miljövård

Miljövård is a Swedish term that refers to activities and policies aimed at protecting and improving the environment and human health. It encompasses prevention of pollution, sustainable use of natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, and efforts related to climate and energy policy. Miljövård involves public authorities, businesses, organizations, and individuals working to reduce environmental impact across sectors such as industry, transport, housing, and agriculture.

The legal framework for miljövård in Sweden is anchored in the Miljöbalken, the Environmental Code, which provides the main rules for environmental protection, permits, liability, and environmental impact assessment. Adopted in the late 1990s and entering into force in 1999, Miljöbalken is supplemented by sectoral laws on water, waste, chemicals, and nature conservation. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) supports policy development, monitoring, and guidance, while county administrative boards (länsstyrelser) implement national policies at regional levels, and municipalities are responsible for local planning, building permits, and local environmental measures. Sweden also transposes and implements European Union environmental directives and participates in international environmental cooperation.

Key policy areas and instruments include environmental impact assessments for projects; permits and licensing for emissions, waste management, and water use; nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and the establishment of protected areas; pollution prevention and control; climate and energy policies, including emissions reductions and green taxation; and monitoring and data collection. Economic instruments, grants, and public procurement also support efforts toward a more sustainable economy and circular economy practices.

Historically, miljövård evolved from the environmental movement in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to stronger regulation and later to the comprehensive Environmental Code. Today it emphasizes sustainable development, climate adaptation, and cross-sector collaboration.