1. Developing a national forest programme and a partnership programme ‘Circular and biobased economy’ in Sweden
Agnetha Alriksson
The Ministry of enterprise and innovation
Conference: Bioeconomy-Based Forestry
September 28, Riga, Latvia
Photo: Maria Nilsson

2. Vision of the Swedish government:
“Enhance Swedish competitiveness and create conditions for more jobs in an increasing number of growing companies”
“Sweden will be one of the world’s first fossil-free welfare countries”
“Enhance innovative capacity and innovation climate”

3. Partnership programme 'Circular and bio-based economy' to jointly mobilise innovation initiatives to ensure that the proportion of the bio-based economy grows, and promotes circular solutions.  
Photo: Simrisalg

4. Land area of Sweden
28 million hectares of forest land, of which 23 Mh productive
Land area by traditionalland use class Images Ola Borin, SLU

5. Forestry is important to Sweden
people employed in forestry and forest industry (2,2 % of the total work force)
Export value of forest and forest industry products was 13 billion EUR, 11 % of SWE total export value of products (2014).
Source: Swedish Forest Industries Federation, CEPI, PPI, FAO, National Associations

6. Ownership of forest land
State 3%
Other public owners 2%
State owned companies 14%
Private individuals 50%
Privately owned companies 25%
Other private owners 6%
Source: Swedish Forest Agency

7. The forest Act
The Forest Act review in 1993 charged forest owners with societal expectation of ”freedom under responsibility”, within a regulatory framework
Highlights the role of forest owners as managers of the forest resource
Requires knowledgeable and well-informed forest owners
Public investments – information campaigns, education and extension services
"The forest is a renewable national resource. It shall be managed in such a way as to provide a valuable yield and at the same time preserve biodiversity. Forest management shall also take into account other public interests."
Photo: Stefan Örtenblad/Johnér

8. Why a national forest programme?
Sweden needs a long term forest strategy – a national forest programme – that optimises forestry opportunities to contribute to Swedish society
The Government work in broad dialogue with government agencies and civil society to develop a national forest program.

9. What is a national forest programme?
A National forest programme is both a product and a process.
A process of policy planning
An important tool for cooperation and participation aiming to further develop the sustainable forest management and contribute to a sustainable society.
Dialogue process – Iterative process. Communication platform

10. Broad political consensus to initiate a national forest programme
Idea first presented in a parliamentary commission in 2014
Important role of the forest sector for economic growth in Sweden and as a vital component in the future bioeconomy
Long term programme, vision for 2040, leading to actions in the near future.
Interest from the forest owners, the forest sector and environmental NGOs

11. Our vision
Forest – our green gold – creates jobs and sustainable growth throughout the entire country, and contribute to the development of a growing bioeconomy!
Photo: Maria Nilsson

12. Working groups and horizontal activities
Programme council
to advice the working groups, led by the Minister for Rural Affairs, Sven-Erik Bucht.
Four working groups
Growth, multiple-use and value creation potential of forests as a resource
Timber production, other eco­system services and nature’s boundaries
Promotion of biobased pro­ducts and energy, smart transport, a world-class forestry industry and increased exports
International forestry issues.
Horizontal activities
Regional seminars with stakeholders
Student workshops
Collaboration with other initiatives
Seminars on special issues
Speed dates

13. Parallel process in each working group
Surrounding world analysis
Vision and assets
Analysis of Vision and assets
Strategic recommendation and proposals
Compilation of strategic recommendations
Report
Autum-15
Spring-16
Report(trends) (december) ,

14. Reports from the working groups: http://www. regeringen
Photo: Maria Nilsson

15. What´s next?
Reports from the working groups send out on referral for comment (150 respondents).
The Government will return with a national forest programme to the Parliament in 2017
A strategy that extends over mandate and party boundaries
Action plan

16. Thank You! Contact: n.skogsprogrammet@regeringskansliet.se http://www.regeringen.se/skogsprogrammet