Nature reserve – common and strong form of protection

Long-term protection, according to the law, is essential in order to preserve the world's natural and cultural heritage and safeguard fundamental values such as clean water, clean air and unspoiled nature so that natural environments of particularly great value for animals, plants and people can be preserved. This is why nearly every country in the world is establishing national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas.

Both in Sweden and in an international context the most common form of protected areas are national parks and nature reserves. They are forms of long-term protection, which have stringent regulations that prevent exploitation.

In the Swedish Environmental Code, the following reasons for establishing nature reserves are given:

• to preserve biodiversity
• to conserve and preserve valuable, natural environments
• to meet the needs for outdoor recreation areas
• to protect, restore or recreate valuable, natural environments
• to protect, restore or recreate the natural habitats for valuable, endangered species

The preservation of biodiversity and conservation of valuable, natural environments are the most common reasons for establishing nature reserves.

There more than 5400 nature reserves in Sweden. These nature reserves form the largest proportion of protected nature in Sweden. The majority of nature reserves in Sweden, almost 85% by surface area, lie in the northern counties of Jämtland, Västerbotten and Norrbotten. Most of the alpine and sub-alpine nature reserves lie within these counties.

The initiative to protect an area in Sweden comes from the landowner or the county administrative board but can also come from municipalities, non-profit organisations or the public. The county administrative board consults with landowners and the dialog results in a proposal for decision about the nature reserve, which sets out aims, stipulations and a management plan. The state then hires an independent surveyor who calculates the market value depreciation which will result from converting the land into a reserve.

Many national parks and nature reserves in Sweden are accessible to visitors. When a nature reserve is established, its boundaries are defined by posts with a white star against a blue background. Sweden's county administrative boards and municipalities are responsible for nature reserves. Join them on a guided tour, and keep a look-out for animals, take the trail out into the nature, climb up the lookout tower or make a fire by a cabin.

If you would like more information on how to get to the nature reserves and available facilities etc. – visit the county administrative boards' common website (information mainly in swedish):

Länsstyrelsen.se

Each nature reserve is unique and therefore has their special rules and regulations designed to protect valuable natural and cultural features. Information signs (often also in english) with maps etc. are used to help you find your way and to provide information regarding restricted activities when visiting the nature reserves. For more information, contact the local municipality or county administrative board that established the reserve.