EU Biodiversity strategy

To report on progress to the EU 2020 biodiversity strategy, the European Commission extracted relevant information from the EU Member States’ 5^th national reports to the CBD. Of the 5 countries which had not finalized their national reports at the time of the synthesis (26^th of August 2015), Greece, Malta, Portugal and Lithuania provided information to be included in the synthesis.

The 5^th national reports were examined, and relevant information on selected actions under Targets 1-6 of the EU biodiversity strategy was directly copied. Thus, the information presented here is in the original language and wording of the 5^th national reports.

The focus was on information that is particular to the respective Member State rather than referencing EU wide information. In addition, only information that is not directly reported to the European Commission by Member States was retrieved from the reports. Each Member State had the opportunity to review the synthesis of its report and to provide additional input. For more information, please view here. The 5^th national report for Sweden can be downloaded here.

EU target 1

Fully implement the Birds and Habitats Directives

(Please note that information from Member States in relation to Action 1a is supplied to the European Commission via other reports. To avoid duplication of reporting, information relating to Action 1a has not been included in this report)

Action 1b: Natura 2000 (and other protected areas)

A report presented in 2012 contained an overall survey of policy instruments for achieving Sweden’s environmental quality objectives. The survey established what market failures exist in the area of each objective, and describes whether there are policy instruments in place to correct these market failures. The survey showed that many policy instruments are already in place, but that additional or improved instruments will be needed if the environmental quality objectives are to be achieved.

A separate study of policy instruments was performed as part of a planned national strategy for the building of a green infrastructure. The report presented about a hundred different relevant existing policy instruments. There is a need to revise some instruments, as well as to create new instruments. Policy instruments that regulate the current use of land and water bodies need to be strengthened to achieve sustainable use in a landscape perspective.

Action 1c: Natura 2000 (and other protected areas)

The Swedish EPA has laid down a programme for administration and management of protected areas and conservation management plans has been laid down by the regional county boards for the Natura 2000 sites. Mechanisms for assessing management effectiveness are under development.

Implementation of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives continues. Sweden, as well as other EU Member States, has experienced difficulties where environmental and fisheries competences mix, for example within marine Natura 2000 areas. Work on appropriate management measures has progressed, however, including with a national report on how fisheries management measures in Natura 2000 sites can be introduced

The needs of the majority of species are addressed through general habitat management measures, sustainable use and protected areas. More than 400 species have however been identified, that need further action, above that offered by the basic conservation instruments. By the end of 2012 a total of 121 action programmes for such species had been adopted, and a further 54 programmes are being developed.

EU target 2

Maintain and restore ecosystems and their services

Important ecosystem services in Sweden have been preliminary identified and classified. A planned national strategy for the building of a green infrastructure will constitute a tool for a more detailed identification of ecosystem services, and for the management of landscape structure and function that will promote the continued delivery of ecosystem services.

Action 5: Knowledge of ecosystems and their services

In all ecosystems significant and valuable actions against the loss and degradation of habitats have taken place. For example, within the marine environment, steps have taken to implement the Marine Framework Strategy Directive, the Helcom Baltic Sea Action Plan, the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats and Birds Directives, and many efforts have been invested to reform the EU Common Fisheries Policy.

Action 6: Ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure

In terrestrial ecosystems, the proposed national strategy for the building of a green infrastructure includes a landscape analysis of the spatial distribution and connectivity of important habitats, with the aim to maintain and restore sufficient natural habitats for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. As shown by a range of different indicators, the amount of protected land and water area increases steadily. A relatively large proportion of the mountain area is already protected, but not all habitats are represented equally well. Many lakes and streams are included in protected areas, but only 2% of nature reserves were established specifically to protect valuable limnic environments. Of the sites identified as requiring protective measures in the Mire Protection Plan for Sweden, for example, 350 have still to be safeguarded. The area of protected forests increases steadily, but the area covered by habitat protection and agreements increases slowly, due to a shortage of funds for compensation to land owners.

A preliminary report on Sweden’s most important ecosystem services has been produced. The inventory also considered pressures and driving forces that have an impact on the ecosystem services.

EU target 3

Increase the contribution of agriculture and forestry to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity

Target 3a: Agriculture

In the agricultural landscape natural and cultural values are threatened by abandonment, or by intensified agriculture practices. In some areas there is a lack of grazing livestock, which are needed to keep grasslands open. Several bird species now have a negative trend. On the southern and central agricultural plains there is a lack of small-scale habitats, i.e. small areas of land or water that are important for different plants and animals.

Target 3b: Forestry

The status of several types of forest is unfavourable. The area of oldgrowth forest increases, but there is a regional imbalance. In southern Sweden the area of oldgrowth forest is very restricted and fragmented. The amounts of dead wood and deciduous trees in forest have increased. The area of mainly broad-leaved deciduous oldgrowth forest is however not increasing.Forests of very high nature conservation value are still being logged. There are about 400 000 hectares of identified woodland key habitats, and the estimated total area is twice that area. Around 500 hectares of woodland key habitats are logged annually, of which a third were identified and known prior to the logging. From satellite surveys it is estimated that in total 2000 hectares of high-value cores are being felled every year. The area of damaged high-value cores due to thinning activities is unknown.

