Sweden is a country dominated by forests, holding just under one per cent of the world’s commercial forest areas, Sweden provides ten per cent of the sawn timber, pulp and paper that is traded on the global market.

“Forest walking” is one of the most popular Swedish outdoor activities, after decades of political debate about the declining state of Swedish forests, the first Forestry Act was passed in 1903, requiring owners to replant after harvesting. The Forestry Act has been updated several times since then, and today it balances economic, ecological and social interests. Swedish forests and forestry are shaped  by the country’s natural conditions, its history, forestry research, the knowledge and  experience of the forest owners, and the tradition of seeking solutions based on mutual respect, understanding and compromise.

Perspective scenarios series