the EU to define its area of ‘Towards a toxin-free everyday environment responsibility in terms of biodiversity and – a platform for chemicals policy’ (Govt Bill ecosystem services. In December 2011, the 2013/14:39) also contributes to achieving the EU’s environment ministers made a decision Aichi target that pollution, including from excess concerning the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not encompassing six targets on the basis of a proposal detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity from the Commission. by 2020 (Aichi Target 8). An important part of the EU strategy is the development of the European ecological network Overall strategy for biodiversity and ecosystem services Natura 2000. It is important that Sweden The Government’s overall strategy for biodiversity contributes with a network that is as complete and ecosystem services consists of the ten as possible, for example by ensuring that all milestone targets for biodiversity and ecosystem areas concerned have adequate and up-to-date services that the Government has decided on and conservation plans. The ongoing implementation the initiatives described in this bill. of the EU Water Framework Directive and the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive are also The ten milestone targets are: of major significance to the biodiversity of lakes, watercourses and oceans. – milestone target on ecosystem services and resilience, 4. – milestone target on importance of biodiversity This applies to both national targets and EU and the value of ecosystem services, and international targets. The preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services needs to be – milestone target on threatened species and integrated through a combination of various habitat types, initiatives such as formal and voluntary protection, management, environmentally adapted use and – milestone target on invasive alien species, restoration. – milestone target on knowledge about genetic diversity, Integrated work is essential – milestone target on a holistic approach to the use If an effective programme of measures that, in of land, combination, leads to achieving the targets at all levels is to be realised, it is essential to work in – milestone target on the protection of land areas, an integrated fashion with the targets and the freshwater areas and marine areas, initiatives required and take these into account in – milestone target on environmental consideration context. The overall strategy for biodiversity and in forestry ecosystems is to be regarded in the light of this. The Government is also working to reinforce the – milestone target on varied forestry, and links to other parts of the environmental policy, as well as those to other policy areas, particularly – milestone target on a dialogue process in a within the fields of the economy, enterprise, national forestry programme. development and culture. The milestone targets are reported in their entirety It is important that the conservation of biodiversity in the section on targets for biodiversity and and ecosystem services takes place in an ecosystem services (Section 2). integrated manner, with initiatives for protection, management, use and restoration. The strategy The strategy contributes to achieving the is important if such an integrated outlook it to generational goal, primarily the environmental have its full impact. The strategy is needed for quality targets Flourishing Lakes and Streams, a comprehensive view in the development of Good-Quality Groundwater, A Balanced Marine environmental considerations within cultivation Environment, Flourishing Coastal Areas and and the voluntary initiatives, as well as the actions Archipelagos, Thriving Wetlands, Sustainable of government authorities. This is so as to achieve Forests, A Varied Agricultural Landscape, A the targets in the most effective ways. This requires Magnificent Mountain Landscape and A Rich significantly more developed forms of cooperation Diversity of Plant and Animal Life. To a varying between the actors concerned; something that the extent, this also concerns Reduced Climate Impact, Government wants to incentivise with the scope of Natural Acidification Only, Zero Eutrophication, the strategy. A Non-Toxic Environment and A Good Built Environment. Work involving biodiversity and ecosystem services cannot take place within the scope of the national The strategy contributes to achieving the goals in perspective alone. Many of the challenges require the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. global initiatives. The Government would like to The strategy contributes to achieving the Aichi use this strategy to set itself out as a role model and Targets, i.e. the global targets in the Strategic Plan inspiration for other countries to implement efforts for Biodiversity 2011–2020 that were adopted in involving biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is Nagoya as part of the Convention on Biological here that Sweden can show how aspects involving Diversity (CBD). In work with the strategy, the both production and the environment can be emphasis is on achieving an effective and integrated combined in a form of cultivation, such as within programme of measures that leads overall to the Swedish forestry. targets for biodiversity and ecosystem services are achieved by 2020. 5. The milestone targets for biodiversity and 2.1.1 The generational goal and its indents ecosystem services that the Government has The structure of the environmental objectives decided on, together with the initiatives described adopted by the Riksdag on the basis of the in this bill, constitute the Government’s overall Government’s proposals in Government Bill strategy for biodiversity and ecosystem services for ‘Sweden’s Environmental Objectives – For the period up to 2020. More Effective Environmental Action’ (Govt Work should be based on an application of the Bill 2009/10:155, bet. 2009/10:MJU25, Riksdag ecosystem approach. This means adopting a Comm. 2009/10:377) includes a generational comprehensive perspective for the conservation goal that, together with its seven indents, has the of natural values and a sustainable utilisation of following wording: natural resources, with the goal being to ensure that The overall goal of environmental policy is to be the use of ecosystems takes place within the limits able to pass on to the next generation a society of those ecosystems. in which the major environmental problems have been solved, without increasing environmental and

