Our prioritised areas
Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) prioritises six overarching target areas, each of which includes a number of objectives that we seek to achieve.
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- Our prioritised areas
SSNC’s Future Strategy was adopted by the association’s general meeting in 2023 and concerns the period 2024–2027. This strategy serves as the basis for the association’s work. In this strategy, we describe our six priorities, our role in society and the methods we adopt in our work.
Six target areas
Target areas 1–4 capture the developments that SSNC wants to see in order to address the principal environmental challenges. Target area 5 presents the tools needed to achieve a sustainable society within the planetary boundaries. The sixth target area describes how SSNC will become an even stronger and more influential popular movement in order to successfully achieve target areas 1–5.
Each overarching target area contains objectives indicating how SSNC should prioritise its work during the period 2024–2027.
Each overarching target area contains objectives indicating how SSNC should prioritise its work during the period 2024–2027.
Target area 1: A rapid and just climate transition
The climate crisis represents one of the key issues of our time. In order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, including upholding its principles of fairness, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation believes that emissions in Sweden need to be close to zero by 2030. Within this area of focus, the Society works to transform communities and stop climate emissions—issues that are absolutely crucial for the future of humanity.
Objectives
1.1 A strong and influential popular movement
1.2 | Efficient and sustainable transportation
1.3 | Heavily reduced greenhouse gas emissions
originating from the production and consumption
of products and services
1.4 | Nature-based climate solutions and reduced
emissions from agriculture, forestry and fisheries
Target area 2: Vibrant and healthy land-based ecosystems
Biological diversity and healthy ecosystems are essential for meeting the challenges of the future, but today we are facing a nature crisis with the rapid loss of both species and ecosystems. There are many threats to land ecosystems, such as unsustainable practices in mining, agriculture, and forestry. The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation works to ensure that such activities are carried out within the limits of nature. We also work to preserve species and protect important natural areas from exploitation.
Objectives
2.1 | A sustainable use and functional protection
of forests
2.2 | rich agricultural landscape and sustainable
food systems
2.3 | Viable populations of terrestrial species
2.4 | Reduced negative impact of mining and
more resource efficient value chains
Target area 3: Healthy waters from source to sea
Most of the world’s oceans are being fished so intensely that the most common food fish are on the verge of disappearing. The oceans are being swept clean of life, and tons of fish are thrown back dying. At the same time, millions of people struggle to survive as traditional, small-scale fishing is pushed out by industrial operations.
In this target area, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation works for vibrant lakes and waterways, high-quality groundwater, balanced oceans, and thriving shoreline habitats. The SSNC also advocate for rich wetlands, only natural acidification, and an end to eutrophication.
Objectives
3.1 | Sustainable use of oceans and functional
and protected marine areas
3.2 | Sustainable use and protection of freshwater
3.3 | More wetlands and protected shoreline
3.4 | Viable populations of aquatic species
Target area 4: A non-toxic environment for healthy ecosystems and humans
There are tens of thousands of chemical substances that are known to be harmful to both humans and the environment. Hormone-disrupting substances and pharmaceutical residues also affect the reproduction and behavior of many animals. The spread of these substances in nature is a crisis just as serious as the climate and biodiversity crises.
The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation works to ban hazardous substances and to establish science-based limits for environmental toxins in nature, products, materials, food, and water. The use and production of environmental toxins must be minimized.
Objectives
4.1 | Stricter regulations regarding substances
hazardous to the environment and people’s
health
4.2 | A non-toxic environment
4.3 | Access to information on chemicals
Target area 5: Environmentally conscious people in sustainable communities
We humans are the cause of environmental problems, and we must therefore also be the ones to create the solutions by changing our lifestyles and transforming our societies. A new way of thinking is also required: shifting away from economic growth as an end in itself, and instead prioritizing ecological and social sustainability.
The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation works to strengthen people's knowledge of and connection to nature. We strive to change unsustainable consumption patterns, transition to sustainable communities, and ensure that natural resources are used within the planet’s limits.
Objectives
5.1 | Sustainable consumer cultures
5.2 | A sustainable economy
5.3 | Strengthening the legal protection for
people and environment
5.4 | Knowledge regarding sustainable development
5.5 | Sustainable cities
Target area 6: A strong and influential popular movement
The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation is more important than ever. The political leadership needed to tackle the crises humanity faces is currently far from sufficient. That’s why we are needed — a strong, broad, and credible environmental movement pushing for the transition to a sustainable society.
The SSNC works to shape public opinion both locally and nationally, helping to strengthen the environmental debate in Sweden and influence its direction. We strive to be a strong counterforce to the global trend of shrinking democratic space for civil society.
Objectives
6.1 | An equal and inclusive association
6.2 | A broad, strong and active popular movement
6.3 | More members
6.4 | A strong force of advocacy
6.5 | Credible and engaging communication
6.6 | More resources for environmental work
6.7 | A strong global environmental movement