Naturskyddsföreningen criticizes lack of nature policy in election manifestos

The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (Naturskyddsföreningen) has conducted a review of political party election manifestos, reporting a significant lack of concrete proposals to address the ongoing nature crisis. While most parties acknowledge the value of Swedish nature, the organization notes a deficiency in sharp measures to protect ecosystems and species facing loss.

According to Beatrice Rindevall, chairperson of Naturskyddsföreningen, some party proposals could potentially worsen the situation. Specifically, the review highlights that the Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) have proposed a cap on protected land and suggested that most protections should be temporary. Additionally, the Moderate Party (Moderaterna) and Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) have presented proposals that could effectively remove general coastal protections, while the Liberals (Liberalerna) and Centre Party (Centerpartiet) seek to ease such restrictions.

At a local level in Sundsvall, political parties have also been questioned regarding nature conservation and energy production. While parties generally agree on the importance of protecting valuable nature, the local branch of Naturskyddsföreningen noted a lack of concrete actions and commitments to establishing new nature reserves.