2. Objectives for Biodiversity and health problems beyond Sweden’s borders. This Ecosystem Services calls for an ambitious environmental policy - in This section contains an overview of the objectives Sweden, in the EU and in international contexts. relevant to biodiversity and ecosystem services. The generational goal means that the conditions for solving environmental problems are to be met within one generation and that environment policy 2.1 The environmental objectives should be directed towards ensuring that: system The objectives for environmental efforts the – ecosystems have recovered, or are on the way to Government and the Riksdag have adopted and recovery, and their long-term capacity to generate that are included in the national environmental ecosystem services is assured, objectives system are fundamental to the policy’s – biodiversity and the natural and cultural focus on biodiversity and ecosystem services. environment are conserved, promoted and used The environmental objectives system consists sustainably, of a generational goal, sixteen environmental quality objectives and milestone targets for the – human health is subject to a minimum of various areas. In its reporting to the Convention adverse impacts from factors in the environment, on Biological Diversity (CBD), Sweden has at the same time as the positive impact of the provided an account of how it is implementing environment on human health is promoted, the convention’s provisions concerning national strategies, plans or programmes for conservation – materials cycles are resource-efficient and as far and the sustainable use of biodiversity and as possible free from dangerous substances, concerning the integration of biodiversity in – natural resources are managed sustainably, relevant sectors. – the share of renewable energy increases and use The environmental objectives system is unique in of energy is efficient, with minimal impact on the an international context in that it gathers together environment, and the targets for all of the society’s environmental efforts at the local regional and national level. The – patterns of consumption of goods and Government decides on strategies with milestone services cause the least possible problems for the targets, incentives and measures within prioritised environment and human health. areas in which it is assessed that initiatives are urgent and where clear directions are needed (Govt The generational goal functions as a directional Bill 2009/10:155). goal for the environmental policy and provides guidance concerning the values that are to be protected and the societal transformation required to achieve the desired environmental qualities. 6. The time at which achievement is to be assessed A Varied Agricultural Landscape is 2020. The generational goal’s indents apply across all the environmental quality objectives and The value of the farmed landscape and agricultural are intended to ensure that cross-sectoral issues land for biological production and food production are integrated into the environmental objectives must be protected, at the same time as biological system. Therefore, the indents are to constitute diversity and cultural heritage assets are preserved a basis of the work to develop milestone targets and strengthened. and strategies within the environmental objectives system. A Magnificent Mountain Landscape The pristine character of the mountain 2.1.2 Environmental quality objectives of environment must be largely preserved, in terms significance to biodiversity of biological diversity, recreational value, and The following environmental quality objectives are natural and cultural assets. Activities in mountain focused on biodiversity. areas must respect these values and assets, with a view to promoting sustainable development. Flourishing Lakes and Streams Particularly valuable areas must be protected from encroachment and other disturbance. Lakes and watercourses must be ecologically sustainable and their variety of habitats must be A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life preserved. Natural productive capacity, biological diversity, cultural heritage assets and the ecological Biological diversity must be preserved and used and water-conserving function of the landscape sustainably for the benefit of present and future must be preserved, at the same time as recreational generations. Species habitats and ecosystems and assets are safeguarded. their functions and processes must be safeguarded. Species must be able to survive in long-term viable A Balanced Marine Environment, Flourishing Coastal populations with sufficient genetic variation. Areas and Archipelagos Finally, people must have access to a good natural and cultural environment rich in biological diversity, The North Sea and the Baltic Sea must have a as a basis for health, quality of life and well-being. sustainable productive capacity, and biological diversity must be preserved. Coasts and 2.1.3 Milestone targets for biodiversity and archipelagos must be characterised by a high degree ecosystem services of biological diversity and a wealth of recreational, natural and cultural assets. Industry, recreation and The Government’s milestone targets are formulated other utilisation of the seas, coasts and archipelagos against the background of the international targets must be compatible with the promotion of expressed in the CBD’s strategic plan (the Aichi sustainable development. Particularly valuable areas Targets) and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. must be protected against encroachment and other The Government will be considering further disturbance. milestone targets once the All Party Committee on Environmental Objectives has provided its final reports on the strategy for long-term sustainable Thriving Wetlands land use and a strategy for a cohesive and The ecological and water-conserving function of sustainable water policy. wetlands in the landscape must be maintained and The Government has decided on the following ten valuable wetlands preserved for the future. milestone targets with a focus on biodiversity. The first five were decided on in 2012 and the others on Sustainable Forests 27 February 2014. The value of forests and forest land for biological production must be protected, at the same time as biological diversity and cultural heritage and recreational assets are safeguarded. 7. Milestone target on ecosystem services and resilience Milestone target on the protection of land areas, freshwater areas and marine areas The milestone target regarding ecosystem services and resilience means that important ecosystem The milestone target on the protection of land services and factors that affect their maintenance areas, freshwater areas and marine areas is that at are to be identified and systematised by 2013. least 20 per cent of Sweden’s land and freshwater areas, and 10 per cent of Sweden’s marine areas, Milestone target on the importance of biodiversity and the by 2020 contribute to achieving national and value of ecosystem services international biodiversity targets. This will take place through protection or other conservation The milestone target regarding the importance in areas of particular importance to biodiversity of biodiversity and the value of ecosystem or ecosystem services. This conservation will services means that, by 2018, the importance of take place with ecologically representative and biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services well-connected systems, which include reserves, are to be generally known and integrated into other effective area-based protective measures or economic positions, political considerations and environmentally sound usage. These systems are to other decisions in society where it is relevant and be well integrated in the surrounding landscape and reasonable to do so. managed in an efficient and inclusive way. Between 2012 and 2020, at least 1 142 000 additional Milestone target on threatened species and habitat types hectares are to be protected as follows: The milestone target regarding threatened species - High nature value forests are to be protected from and habitat types means that action plans to tree-felling. This will take place through an increase achieve favourable conservation status for those in formally protected forest land of approximately threatened species