Biodiversity

Simply put, biodiversity refers to the number of species and the variation within a species as well as between different environments.

The Convention on Biological Diversity defines biodiversity as: ”The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.” 

It is a prerequisite for resilient and thriving forests that are well equipped to withstand climate change, extreme weather conditions, insect outbreaks, and diseases.

Ideally, biodiversity would be assessed by counting all species in the forests. But that is, of course, an impossible task. Instead, researchers examine the structures and habitats that different species require, and how these are developing. This clearly shows that the conditions for biodiversity in forests have improved over the past 30 years, since a new Forestry Act (sv. skogsvårdslagen) came into force. For example, the amount of coarse dead wood and the share of old forest have increased, as has the volume of broadleaved trees.

In Sweden, there are several systems for mapping species and habitats, such as the Swedish National Forest Inventory (Riksskogstaxeringen), the Species Observation System (Artportalen), the National Inventory of Landscapes in Sweden (NILS), and the Swedish Bird Survey (Svensk fågeltaxering). However, there are still no tools with sufficient precision to systematically and reliably measure biodiversity. Conducting a complete inventory of all species in a forest area is extremely time-consuming and not feasible on a large scale. It is also difficult to estimate how many individuals of a species exist. In many cases, it is even challenging to compare biodiversity between countries. For example, the way status is reported to the EU is interpreted differently by different member states.

Although biodiversity is difficult to measure, it is relatively easy to measure the structures and habitats that different species need in order to thrive, such as old trees and broadleaved-dominated forests.

Monitoring is carried out by collecting data from various sources and stakeholders, such as the Swedish National Forest Inventory (Riksskogstaxeringen), SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), and the industry’s own environmental monitoring systems. The work of tracking biodiversity is complex, and it is difficult to obtain a comprehensive picture. The forest industry is therefore calling for improved monitoring methods.

The responsibility for biodiversity in forests is shared between the state and the forest sector. The state conserves forests through nature reserves, biotope protection areas, nature conservation agreements, and national parks. The forest sector contributes to biodiversity by applying environmental considerations in forest management operations and by making voluntary set-asides for conservation and social values.

Legislation has also shaped the conditions for biodiversity in forests. The current Forestry Act (sv. skogsvårdslagen) includes two equal objectives – production and the environment. This means that it is just as important to preserve and develop the environmental values of forests as it is to ensure high and valuable timber production.

Out of Sweden’s total 28 million hectares of forest land, about 25 percent is set aside from forestry in various ways. Of the total forest land, 9 percent is formally protected in nature reserves and 5 percent consists of voluntary set-asides. On so-called low-productivity forest land – where forest grows on nutrient-poor soils – no forestry is carried out. This unproductive forest land accounts for about 11 percent of Sweden’s total forest area. In connection with harvesting, forest owners leave 8–11 percent of the area as environmental consideration during final felling. See map of set-aside and protected forest.

Forest certification is a voluntary commitment made by the forest owner. In simple terms, it means that the owner agrees to set aside a certain area for conservation and to follow additional rules governing how the forest should be managed. Together, these rules contribute to economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable forestry.

In Sweden, there are two certification systems: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). About 67 percent of Sweden’s forests are certified.

No, forests that are planted are not less species-rich than naturally regenerated forests. However, the latter may host more uncommon and rarer species. Likewise, older forests – whether planted or not – are often more species-rich than younger forests.

The Swedish Species Information Centre (Artdatabanken) and the Swedish National Forest Inventory (Riksskogstaxeringen) at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) provide much of Sweden’s official statistics. There is nothing in their data to suggest that forests have become less species-rich over the past hundred years. In addition, many of the environments that are important for biodiversity have increased. There is now more old forest, more large-diameter trees, a higher share of broadleaved trees, and more dead wood.

At the same time, some forests are more species-rich than others. Areas dominated by spruce on former agricultural land are often relatively poor in species, whereas, for example, a clear-cut can support a higher number of species. This is because more light reaches the ground, which is important for many insects and vascular plants.

The Swedish Red List (sv. Rödlistan) is an assessment and compilation of changes in the populations of different species, produced by the Swedish Species Information Centre (SLU Artdatabanken) every five years. It can be viewed as an indicator of the conservation status of species in Sweden. The Red List includes both species whose populations are declining and species with very small populations.

The Red List is not, in itself, a prioritization of which species should be targeted by conservation efforts. Rather, it is a tool that helps inform such priorities.

For a species to be included on the Red List, it must either have a small population or be experiencing a decline in numbers, either currently, in the near future, or over the past 10–20 years. As a result, the list also includes relatively common Swedish species, such as the hooded crow and the fieldfare.

Biodiversity is a prerequisite for resilient and thriving forests that are well equipped to withstand climate change and extreme weather conditions. The Swedish forest industry’s starting point is that forests should be managed in a way that increases both forest growth and biodiversity.

To safeguard and develop biodiversity, the forest industry works actively through research and collaboration with various stakeholders, both in its own forests and by providing guidance to private forest owners.

All human activity in nature affects biodiversity, whether it involves building a football field, developing residential areas, or managing forests.

In many places, forestry has created a variety of forest types, and the cyclic nature of even-aged retention forestry means that forests move through different phases – older forests are denser and darker, while young forests are lighter and warmer. This variation means that different species thrive in different types of forests.

The forest industry’s conservation work to preserve and develop biodiversity is a central and integrated part of forest management. Regardless of how forests are managed – whether through conventional even-aged retention forestry or continuous-cover methods – various measures are required to support different plants and animals.

To preserve biodiversity, the forest sector integrates nature conservation and environmental considerations into everyday forest management practices.

Examples of conservation measures include prescribed burning and the restoration of wetlands and habitats that support threatened species.

Yes, of course. You can combine even-aged retention forestry with biodiversity. The forest industry’s starting point is that forests should be managed in a way that increases both forest growth and biodiversity.

Even-aged retention forestry creates different conditions in its various phases, attracting different species. Immediately after harvesting, some animals and plants move away. Some leave the area, while others are drawn to the open, sunlit clear-cut. Moose and deer find good access to food there, and raspberries and lingonberries grow well. However, species that prefer shade and are adapted to older forests do not thrive under these changed conditions. Most of them can return once the forest matures again.

Some plants and fungi, however, may struggle to disperse their seeds and spores if the surrounding environment changes. To support these species, parts of the forest are therefore left undisturbed, and particularly sensitive species can be protected through environmental consideration and set-asides.

No, not necessarily. Regardless of which forest management system is chosen, it is the environmental considerations and conservation measures applied that determine how favourable  the conditions are for biodiversity.

Forests managed under continuous-cover forestry often become denser and shadier, favouring tree species such as spruce and beech. These conditions are less suitable for pine and most broadleaved tree species, and consequently for the many species that depend on those habitats.

Yes. Sweden’s forests have one of the most diverse ownership structures in the world, including private individuals, companies, and the public sector. Each forest owner decides how to manage their forest within the framework of existing legislation, and there is relatively considerable freedom in how forests can be managed.