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world in terms of fossil fuel independence. Notably,
more than 80 per cent of the biofuels used in Sweden
originate from wood biomass.
Given Swedish forests’ economic importance, it
is desirable to keep up a high production of forest
resources. At the same time there are other values that are
considered. Swedish forestry and Swedish forest policy
was early to acknowledge the importance of sustainable
resource utilization and to adopt ambitious targets for
biodiversity conservation and a range of values besides
timber. Therefore, forest management in Sweden today
acknowledges two equal aims including both production
objectives and environmental considerations.
The two equal objectives are in line with the objec-
tives of the Swedish Government: that forest resources
should be used without being overused. Sustainable
resource utilization is a central goal for forest manage-
ment in Sweden. Under the umbrella of sustainable
development, the production of wood and paper should
continue uninterrupted. Indeed, given the present situ-
ation, felling could increase as growth volumes are
larger than harvesting.
These equal aims of forest management in Sweden are
in line with the concept of sustainable forest manage-
ment which considers economical, ecological and social
aspects of forest management. In international forest
politics, Sweden takes a strong position in terms of
supporting this approach.
A unique feature of forest management in Sweden
is the open dialogue between governmental organiza-
tions and forest owners. Notably, about three quarters
of all forest land is privately owned while the rest is
largely owned by the state. In Swedish forest policy
important. However, the demand for timber products was largely
determined by the world market causing large fluctuations. Timber
prices increased in the beginning of the century as a consequence of
the First World War. Fluctuations continued and, as a result of the
worldwide recession in the 1930s, the Swedish forest industry was on
its knees. Following the Second World War there was a great demand
for timber products in Europe for reconstruction. In the years to come
the forest industry developed further and today Sweden is one of the
world’s largest exporters of pulp, paper and sawn timber.
The Forestry Act has been changed several times since 1903.
Important aspects of the present Forestry Act include: the forester is
obliged to carry out reforestation after final felling; forest owners must
conduct preventive control of insect pests; felling of young stands is
prohibited; forests in highlands and valuable hardwood are under
special management arrangements; and forest owners should take into
account natural and cultural values when considering felling.
Big business and sustainable forest management
More than two thirds of Sweden’s land area is covered by forest. In
terms of total standing volume Norway Spruce (
Picea abies
) and
Scots Pine (
Pinus sylvestris
) dominate, followed by Birch (
Betula
spp
.). The forest is one of Sweden’s most important resources and
the industry employs approximately 100,000 people. Forestry and
forest products together are the largest contributors to Sweden’s net
export; the total export value of forest products amounts to approxi-
mately US$20 billion annually.
Swedish wood materials provide the market with a range of prod-
ucts. In addition to manufacturing common wood-derived products
such as furniture, buildings, packaging and personal care products
there are also new developments, such as specialty cellulose used for
textile materials. Wood is also a very important source of energy in
Sweden. With approximately one third of all energy being provided
by biomass, Sweden is one of the most progressive countries in the
Two thirds of land area in Sweden is forest
Image: Marcus Öhman