and habitat types that cannot 150 000 hectares of high nature value forests in be safeguarded through ongoing measures for need of formal protection below the montane sustainable use of land and water and existing site forest zone. protection are to be implemented, or in the process - Voluntary set-asides by the forestry industry of being implemented, by 2015. should have increased by approximately 200 000 Milestone target on invasive alien species hectares to a total of 1 450 000 hectares of forest land in areas that are, or may develop into, high The milestone target regarding invasive alien nature value areas. species means that the impact of invasive alien species in Sweden as regards biodiversity, and their - The formal protection of wetlands has increased socio-economic impact on health etc., are to be by 210 000 hectares as a result of mires (natural assessed and prioritised measures to control them peatlands) of high nature value being protected are to be initiated by 2015. under the ‘National mire protection plan. - The formal protection of lakes and watercourses Milestone target on knowledge about genetic diversity has increased by at least 12 000 hectares. The milestone target regarding knowledge - The formal protection of marine areas has about genetic diversity means that mapping and increased by at least 570 000 hectares. monitoring of genetic diversity are to be initiated by 2015. - The ecological connections have been strengthened so that protected areas and areas Milestone target on a holistic approach to the use of land and biotopes conserved in other ways are well connected and integrated in the landscape, The milestone target on a holistic approach to including the marine environment. the use of land is that coordination in central government administration has been strengthened by 2016 so that the holistic approach to the use of land has increased. 8. Milestone target on environmental consideration in forestry In December 2010, the Riksdag adopted an overall objective for the outdoor recreation policy (Govt The milestone target on environmental Bill 2009/10:238, bet. 2010/11:KrU3, Riksdag consideration in forestry is that by 2015 the Comm. 2010/11:37 and 2010/11:38). The outdoor expectations of society on environmental recreation policy’s overall objective is to support considerations in forestry are clarified and known people’s opportunities to spend time in nature and to the forestry industry so that they can be applied enjoy outdoor recreational activities, with the right in practice. of public access being a foundation of outdoor recreation. All people are to have the possibility Milestone target on varied forestry to experience nature, for their well-being, social interaction and to learn more about the natural The milestone target on varied forestry is that world and the environment. provisions have been clarified so that by 2015 there are good conditions for varied forestry. Measurable objectives for outdoor recreation have been drawn up as part of the Government’s Milestone target on a dialogue process in a national forestry efforts to develop the outdoor recreation policy. programme They were reported to the Riksdag in December 2012 in the communication Mål för friluftslivspolitiken The milestone target on a dialogue process in [Objectives for outdoor recreation policy] (Comm. a national forestry programme is that an open 2012/13:51). These objectives are of great dialogue with stakeholders in forests and their value significance to achieving the milestone targets chain has been established by 1 July 2015. This concerning the importance of biodiversity and dialogue covers economic, social and environmental the value of ecosystem services. The outdoor values and aims for forests and their value chain recreation policy is specified in ten objectives to further contribute to the development towards that encompass, among other things, access to a sustainable society and a growing bio-based nature, consideration for the needs of outdoor economy. recreation when land is used for other purposes, rural development and the significance of outdoor 2.2 The outdoor recreation policy’s recreation to public health. objectives A number of clarifications are made in order to Outdoor recreation is a general interest. Central support the implementation and follow-up of the government has a responsibility to create the outdoor recreation objectives. The meaning of conditions for rich and varied outdoor recreation the objectives is made more explicit through these and to ensure access to and the accessibility of clarifications. The clarifications also constitute a nature. It is important that there are attractive and basis of not only measurability and follow-up, but inspiring natural and cultural environments in all also of future efforts to develop outdoor recreation parts of the country, especially in the proximity of policy. Many of the environmental quality built-up areas. Outdoor recreation also has a major objectives also have clarifications that relate to significance to society as a whole, primarily for outdoor recreation. The most important factors for sustainable regional growth, rural development and the functioning of the ecosystem service outdoor improved public health. recreation are access to nature for all and accessible natural environments for outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation and recreation, tourism, aesthetic values, spiritual welfare, cultural heritage, The ten measurable objectives for outdoor opportunities for education and research and recreation are: inspiration for art, literature and music are examples of cultural ecosystem services. • accessible natural environments for all, • strong engagement and collaboration, in which personal and voluntary engagement are central, • right of public access as the foundation of outdoor recreation, 9. • access to natural environments for outdoor • a comprehensive perspective on landscape recreation, management in which cultural heritage is utilised in the development of society. • attractive natural environments for outdoor recreation close to built-up areas, 2.4 The EU biodiversity targets • outdoor recreation that contributes to sustainable rural development and regional growth, EU legislation • protected areas as a resource for outdoor The two EU nature directives, encompassing recreation, the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council • rich outdoor recreation in schools, of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds) and the Habitats Directive (Council • creation of conditions in which people are able Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the undertake regular physical activity in the natural conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and cultural landscape, and and flora) are important pieces of EU legislation in relation to work with biodiversity. The Birds • good knowledge about outdoor recreation. Directive contains rules protecting all bird species that occur naturally within the EU. The Habitats 2.3 Objectives for work involving the Directive aims to ensure biodiversity through the cultural environment conservation of habitats and species. Both of The biodiversity of today is largely the result of these directives order member states to designate the historical use and traditional cultivation of the Natura 2000 areas. The directives are implemented landscape. As these types of cultural environments in Swedish