Press release
08 July 2010
Ministry of the Environment
New objective for outdoor activity policy - the right of common access is the basis of outdoor recreation
The objective of the outdoor activity policy is to support people´s opportunities to spend time in nature and engage in outdoor recreation. The right of common access is the basis for this and nature is to be accessible for all. In addition, it is proposed that The Swedish Association for Outdoor Organisations distribute government grants to outdoor activity organisations. This is made clear in Government Bill 2009/10:238 Future outdoor recreation. The Government also intends to raise the appropriation for support to outdoor activity organisations by SEK 3 million per year in the coming budget.
"Sweden´s forests, lakes, mountains and archipelagos are some of the unique environments providing great opportunities for an active outdoor recreation. The Government wants to promote and strengthen people´s opportunities to take part in outdoor recreation. The right of common access is key and is to be safeguarded even more carefully. Outdoor recreation is positive for both public health and well-being, but it can also contribute to rural development and regional growth," comments Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
When it comes to the right of common access, it is particularly important to make access easier for people with special needs. This is a responsibility for the state, municipalities and outdoor activity organisations. The right of common access is key and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency will be given clearer responsibility to safeguard and promote the right of common access through guidance, dissemination of knowledge, coordination and collaboration with other agencies and associations.
It is also proposed in the Bill that the non-profit organisation The Swedish Association for Outdoor Organisations distribute the government appropriation to outdoor activity organisations. The Swedish Association for Outdoor Organisations is an umbrella organisation with 22 member organisations and two million members. The proposal strengthens the position of outdoor activity organisations and The Swedish Association for Outdoor Organisations has the specialist knowledge needed to conduct this work.
Contact
Lennart BodénPress Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Ruona Burman
Deputy Director
+46 8 405 21 36