Action 8a: Environmental public goods in the CAP and GAEC cross-compliance

There is a wide range of economic incentives available to the agricultural and forestry sectors that are judged to be positive for biodiversity. Examples include agri-environmental payments for management of semi-natural pasture, mown meadows, buffer zones and catch crops to limit nutrient leaching, and restoration of wetlands. In the forestry sector subsidies are issued for broad-leaved forest, measures for the preservation of nature and cultural heritage, preserving and developing of biodiversity in forest, and promoting biodiversity of broad-leaved deciduous forest. There is also compensation to landowners for habitat protection and nature conservation agreements.

Action 9a: Rural development and biodiversity

The EU Rural Development Programme has a key part to play in slowing the negative trend regarding natural and cultural values of the farmed landscape. The action being taken within the Programme is however probably not sufficient. The growing emphasis on environmental measures in the EU Common Agricultural Policy will be beneficial in terms of achieving the environmental quality objectives.

Action 10: Agricultural genetic diversity

The genetic diversity of crops, including the associated indigenous knowledge, is addressed through a national programme that will meet the target regarding cultivated plants. Ex situ collections have been, or are in the process of being, extensively established. Complementary collecting of red-listed crop wild relatives has been carried out, although insufficiently. Genetic characterization has been done in some plant groups but much work remains.

Action 11a: Forest holders and biodiversity

A vast majority of the Swedish forest owners have a Forest Management Plan (FMP). Today all commercial established FMPs in Sweden include a detailed forest inventory including economical as well as environmental aspects. The plan describes forest condition, show environmental values in the forest, and lists planned management activities. Forestry Certification takes place within the Forest Steward Council (FSC) system and/or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). More than 60 percent of forest areas are certified. The major forestry companies are all certified and certain enterprises are double-certified. The standard which is set within the framework of the certification system has been, in addition to the regulatory framework and other national policy instruments, an important factor for the environmental care of forestry and voluntary agreements.

EU target 4

Ensure the sustainable use of fisheries resources and ensuring good environmental status of the marine environment

Action 13a: Fish stock management

As one of the overall objectives in the present fishing program, it was established that the capacity of the Swedish fishing fleet will be reduced, so that fishing effort can be adapted to a sustainable stock situation and profitability in the industry can increase

Action 14a: Adverse impacts on fish stocks, species, habitats and ecosystems

Sweden has over the years made some important strategic priorities when working with CITES. One of the most important ambitions has been to have the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) listed on CITES. Preparing for CoP14 in Hague in 2007 Sweden was working intensively to develop drafts for discussion, and to get other member states to take an active stand in this issue. The work succeeded and from 2009 on the European Eel is listed in Appendix II

Action programmes for threatened species have been produced for the three seal species, the harbour porpoise and the European eel. For the seals the situation is improving. For the eel and the harbour porpoise the situation looks less favourable. A management plan for the Baltic salmon has been proposed but not adopted.

EU target 5

Combat Invasive Alien Species

The number of alien species in Sweden increases steadily, especially in the freshwater and marine environments, and alien species are expected to pose an increasing threat. Sweden has achieved a high level of protection against invasive alien species that could threaten crops, livestock and human health. Most intentional releases of such species are strictly regulated, and risk analysis and permit systems are in place. Alien species that could threaten wild fauna and flora or ecosystem functioning are much less well regulated. Many pathways of unintentional introductions are still not controlled, for example ballast water transportation. There is no comprehensive organisation to monitor or control invasive species outside the agricultural and forestry sectors. In 2009, the Swedish Forest Agency proposed to the Government an amended national legislation concerning forestry with alien tree species. This proposal is still under consideration. Scientific studies have addressed the identification and management of ecological risk of using potentially invasive alien species in Swedish forestry. Such studies highlight the complexity of benefits, risks, cost and uncertainties involved. It is unclear which tree species, pathogens and pests that may be classified as invasive on the EU or national level, as a result of the proposed new EU regulation.

EU target 6

Help avert global biodiversity loss

Action 17c: Drivers of biodiversity loss

There is a wide range of economic incentives available to the agricultural and forestry sectors that are judged to be positive for biodiversity. Examples include agri-environmental payments for management of semi-natural pasture, mown meadows, buffer zones and catch crops to limit nutrient leaching, and restoration of wetlands. In the forestry sector subsidies are issued for broad- leaved forest, measures for the preservation of nature and cultural heritage, preserving and developing of biodiversity in forest, and promoting biodiversity of broad-leaved deciduous forest. There is also compensation to landowners for habitat protection and nature conservation agreements.

Sweden will report on the implementation of the CBD Strategy for resource mobilization in accordance with Notification 2013-050 of the CBD Secretariat.

Sweden has developed a clear policy for its international development cooperation that includes biodiversity issues. A wide range of cooperative programmes and projects constitute Sweden’s contribution to this goal. Financial resources as well as technology and knowledge are routinely transferred to developing countries.

Action 18a: Resources for global biodiversity conservation

In March 2014 the Government adopted a bill laying down a strategy for biodiversity and ecosystem services until 2020. The strategy may later be updated based on ongoing analyses in the Cross-party committee on environmental quality objectives regarding, for example sustainable use of land areas and freshwater and marine issues. The main content of the bill is outlined in section 2.2.

Action 20: Access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits

Sweden has signed the Nagoya Protocol. As a Member of the EU the rules of the Protocol will be in force as soon as the EU Regulation is agreed upon.