law through previsions including disappear, so do the prerequisites for the survival those in the Environmental Code, the Hunting of the species that live in these environments. Act (1987:259), the Ordinance (1998:1252) on Consequently, promoting the conservation of area protection pursuant to the Environmental cultural environments and knowledge of these Code etc. and the Species Protection Ordinance is important if it is to be possible to achieve the (2007:845). targets for biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive Aspects relating to the cultural environment (Directive 2008/56/EC of the European are therefore present in a large number of the Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 environment quality objectives. establishing a framework for community action in On 13 June 2013, the Riksdag adopted national the field of marine environmental policy) and the objectives for work involving the cultural Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/ environment (bet. 2012/13:KrU9, Riksdag EC of the European Parliament and of the Council Comm. 2012/13:273). The objectives mean that of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for central government work involving the cultural Community action in the field of water policy) are environment is to promote: important pieces of EU legislation in the areas of the oceans and fresh water. • a sustainable society with a great diversity of cultural heritage sites that are preserved, used and Both of these directives require member states developed, to set and implement actions plans in order to achieve the directives’ objectives. The Marine • people’s participation in cultural heritage Strategy Framework Directive is implemented management and opportunities for them to in Swedish legislation principally in the Marine understand and take responsibility for cultural Environmental Ordinance (2010:1341) and the heritage, Water Framework Directive is implemented in Chapter 5 of the Environmental Code, the Water • an inclusive society in which cultural heritage Quality Management Ordinance (2004:660) and is a shared source of knowledge, education and the Ordinance (2007:825) with Instructions for the experiences, and County Administrative Board. 10. One further important piece of EU legislation Target 2 – Maintain and restore ecosystems and is Regulation No 1380/2013 of the European their services Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy. The aim The second EU target is to maintain and restore of this is the conservation of marine biological ecosystems and their services. The emphasis in resources and the management of fishing. The work involving this target is partly on making the Common Fisheries Policy has to ensure that value of ecosystems clear and partly on developing fishing and aquaculture contribute to long-term a strategy for green infrastructure. environmental, economic and social sustainability. This target is closest to Aichi Target 14, i.e. that The regulation stipulates that sustainable use of ecosystem services are safeguarded and restored by marine biological resources should be based on 2020, and Aichi Target 15, i.e. that the resilience of the precautionary approach and ecosystem-based ecosystems has been enhanced. approach to fisheries management. This is so as to minimise the negative impact of fisheries on Target 3 – Increasing the contribution of marine ecosystems. Fisheries management is to agriculture and forestry to maintaining and endeavour to ensure that fishing and aquaculture enhancing biodiversity do not lead to a deterioration of the marine environment. The third EU target is to increase the contribution of agriculture and forestry to the maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. The Common Agricultural The EU strategy Policy is of major significance to this target. The The European Commission has chosen to draw European Council considers that the EU’s common up a specific strategy in order to contribute to programme for genetic resources in agriculture the implementation of the strategic plan decided (Council Regulation [EC] No 870/2004) can make on within the Convention on Biological Diversity a valuable contribution to meeting this target. The (CBD). In December 2011, the EU’s environment council conclusions also challenge member states ministers made a decision concerning the Strategy to work for the conservation of protected species for Biodiversity to 2020 (Council of the European and habitats within forestry. Union 18862/11) through council conclusions based on the Commission’s proposals. The strategy This target ties in to Aichi Target 7 concerning the contains six EU targets. The Swedish Government sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity was a driving force behind the strategy and Swedish within agriculture, aquaculture and forestry. Aichi authorities are participating actively in several of Target 13, which encompasses the conservation the cooperation groups that have been established of genetic diversity, particularly that of cultivated in order to implement the strategy. There follows a plants and domesticated animals, is also touched on description of how the EU targets conform to the in the strategy. Aichi Targets and references to relevant parts of Target 4 – Ensure the sustainable use of fisheries the Government Bill. resources Target 1 – Fully implement the Birds Directive and The fourth target is to ensure the sustainable use Habitats Directive of fisheries resources. The first EU target is the full implementation of To meet this target, the European Council refers the Birds Directive and Habitats Directive. This to the Common Fisheries Policy for an effective involves the ecological network Natura 2000 being implementation of the ecosystem approach. The completed and conservation plans for these areas Council also refers to the implementation of the being developed. Birds Directive, the Habitats Directive and the This target refers to Aichi Target 5, i.e. halving the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. loss of habitat, and Aichi Target 12, i.e. preventing This target is consistent with Aichi Target 6 the extinction of threatened species. concerning sustainable fisheries. Target 5 – Combat invasive alien species 11. The fifth target is to combat invasive alien species. The Government is working to ensure that the The council conclusions draw attention to the need sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystem for proposals for a new plant protection regulation services receives a prominent place in the new and a regulation concerning invasive alien species. agenda. Member states are encouraged to ratify the Ballast Water Management Convention. The Convention on Biological Diversity This target contributes to meeting Aichi Target 9 The international objectives for biodiversity and concerning invasive alien species. ecosystem services are reported in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity that were adopted at the Target 6 – Help avert global biodiversity loss meeting of the parties to the Convention on The sixth target is to help avert global biodiversity Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Nagoya in 2010. loss. This target involves the EU’s international The strategic plan applies until 2020 and describes efforts for biodiversity, primarily within the six strategic goals and 20 targets (the Aichi Targets). Convention on Biological Diversity.

