Forestry

With more than half of its surface area covered by forest, Sweden has more forest than any other country in Europe. Its forestry industry should be managed in such a manner as to give high and valuable yields while preserving biological diversity.

Policy objectives

Swedish forestry policy has two objectives that are equally important- production and the environment. In brief, this means that forests and forestry land are national assets that should be used efficiently so that they produce high, sustainable yields while preserving biological diversity.

The production objective means that forests and forestry land should be used efficiently and responsibly so as to produce high, sustainable yields. Freedom of action in using the products of forestry should be emphasised.

The environmental objective means that the natural productive capacity of forestry land should be preserved. Biological diversity and genetic variation in forests should be secured. Forests should be managed in a manner that enables plant and animal species naturally belonging to the forests to survive in natural conditions and with viable populations. Threatened species and natural habitats should be protected. The cultural heritage assets of forests and their aesthetic and social values should be safeguarded.

Policy scope

With more than half of its surface area covered by forest, Sweden has more forest than any other country in Europe. Growth in Sweden's forests is more than 100 million cubic metres per year and every year, more than 75 million cubic metres of forest are felled. The growing stock in our forests is thus increasing every year.

The forestry sector, forestry and the forestry industry are of vital importance for the Swedish economy, as producers of timber and other products such as paper and wood products. A substantial portion of Sweden's net export income derives from this sector. Some 100 000 persons are directly employed in the Swedish forestry sector.

A forest policy in line with the times

On 18 March 2008, the Government submitted the bill entitled `A forest policy in line with the times´ to the Riksdag. This bill stresses the role of the forest for the climate, the need for increased growth in forests and improved nature conservation in forest management, as well as the importance of a strong forestry agency.

The Government has established that the foundations of Swedish forest policy, with equally important production and environmental goals, are to remain unchanged. This is a good model that reflects the balance that must always be achieved in order to safeguard the many values of forests.