Naturvårdslagen

Naturvårdslagen, or the Nature Conservation Act, is a Swedish law that forms part of the country’s framework for protecting natural values. The act aims to preserve biodiversity, protect valuable habitats and landscapes, and regulate activities that may harm natural environments. It applies to land and water areas and provides tools for conserving ecological resources for present and future generations.

Key instruments under Naturvårdslagen include the designation and management of nature reserves and other protected areas, as well as measures to protect endangered species and habitats. It sets grounds for restrictions on activities that could damage protected sites or species, and in many cases requires permits or consultations for activities that might affect natural values. The law also provides for temporary protective measures and limits on access during sensitive periods, such as nesting or breeding seasons.

The act places responsibilities on public authorities, landowners, and other actors to contribute to conservation goals. It requires consideration of nature conservation in planning and decision-making at national and local levels, and it establishes enforcement mechanisms with penalties for violations and the possibility to issue protective orders or prohibitions.

Administrative framework and relationships to other laws: Naturvårdslagen is administered primarily by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) and the county administrative boards (Länsstyrelserna), often in coordination with municipalities. It operates in conjunction with other environmental legislation, most notably the Environmental Code (Miljöbalken), and provides the legal basis for many species- and habitat-protection measures within Sweden.