3. Sweden’s Role in International The target is consistent with Aichi Target 3 concerning the phasing out of subsidies that Cooperation are harmful to biodiversity and Aichi Target The Government’s assessment: In future, 4 concerning sustainable production and Sweden should continue to have a high level consumption. Furthermore, this target is consistent of ambition in work involving biodiversity and with Aichi Target 13 concerning the conservation ecosystem services, both internationally and of genetic variation and Aichi Target 16 concerning within the EU. Ecosystem services should play a the entry into force of the Nagoya Protocol on central role in future cooperation for sustainable Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and development. As ecosystems in Sweden interact Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their with ecosystems in other countries and organisms Utilisation. Finally, the target is consistent with move naturally across national boundaries, it is vital Aichi Target 20 concerning the mobilisation of that the work in Sweden is coordinated with the resources for implementing the strategic plan corresponding processes in other countries. adopted by the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. 4. The Importance of Biodiversity and the Value of Ecosystem Services 2.5 International biodiversity targets 4.1 Objectives New international targets for sustainable development The initiatives described in this section aim to The global agenda for development and meet the milestone target on the importance of sustainability demonstrates the need for reinforcing biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services. the links between poverty reduction and a use of The initiatives are supported, for example by natural resources that does not harm the long-term initiatives that have been enacted in order to function of ecosystems. achieve the milestone target on ecosystems and resilience. Humanity’s opportunities to use ecosystem services in the form of, for example, clean water In 2012, the milestone target on ecosystem and for agriculture and forestry, are central to services and resilience led to the Government the eradication of extreme poverty. The UN commissioning the Swedish Environmental Sustainable Development Goals that succeed the Protection Agency to produce a compilation eight UN Millennium Development Goals in 2015 concerning important ecosystems and ecosystem will apply to all countries and will thus also have services. an impact on domestic environmental efforts in Sweden. 12. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s A strategy of this type is presented here. The report Sammanställd information om ekosystemtjänster strategy consists of the milestone target on [Compilation of information concerning ecosystem services and resilience, the milestone ecosystem services] (Government Offices’ ref. target on the importance of biodiversity and the no M2012/1507/Nm) constitutes an important value of ecosystem services, and the specifications basis for future efforts to achieve the milestone to the environmental quality objectives that target concerning the importance of biodiversity were decided on in 2012 and that relate to the and the value of ecosystem services. The maintenance of ecosystem services. report’s classification of ecosystem services into provisioning, regulating, supportive and cultural The same Government Bill also announces a services should serve as the basis for authorities’ commission for the Swedish Environmental efforts to achieve the milestone target on the Protection Agency to draw up a strategy, in importance of biodiversity and the value of consultation with the Swedish National Heritage ecosystem services. Board and other authorities concerned, for how biological cultural heritage can be managed so The milestone target on ecosystem services and that important natural and cultural values are resilience means that that important ecosystem preserved. Biological cultural heritage has been services and factors that affect their maintenance shaped by human use through various forms of are to be identified and systematised by 2013. As cultivation and is a part of overall biodiversity. This there is a lack of data for making a final assessment cultural heritage includes both various claimed of whether the milestone target has been achieved, habitats and domesticated plant and animal species. the Government intends to report back with such Biological cultural heritage should be managed an assessment in conjunction with the annual collectively with the policy for ecosystem services follow-up of the environmental quality objectives. in accordance with what is stated in relevant parts herein. Accordingly, no separate strategy is required The initiatives for achieving the milestone target in this area. on the importance of biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services also contribute towards 4.2 Initiatives meeting the Aichi Targets concerning awareness of biodiversity, integration of values, transformation 4.2.1 Ecosystem services in environmental of incentives, safeguarding ecosystem services, accounts and indicators for sustainable enhancing ecosystems’ resilience, traditional development knowledge, improved knowledge, and financial resources (Aichi Targets 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 18, 19 and The Government’s assessment: Statistics Sweden 20). The initiatives also contribute to achieving the should be tasked with analysing which parts of common EU targets of maintaining and restoring the official statistics can be compiled in order to ecosystems and their services and helping to avert meet the need for data on ecosystem services for the loss of global biodiversity (EU Targets 2 and 6). environmental accounts, sustainability indicators and following up the environmental quality In the Government Bill ‘Sweden’s Environmental objectives. Objectives – For More Effective Environmental Action’, the Government announced that a strategy Statistics Sweden should continue to participate containing tools to demonstrate the value of in international cooperation in order to develop ecosystem services and their relevance to different relevant indicators for sustainable development. sectors and industries is to be developed (Govt In the long term, it should be possible to report Bill 2009/10:155, bet. 2009/10:MJU25, Riksdag available sustainability indicators in conjunction Comm. 2009/10:377). with the data on which fiscal policy decisions are based in order to clearly set out the links between economic, social and environmental sustainability. 13. 4.2.2 Greater knowledge in central 4.2.4 Guidance and support for government authorities municipalities The Government’s assessment: Knowledge of The Government’s assessment: Municipalities the value of ecosystem services that is produced in should be provided with guidance and support efforts to achieve the milestone target concerning for capacity building concerning the management the importance of biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services, e.g. social values of natural of ecosystem services should be collected and environments near urban areas and for physical made available through the follow-up of the planning when applying Chapter 2 of the Planning environmental quality objectives. This provides and Building Act and Chapters 3 and 4 of the a basis for the design of several of the measures Environmental Code. The Government intends required in order to achieve the milestone target. to monitor the application of the ordinance It also contributes to providing the opportunity concerning central government grants to local to undertake a more detailed analysis of policy nature conservation projects so as to take action options for sustainable production of ecosystem when necessary to facilitate the co-financing of services in conjunction with the follow-up and municipal work with ecosystem services. evaluation of the milestone target. 