Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

For a long time the Swedish forests were used by the landowner’s mainly for providing wood to the household itself. The wood was not, to a greater extent, considered a product to be sold. During the 1800s the industrial era led to a demanding need for wood in the industry and thus the use of forest, forest production kicked off. The forest production was not regulated by law, which led to a differentiated forest production over the whole country without consideration of re-growth. There were also problems with major companies taking advantage of minor landowners. At the end of the 1800s these issues had come to the attention of politicians and discussions regarding a regulation by law started.
In the beginning of the 1900s the first law concerning forestry came into force. The aim was amongst others to ensure a regeneration of the forest by ensuring that the landowner was responsible for this. The Swedish Forestry Act has thereafter been altered and amended many times during the 1900s and until today.
Starting point for this study is the background, which describes the reasons for the Forestry Act and major changes of the Forestry Act since the beginning of the 1900s and the politicians’ reasons for the changes made. The reasons have changed and developed over time. Summing up the reasons for the major changes have been; ensuring sustainable forest production, protecting ownership rights, developing the Swedish Forest Agency and ensuring the fulfillment of environmental goals.
The purpose of this study is to present the political parties’ views today regarding the main issues concerning forest production or forestry and to highlight if and to the extent there are major changes of the Forestry Act to be expected.
The survey was sent to all the parties represented in the Swedish parliament 2010-2014. All the parties replied. The result shows that although the parties have a different view on some matters there are only minor changes to be expected in the future concerning forest production or forestry in general.