Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Closer-to-nature forest management (CNF) has emerged as an important component of European efforts to promote biodiversity, forest resilience and multifunctionality. In December 2023, the Swedish Forest Agency and Swedish Environmental Protection Agency published a government-commissioned report proposing a Swedish definition of CNF and measures to support its development. This thesis examines the initial Swedish media reception of the report between December 2023 and March 2024.
A qualitative media content analysis was conducted on 17 articles selected through systematic screening of 106 records retrieved from the Retriever media database. The analysis combined actor mapping with a SWOT framework to identify which actors participated in the debate and which strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were associated with CNF.
The results show a highly uneven distribution of media representation, with political actors particularly prominent, followed by industry and forestry actors, while scientific and expert voices, environmental organisations and other stakeholders received substantially less representation. The SWOT analysis revealed considerable recognition of the environmental potential of CNF, particularly regarding biodiversity, sustainable forestry, and climate and resilience. At the same time, the reception was characterised by Scientific Uncertainty, Economic Threats, Political Conflict and other concerns surrounding implementation. Policy Development emerged as the most prominent opportunity.
Overall, the initial Swedish media reception of CNF can be characterised as a lukewarm welcome: environmental benefits were widely recognised, but support was tempered by concerns about scientific uncertainty, economic consequences and political conflict. The findings highlight the importance of knowledge development, implementation conditions and governance in translating CNF principles into Swedish forestry practice.