4.2.5 Current legislation The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency should be tasked with drawing up, in consultation The Government’s assessment: Integration of with the authorities most closely affected, a the significance of biodiversity and the value of guide for central government authorities’ work ecosystem services into decision-making processes on ecosystem services assessments. Consultation is in line with the legislation already in force. In should also take place with all authorities that have conjunction with a review being conducted of responsibilities in the environmental objectives acts and ordinances that govern the use of land system. Swedish authorities should continue to and water, it should, when relevant, be continually actively support and participate in international made clear whether the provisions facilitate cooperation concerning the development of a comprehensive perspective on ecosystems’ methods and research into ecosystem services functions and a use of important ecosystems that is assessments. sustainable in the long term. 4.2.3 Guidance for county administrative 4.2.6 Economic incentives boards The Government’s assessment: The design of The Government’s assessment: County the economic incentives that have a direct impact administrative boards should be provided with on biodiversity and ecosystem services should guidance concerning how to better take into be reviewed in the light of increased knowledge account ecosystem services in their work relating to about the value of ecosystem services. Suitable municipalities and regional planning bodies within changes to these should be made with the aim the scope of physical planning and action plans for of cost-effectively achieving the environmental green infrastructure. quality objectives concerned and contributing to developing the polluter pays principle. This guidance should also encompass how biological cultural heritage can be managed so that In conjunction with reviews or evaluations of the important natural and cultural values are preserved. Swedish implementation of systems of support and compensation for agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, it should be made clear how this support and compensation already supports important ecosystem services or can do so to a greater degree. 14. Knowledge about the cost-effectiveness of 4.2.10 Public procurement with an various forms of support and compensation to ecosystem services perspective contributing to the fulfilment of the environmental The Government’s assessment: The quality objectives needs to be improved. At the EU Government expects that an increase in knowledge level, the Government intends to work towards a about the value of ecosystem services will transfer of funds from direct support to agriculture contribute to providing more opportunities to to support and compensation through the rural consider the effects of public procurement on programme within the scope of a reduced total ecosystem services, when the type of procurement agriculture budget. justifies this. In such cases, knowledge about the costs and effects of the procurement when 4.2.7 Communication initiatives ecosystem services are affected can be improved The Government’s assessment: A national so that the development of tools and calculation coordinator for ecosystem services should be methods to support such consideration can be appointed, with a fixed-term commission to work contemplated. towards improved expertise and an increased knowledge about biodiversity and ecosystem 5. Intensified Initiatives for Species services among industry, municipalities and relevant authorities in Sweden. Furthermore, the Swedish 5.1 Objectives Environmental Protection Agency should be tasked with implementing a communications effort The initiatives described in this section aim to meet about ecosystem services in partnership with the the milestone target concerning endangered species coordinator for ecosystem services and authorities and habitats. These initiatives also contribute to concerned. achieving the Aichi Targets concerning halting the loss of habitats and species (Aichi Targets 5 and 12) and also to the common EU target of fully 4.2.8 Innovations for ecosystem service- implementing the Birds Directive and Habitats based solutions and products Directive (EU Target 1). The Government’s assessment: Innovations in the form of new products and services and 5.2 Initiatives business and administration models can make an important contribution to sustainable utilisation 5.2.1 Action plans for endangered species of biodiversity and ecosystems’ resources. The Government’s assessment: Achieving Development of ecosystem services is relevant to a the milestone target concerning endangered large number of sectors and knowledge about the species and habitats is important to safeguarding multifunctionality of ecosystems should continue biodiversity. The Government therefore intends to be integrated into innovation initiatives when to carefully monitor authorities’ work with action relevant. plans and take action when necessary so that the milestone target is achieved. 4.2.9 Information for consumers and investors 5.2.2 Protection of species The Government’s assessment: With increased The Government’s assessment: A special knowledge about the value of ecosystem services, commission of inquiry should be tasked with certification systems and investment decisions will reviewing the Species Protection Ordinance increasingly report their impact on biodiversity and and related regulations in the field of species ecosystem services. protection. 15. The aim of this commission should be to follow 7. Genetic Diversity up a general review of the provisions in this area by proposing, on the one hand, easily understandable 7.1 Objectives and integrated species protection legislation and, The initiatives described in this section aim to on the other, individual provisions that better take meet the milestone target concerning genetic into account national and international interests diversity. These initiatives contribute to achieving in this area that are well suited to their practical the Aichi Targets concerning maintaining the application. genetic diversity of cultivated and domesticated Efforts to combat species protection offences need species and concerning improved knowledge (Aichi to be reinforced. Affected authorities should be Targets 13 and 19) and also to the common EU tasked with reporting measures that aim to prevent targets concerning increasing the contribution of offences and with strengthening, coordinating, and agriculture and forestry to the maintenance and collaborating on efforts to tackle species protection restoration of biodiversity and contributing to offences. Authorities should also draw up an action halting the loss of global biodiversity (EU Targets plan in order to improve regulatory compliance 3 and 6). and supervision in matters concerning species that are listed in the appendices to the Convention on 7.2 Initiatives International Trade in Endangered Species. The Government’s assessment: The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management,

