Sweden urged to develop connected green infrastructure for biodiversity

To meet the European Union's goal of protecting 30 percent of nature by 2030, Sweden must shift its environmental policy toward creating a cohesive national network of protected areas. While Sweden currently protects approximately 24 percent of its land through nearly 6,000 nature reserves, 31 national parks, and Natura 2000 sites, these areas often remain isolated.

Establishing a 'green backbone' or green infrastructure is essential to allow plants and animals to migrate between habitats. Rather than focusing solely on protecting individual isolated spots, the strategy should focus on identifying and creating strategic links between existing ecosystems. The region of Blekinge is suggested as a potential pilot area for this approach due to its diverse landscape of forests, lakes, and coastal areas.