Skånska skogsägares perspektiv på biologisk mångfald – En kvalitativ intervjustudie

Sammanfattning

This study examines challenges and solutions for biodiversity conservation in privately owned forests in Skåne in southern Sweden. The study is conducted in response to the increasing number of threatened forest-dependent species due to production-oriented forestry. Since private forest owners are a central part of forest management in Sweden, their priorities and management decisions directly influence biodiversity. A deeper understanding of their perspectives can therefore contribute to the development of more socially grounded strategies for biodiversity conservation. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with seven respondents. The material was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring challenges and solutions. The results indicate that the main challenges include conflict between economic interests and biodiversity conservation, shortcomings in advisory services and distrust towards regulations such as the species protection ordinance. Challenges related to practical implementation of forestry operations, existing forest conditions shaped by production-oriented management and limitations associated with the principle of “freedom under responsibility” are also significant. This study shows that biodiversity conservation largely depends on forest owners not being economically dependent on forestry and having a personal interest in conservation. Potential solutions include increased financial resources to compensate forest owners, better advisory services and knowledge exchange, management strategies adapted to local conditions, implementation of the TRIAD model and proposed changes to the species protection ordinance. The TRIAD model is a strategy for conserving biodiversity while ensuring production of timber and other ecosystem services by dividing forests into protected forests, forests with intensive forestry and forests with ecologically adapted forestry. The proposed changes to the species protection ordinance include financial compensation for restrictions. This could reduce forest owners’ resistance against the ordinance and increase willingness to contribute to biodiversity. The study shows that economic incentives, improved advisory support and more flexible management strategies are requested.