Forest Industry: Swedes' Knowledge About Forests is Low

Every year more trees are planted than are felled in Sweden, but few are aware of this, according to a new survey. The results are interpreted as an indication that more knowledge about how Swedish forests are managed and developed is needed.

The survey, conducted by Demoskop, was commissioned by the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, an organization representing companies that produce wood-based materials and products, which it describes as one of Sweden’s most important industries for long-term sustainable development.

Only 19 percent of Swedes are aware that more trees are planted annually than are finally harvested in Sweden. Reforestation, as the process is called, is one of the cornerstones of Swedish forestry and has been mandated by law since 1903.

The numbers surprise Viveka Beckeman, CEO of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation.

– The fact that so many lack knowledge about replanting is a signal that more basic facts are needed in the public debate about how our forests are managed and developed. The forest is a strategically important resource for Sweden that engages people. I believe there is a great potential for a more constructive dialogue about forestry, says Viveka Beckeman.

The fact that the proportion of old-growth forest has increased in recent decades is also something few are aware of. Only 18 percent say they know that Sweden has twice as much old-growth forest compared to 30 years ago. A much larger share, 43 percent, believed the opposite. Today, there are 3.7 million hectares of forest older than 140 years in Sweden.

Another area where knowledge is lacking is the volumetric development of Swedish forests. Only 21 percent are aware that the timber volume in Swedish forests has doubled since the 1920s, while 40 percent believe the opposite.

– There is much to be proud of in Swedish forestry. But there is more to be done. To meet future challenges related to raw material supply, biodiversity, and climate change, more cooperation and less polarization are needed, says Viveka Beckeman.

70% of Sweden’s area is covered by forest

75% of the forest is managed

1% of the forest is harvested annually

For every tree harvested, 2–3 new seedlings are planted

About 400 million seedlings are planted annually in Swedish forests, in addition to other measures to promote natural regeneration

Sweden has twice as much old-growth forest compared to 30 years ago

The timber stock in Swedish forests has doubled since the 1920s