6. Invasive Alien Species Swedish Board of Agriculture, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and Swedish 6.1 Objectives Forest Agency should be given a commission to The initiatives described in this section aim to collaborate on the charting and monitoring of meet the milestone target concerning invasive alien genetic diversity among wild and domesticated species. These initiatives contribute to achieving plants and animals. the Aichi Target concerning invasive alien species (Aichi Target 9) and also to the common EU target 8. Coordination for a more concerning combating invasive alien species (EU comprehensive view of land and Target 5). water use 6.2 Initiatives 8.1 Objectives The Government’s assessment: Work with The initiatives described in this section aim to meet invasive alien species should be intensified in the milestone target concerning a comprehensive the light of, on the one hand, the major damage view of land use. These initiatives contribute to such species can inflict and, on the other, the achieving the Aichi Targets concerning sustainable EU legislation in this area. There needs to be an agriculture, forestry and aquaculture and effective organisation for undertaking initiatives concerning safeguarding ecosystem services (Aichi to prevent the introduction, spread and negative Targets 7 and 14) and also to the common EU impact of invasive alien species. targets concerning the maintenance and restoration of ecosystems and their services and increasing the contribution of agriculture and forestry to the maintenance and restoration of biodiversity (EU Targets 2 and 3). 16. 8.2 Initiatives national and international targets for biodiversity by 2020. This is to be done through protection or The Government’s assessment: A special other forms of conservation of areas that are of commission of inquiry is being appointed with the particular significance to biodiversity and ecosystem task of investigating how enhanced coordination services. This conservation is to take place using can be achieved in the central government ecologically representative and well-linked systems administration with the aim of obtaining a more that include reserves, other effective area-based comprehensive view of land and water use. protective measures or environmentally adapted use. These systems are to be thoroughly integrated

9. Protection and conservation of into the surrounding landscape and managed in an areas of natural areas efficient and inclusive way. 9.1 Objectives The Government should task the authorities concerned with developing the collection, The initiatives described in this section aim to meet compilation, accounting and reporting of statistics the milestone target concerning protection of covering the protection of land and water areas in areas of land, fresh water areas and marine areas. Sweden. The relevant authorities should also be These initiatives contribute to achieving the Aichi tasked with conducting a detailed analysis of how Targets concerning halting the loss of habitats, ecologically representative the Swedish protection sustainable agriculture, forestry and aquaculture, of land and fresh water areas is, and how this can protection of nature and enhancing the resilience be enhanced through the initiatives described in of ecosystems (Aichi Targets 5, 7, 11 and 15) this bill. and also to the common EU targets concerning the full implementation of the Birds Directive 9.2.2 Green infrastructure and Habitats Directives and the maintenance and restoration of ecosystems and their services (EU The Government’s assessment: Regional Targets 1 and 2). In addition to these initiatives, action plans for green infrastructure should be the interaction between biotope protection and drawn up in partnerships between the landscape an active agricultural sector. Improved conditions actors concerned, for example landowners, users, for a healthy agricultural sector promote the authorities, non-profit organisations and other conservation of the cultivated landscape’s relevant bodies at the local and regional level. biodiversity. The initiative described contributes to The aim of these plans is to identify natural areas, achieving the Aichi Target concerning sustainable biotopes, structures and elements of the landscape agriculture, forestry and aquaculture and also the that create an ecological context in the landscape common EU target concerning increasing the and constitute the prerequisites for conserving the contribution of agriculture and forestry to the landscape’s biodiversity and promoting ecosystem maintenance and restoration of biodiversity (EU services. Targets 3). Existing instruments, information and voluntary initiatives are important foundations for this 9.2 Initiatives conservation effort. The action plans are to be based on geographical information in which the 9.2.1 Ecologically representative protection parts included are classified and needs analysed The Government’s assessment: Sweden with respect to suitable cultivation methods, should live up to the milestone target concerning management, protection, conservation or protection of areas of land, fresh water areas and restoration. This work should be initiated in 2014 marine areas that at least 20 per cent of Sweden’s and be completed in large parts of the country in land and fresh water areas and 10 per cent of 2017. Sweden’s marine areas contribute to fulfilling 17. 9.2.3 Natura 2000 10.2 Initiatives The Government’s assessment: The Swedish 10.2.1 Dialogue concerning environmental parts of the European ecological network Natura considerations in forestry 2000 should be complete. Remaining transfers to the special conservation areas should be completed The Government’s assessment: The Swedish by the end of 2016 and all affected areas should Forest Agency has the task of reporting annually have updated conservation plans. on how the results of the project Dialog om miljöhänsyn [Dialogue concerning environmental 9.2.4 The interaction between biotope considerations] is implemented with the agency’s protection and agriculture follow-up efforts and within the environmental considerations of forestry. The Government’s proposal: When a question regarding exemption from biotope protection 10.2.2 Plan for more effective supervision concerns implementing a measure that facilitates agriculture within a generally protected biotope The Government’s assessment: The Swedish protection area, specific grounds for this exemption Forest Agency should draw up a plan for will be considered to exist if supervision in accordance with the forestry legislation. – the measure is required in order to develop or retain active cultivation of agricultural land, and 10.2.3 Greater flexibility in the choice of supervisory measures – the aim of the biotope protection programme can still be provided for while taking into account The Government’s proposal: When conducting the occurrence of the same type of biotope supervision in accordance with the Forestry Act, protection area or with consideration for the the Swedish Forest Agency may issue an injunction natural values of the protected biotope protection or prohibition without first having issued advice area the exemptions applies to and the natural that is not complied with. values the biotope protection area contributes to in the landscape. 10.2.4 Voluntary environmental initiatives The Government’s assessment: If the

