Wants to develop a forest policy framework

The aim of the project is to examine how Swedish forest policy is able to address the complex dilemmas it faces in a time of changing EU politics, geopolitical uncertainty and climate change.

Forests play a crucial role in combating climate change, for the preservation of ecosystem services and biodiversity, and in developing Europe’s competitiveness and bioeconomy. At the same time, this creates several challenges for forest policy and forestry. Consequently, well-considered political decisions are needed to manage and balance the many functions of forests, especially in a time of increased global geopolitical uncertainty.

The balance between environmental considerations, economic interests, and landowners’ rights is central to creating sustainable solutions.

Managing  forests in Europe for multiple purposes has proven to be associated with several dilemmas. Forest-rich countries such as Sweden are concerned about the EU’s gradual development of a common forest policy and how these dilemmas should be addressed, such as prioritizing policy content, determining at what level decisions should be made, deciding which policy instruments works best, and creating effective strategies to ensure compliance with rules. 

The researchers in the project are applying an innovative approach by systematically analyzing the interaction between different dilemmas in forest policy at several levels – EU, national and local – while considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, including policymakers, forest owners, civil society and key stakeholders in the forest sector.

Three key questions guide the analysis: How and why are forests governed at both EU and national levels, and how well do the objectives align? Which governance models (top-down vs. bottom-up) are most effective in achieving multiple objectives in forest governance? How are market-based, voluntary, and regulatory policy instruments balanced to ensure compliance and acceptance among landowners and other key stakeholders?

The project consists of two parts. The first part analyzes forest policy from a top-down perspective by examining the interaction between the EU’s and Sweden’s decision-making processes. The focus is on power structures, strategic alliances and negotiations, and coordination challenges.

The second part studies forest stakeholders, forest owners, and environmental organizations, and how they influence, adapt to, and sometimes question forest policy decisions, not least at the EU level. Through interviews, surveys, and scenario analyses, their views on forest policy instruments are examined, from legalization to voluntary initiatives.

Finally, the results of the two sub-projects will be complied, and the researchers will analyze how forest policy governance dilemmas affect the forest management at different levels – from the EU and national levels to local forestry. The goal is to create a greater understanding of how governance works in practice and what strategies that are used to manage conflicts between different actors and interests.

The researchers hope that their findings will provide a framework for policymakers to contribute to a more effective, flexible and inclusive forest policy.