Norra Skog warmly welcomes the final report on forest policies

 Thursday, September 11, 2025

Norra Skog witnessed a new chapter in Swedish forestry being opened with the presentation of the final report from the government’s Forest Inquiry. Led by special investigator Göran Örlander, the comprehensive report outlines a series of proposals aimed at fostering a more predictable, competitive, and environmentally sustainable future for the nation’s forest sector. The findings have been met with a positive reception from key industry players, including the Norra Skog association, which represents thousands of private forest owners.

Stig Högberg, Chairman of Norra Skog, expressed strong support for the investigation’s conclusions, stating, “We are optimistic about the investigation as a whole. It is a well-considered report that demonstrates a clear commitment to balancing economic competitiveness with long-term ecological sustainability in our forests. For our members, this translates to enhanced security and improved conditions to actively manage their forest assets, contributing to national welfare, supply security, and civil preparedness.” The report’s detailed recommendations address several long-standing challenges facing the Swedish forestry and woodworking industries. The proposals are designed to create a more stable and legally secure framework for forest owners, encouraging proactive management and investment.

Among the most significant recommendations are:

• Growth-focused forestry: The report suggests a greater emphasis on measures that promote forest growth and health. This includes new guidelines for regeneration, young forest management, and the use of fertilisation and ash fertilisation. Such practices are crucial for increasing timber yield and building resilience against environmental threats and forest damage.
• A balanced policy framework: To complement the existing environmental targets, the inquiry proposes a new system with explicit production goals. This aims to create a more balanced forest policy, ensuring that the economic and social contributions of forestry are given equal weight alongside conservation efforts.
• Clearer conservation rules: The report calls for defined national targets for nature conservation reserves. This measure seeks to reduce the uncertainty that currently impacts forest owners by providing clear, predictable rules for setting aside land, thereby enabling more effective long-term planning.
• Modernising species protection: A key proposal involves changes to the species protection regulations for birds. By clarifying the government’s responsibilities, these changes are intended to reduce the legal and practical uncertainty that has often burdened individual forest owners, streamlining the process of sustainable forest management.
• Strengthened international influence: The investigation highlights the need for a stronger Swedish presence in EU-level discussions on forestry. Proposals include bolstering representation, coordination, and impact assessments to ensure that Sweden’s forest sector interests are effectively advocated for on the international stage.
• Innovative climate benefit measurement: The report introduces the “CLEAR model,” a new global ISO standard for measuring the climate benefits of forests. This tool provides a more accurate and comprehensive picture of how active forestry contributes to climate change mitigation, showcasing the value of wood products as a carbon sink.
• Enhanced knowledge support: The Swedish Forest Agency is set to receive a mandate to strengthen its advisory and knowledge support services. This is a critical step for ensuring that family foresters have access to the latest research and best practices, empowering them to make informed decisions for their properties.

Ida Nyberg, a lawyer with Norra Skog and an expert in the inquiry, praised the depth of the work. “The investigation has been thorough, and we are highly satisfied with the outcome. It offers solutions to many of the issues that have created uncertainty for forest owners over the years. The proposals concerning birds, conservation, and the production target system are tangible steps that will lead to more transparent regulations and a more legally sound foundation for our industry,” she commented.

This report is seen as a pivotal moment for Sweden’s forest sector, reinforcing the idea that responsible environmental stewardship and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive. The proposals aim to provide a solid foundation for forest owners to contribute to vital societal goals, from combating climate change and protecting biodiversity to driving rural economic development.

Stig Högberg concluded with a forward-looking statement, urging swift implementation. “The proposals are a positive step, but they must now be turned into reality. It is time for political action to follow the words laid out in this report.” This sentiment resonates throughout the industry, which is now looking to the government to enact these recommendations and cement a prosperous, sustainable future for Sweden’s forest and woodworking industries.

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Tags: biodiversity, forest policy, Forestry, Norra Skog, sustainable forestry, Timber Industry