The most important legislation in place to safeguard areas of critical relevance to the Right of Public access is that pertaining to shore protection. It has been extended to include the protection of plant and animal life. The Environmental Protection Agency completed a set of general recommendations on this expanded shore protection in 1995.

In December 1992, a special investigator was appointed to review certain questions in the Planning and Building Act, with a view to examining how planning can make a greater contribution to the prevention of environmental degradation and achieve effective conservation and use of natural resources.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Act Concerning the Management of Natural Resources (1987), NRL, is to be incorporated into the Environmental Code so as to establish a closer link between land-use and the environment. Amendments to the Planning and Building Act (1987), along with the strengthening of municipal planning and the new Railway Planning Act (1996), are expected to facilitate a more coordinated, cross-sectoral and balanced implementation of the NRL. At the local level, municipalities are responsible for integrated planning. At the regional level, county administrative boards are responsible, and at the national level, the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning is in charge of integrated planning.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The National Board of Agriculture is charged with developing an action plan to achieve the ten percent target of "ecologically farmed" acreage by the year 2000.

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

Sweden has made significant progress in the following areas: enhancing public education; including post-graduate education in forest issues; carrying out research projects; improving existing forest programmes; establishing a geographic information database on forests; establishing linkages for the exchange of information; and improving the multiple roles of forests. A National Forest Inventory is carried out annually, covering all types of land use, with particular emphasis on tree resources and forest ecosystems. Production and environmental aspects are equally addressed. Although progress has been made in improving education, a higher standard of knowledge is still needed to enable forest owners to be more responsible. Counselling, training and inventories are therefore very important. An inventory of key biotopes and swamp forest lands is to be completed by 1997.

Sweden has made only partial progress in the following areas: the use of remote sensing; the use of environmental impact assessments; promotion of small-scale forest-based industries; and integration of social, economic and ecological values into national economic accounting systems.

Forest land affected by logging amounts to about 1.5 to two thousand square kilometres per year. Acidification affects about ten thousand square kilometres per year. Afforestation is also proceeding, albeit at a moderate rate. While the afforestation rate in the 1980s was about 30 square kilometres per year, it is now approximately 100 square kilometres per year. The creation of new national reserves, particularly in southern Sweden, has caused some conflicts between small land-owners and the authorities. The land owners are however entitled to a certain compensation for new nature reserves, if restricting logging. The government is in the process of suggesting new forest areas to be included in the European Ecological Network, Nature 2000. Big forest companies are trying to implement the concept of protecting the biological diversity e.g. by planning, setting aside areas from logging, protecting threatened species etc. The plan to introduce a certification system for forestry in 1997 is also strongly supported by those companies.

Sweden is actively involved in the Convention on Biological Diversity in the context of the forestry sector. Through silviculture organizations, the government has concluded approximately 100 conservation agreements with forest owners and awarded grants for nature and heritage conservation measures.

The National Environment Protection Agency is preparing a study which will emphasize future expectations in forestry and other sectors. Forest management practices are being experimented on both private and public forest lands.

The programme for the afforestation of arable land (in keeping with EEC Council Regulation 2080/92) is to be adapted to national conditions. It is intended to contribute towards an abundant and diverse man-made landscape, the conservation of biological diversity and the cultural values of landscapes.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Forestry Administration under the Ministry of Industry and Trade is primarily responsible for the forestry sector. Due to the Swedish constitution all decisions suggested by a Minister have to be taken together with and be confirmed by his colleges in the Governement. The Forestry Administration is also a member of the National Coordination Mechanism for Sustainable Development. In addition to the new Forestry Act of 1993, the other legislative instrument improved since UNCED is the Nature Conservation Act, amended in 1994. The National Board of Forestry (NBF) and 24 County Forestry Boards are responsible for the implementation of the Forest Act. In addition to the NBF, the Environmental Protection Agency is charged with evaluating the impact of forest policy on the Convention on Biological Diversity.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The National Board of Forestry has drawn up a plan for biodiversity and sustainable forestry. Staffing in the Forestry Administration has been decreasing, from about 2400 professional staff to its present level of about 1500. The number of trained foresters working on forest management and protection is about 5200. The balance among central planning, middle level and field staffing is good.