10. Environmental Considerations in environment policy and forestry policy objectives Forestry for forestry are to be achieved, it is vital that there are voluntary initiatives. Initiatives financed by 10.1 Objectives central government should focus on stimulating The initiatives described in this section aim and encouraging voluntary initiatives, for example to meet the milestone target concerning through the provision of advice. environmental considerations in forestry. These initiatives contribute to achieving the Aichi 10.2.5 Other environmental measures Targets concerning halting the loss of habitats The Government’s assessment: Quality- and concerning sustainable agriculture, forestry assured data is significant to enabling forestry and aquaculture (Aichi Targets 5 and 7) and also planning to contribute to taking good account to the common EU targets concerning the full of environmental considerations. There needs implementation of the Birds Directive and Habitats to be an evaluation of economic support to the Directives and increasing the contribution of development of natural and cultural environmental agriculture and forestry to the maintenance and values in woodlands. restoration of biodiversity (EU Targets 1 and 3). 18. 10.2.6 Social values in forestry 12. A National Forest Programme The Government’s assessment: The authority granted by Section 30 of the Forestry Act to 12.1 Objectives the Government or the authority appointed by The objective of a national forest programme is, as the Government to issue regulations concerning a whole, broader than a milestone target and should the considerations that are to be given to also be of significance to several policy areas other environmental protection and the protection of than forestry policy. the cultural environment in the management of woodlands also encompasses consideration of The initiatives described in this section aims, social values. The provision does not need to be for example, to meeting the milestone target changed in order to make this clear. concerning a process of dialogue in a national forest programme. The initiative described contributes to achieving the Aichi Target

11. Forestry Rich in Variation concerning sustainable agriculture, forestry and 11.1 Objectives aquaculture (Aichi Target 7) and also the common EU target concerning increasing the contribution The initiatives described in this section aim to of agriculture and forestry to the maintenance and meet the milestone target concerning forestry restoration of biodiversity (EU Targets 3). that is rich in variation (see section 4.1.2). These initiatives contribute to achieving the Aichi 12.2 Initiatives Targets concerning halting the loss of habitats and concerning sustainable agriculture, forestry The Government’s assessment: Sweden and aquaculture (Aichi Targets 5 and 7) and also should develop a national forest programme to the common EU targets concerning increasing that encompasses the economic, social and the contribution of agriculture and forestry to the environmental values of the forests, so that they maintenance and restoration of biodiversity (EU and their value chain can contribute further to the Target 3). development towards a sustainable society and a growing bio-based economy. An important aspect 11.2 Initiatives of the work on a national forest programme is providing forums and forms of dialogue and 11.2.1 Forms of forest management collaboration that can provide a more collective vision of forests’ role in society and provide the The Government’s proposal: The potential for opportunity to create a comprehensive long-term the Swedish Forest Agency to issue exemptions strategic direction for the sustainable use and in individual cases from the provision concerning conservation of forests. allowed forms of logging in order to conserve or develop natural or cultural environmental values is replaced by the Government or the authority 13. Marine Biodiversity appointed by the Government being authorised to issue regulations concerning such exemptions. 13.1 Objectives The initiatives described in this section primarily The Government’s assessment: The Swedish aim to achieve the environmental quality objectives Forest Agency’s regulations and general advice A Balanced Marine Environment, Flourishing concerning the application of the regeneration and Coastal Areas and Archipelagos, but also Zero logging provisions in the Forestry Act should be Eutrophication. reviewed in order to ensure they do not impair or prevent various forms of forest management that a landowner is interested in and that may be suitable in the individual case. 19. These initiatives contribute to achieving the Aichi 14.2 Initiatives Targets concerning halting the loss of habitats, sustainable fisheries and the protection or marine 14.2.1 Research into ecosystem services and areas (Aichi Targets 5, 6 and 11) and also to the learning processes common EU targets concerning the maintenance The Government’s assessment: The research and restoration of ecosystems and their services council Formas should be given the task of and ensuring that fisheries are sustainable (EU conducting an analysis in consultation with the Targets 2 and 4). Swedish Environmental Protection Agency concerning how research into biodiversity and 13.2 Initiatives ecosystem services can be supported. This analysis The Government’s assessment: A continued should encompass what is currently known concrete programme of measures is necessary about ecological links, the effects of economic in order to maintain the marine and coastal incentives, methods of valuing ecosystem services biodiversity, cultural environments, ecosystem and learning processes in the management of services and sustainable long-term productive ecosystem services. capacity and to ensure the achievement of a good environmental status in accordance with 14.2.2 Environmental monitoring the requirements in the EU Water Framework The Government’s assessment: There is a Directive and Marine Strategy Framework need for more effective and robust environmental Directive. Measures need to be implemented at the monitoring of the sea, surface water and ground international, national, regional and local level. The water. Environmental monitoring of sea birds use of marine resources through business activities, should also be strengthened. recreation or other forms of use should take place in a way that is sustainable in the long term and that does not threaten the marine biodiversity. 15. Ecosystem Services and the The protections of marine areas need to be Climate strengthened. Knowledge about marine ecosystems The Government’s assessment: Land use that and the distribution of marine habitats should be is sustainable in the long term should contribute developed. to complying with international undertakings and achieving the vision that by 2050 Sweden has no

14. Research and Environmental net greenhouse gas emissions. The ability of forests Monitoring and woodland to take up and sequester carbon dioxide is significant to efforts to halt climate 14.1 Objectives change and is a prerequisite for a future increase in the sustainable production of bioenergy and The initiatives described in this section aim to climate-smart materials. It is also important to meet the milestone target on the importance of safeguard the capacity of wetlands and peat bogs biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services to sequester and store carbon and their function in and also to make environmental monitoring terms of water regulation. Drained wetlands and and the follow-up of the environmental quality peat bogs should be restored to resilient ecosystems objectives more effective and fit for purpose. These where appropriate. initiatives contribute to achieving the Aichi Targets concerning traditional knowledge and improved Climate change will have a far-reaching impact knowledge (Aichi Targets 18 and 19). on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Government intends to task the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency with investigating how national efforts involving biodiversity can be developed, with the aim of dealing strategically with the effects of an altered climate on biodiversity. 20.