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Statistical news

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  • Almost 100 new nature reserves

    In 2022, the number of nature reserves increased by 98 areas. This means that Sweden had 5,440 nature reserves at the end of 2022. The largest new nature reserve was Södra Gardfjället, located in the northern and mountainous area of Sweden. The area covers almost 39,000 hectares in total, including a lot of open land in the mountainous region.

  • More than 100 new nature reserves

    In 2021, the number of nature reserves increased by 101 areas. This means that Sweden had more than 5,300 nature reserves at the end of 2021. The largest new nature reserve was the Slite archipelago, located on the eastern side of Gotland. The area covers more than 6,300 hectares in total, including a marine area of almost 6,000 hectares.

  • Major increase in protected marine area

    The largest increase in nature reserve area came from the two new reserves Skånska Kattegatt in northwest Skåne and Ottenby rev south of Öland’s southern tip, and the expanded reserve Svenska Högarna in the northeast section of the Stockholm archipelago. Taken together, these account for an increase of 130 000 hectares.

  • Formally protected areas account for 15 percent

    Formally protected areas account for 14.9 percent of Sweden’s total land area and inland waters. Almost all of the protected areas, 97 percent, are permanently protected under the Environmental Code. Permanent protection covers national parks, nature reserves, nature conservation areas, habitat protection areas, the National City Park, and Natura 2000. Formal protection applies to 12 percent of Sweden’s marine areas, virtually all with permanent protection under the Environmental Code.