3. Major Groups: Informal discussions can take place at various levels, and the initiatives can come from any interested parties. The involvement of interested parties and major groups is a matter of Swedish policy and practice.

4. Finance: The budget of the Forestry Administration was US$ 37 million in 1994, one-third of which is state-derived and the remainder from contractual services provided to forest owners and other state authorities. The EU helps finance training in forestry conservation. The afforestation programme has been allocated approximately US$ 24 million annually over a four-year period.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Sweden played an active role in the development of the forest principles agreed to at UNCED, and uses these as a basis for its comprehensive aid programme for developing countries and economies in transition. Emphasis is placed on sustainable development and biodiversity.

International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification

Particularly in Africa

Each party shall file reports on implementation with the Conference of Parties, as often and in the form to be determined. Parties are to report on development of national action programmes. The Conference shall assist affected developing countries to make reports.

Convention

signed in 1994; and ratified in 1995

The latest report to the Secretariat of the Convention was prepared in 19--.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

There are no deserts or areas in danger of becoming deserts.

Sweden has taken a lead through the chairmanship of the negotiations of the Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification Particularly in Africa. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has been cooperating with countries, particularly in Africa, in many years on programmes on land degradation and drought consistent with the principles of the convention.

1. Decision-Making Structure: No information

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

1. Decision-Making Structure: No information

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

The general environmental goals for agriculture policy are to safeguard a rich and varied cultivated landscape and its inherent cultural values, to preserve biological diversity and minimise the environmental impact of agriculture. Among specific environmental policy objectives are to:

- expand nature and landscape conservation programmes to 600 000 hectares of agriculture land ;

- reduce nitrogen leaching from agriculture land by 50 per cent by 1995, from the 1985 level, and the total consumption of commercial fertilisers by 20 per cent by the turn of the century;

- reduce the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture by 75 per cent (calculated in kilograms of active ingredients) by 1996, compared with the average consumotion for 1981-85;

- establish "ecological farming" on 10 per cent of arable land by 2000.

Sweden has introduced an environmental programme for agriculture in accordance with EEC Council Regulation 2078/92. This programme focusses on production methods in agriculture compatible with requirements of environmental protection and nature conservation. This includes an expanded programme on landscape conservation. Measures for environmentally sensitive areas and ecological production are also included in the programme. Compensation is provided for the conservation of threatened domestic species. An earlier programme on landscape conservation was incorporated into the programme.

During the last ten years the use of pesticides has by means of two consecutive reduction programmes (the use has been reduced by a half two times) decreased to a great extent. Pesticides which have been shown to pose a threat to water supplies have been prohibited for use or their use has been prohibited to specific areas.

The increase in sales of pesticides observed in 1994 was probably due in large part to hoarding prior to the increase in the environment charge which took effect later that year. Approval of certain pesticides normally sold in relatively large quantities was withdrawn in 1994, and these pesticides may only be sold for one more year. Use in 1994, therefore, remained at about 35% of the 1981-1985 average.

The National Board of Agriculture has presented an action plan for achieving the goal of ten percent of cultivated acreage being ecologically farmed by 2000.

Proposals for actions needed to fulfil the goal on reducing nitrogen leakage will be presented during 1997.

A system study of sustainable agriculture is beeing elaborated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Board of Agriculture, the University of Agricultural Sciences and the Federation of Swedish Farmers and others.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The ministries primarily responsible for agriculture and rural development are the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Environment. They participate in the National Coordinating Mechanism for Sustainable Development. The Natural Resources Act and the Act of Maintenance of Farmland (AMF) and its amendments are relevant legislative instruments in the area of agriculture and rural development. The national policy framework for SARD is partly covered by the amendments to the AMF. Government Bill 1995/96:76 states that Sweden, as a member of the EU, must introduce a supportive programme for the afforestation of arable land in keeping with EEC Council Regulation 2080/92. See chapter 11 for further information.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Sweden will commission the appropriate authorities to carry out continuous observation and evaluation of the effects of the environmental programme under EEC Council Regulation 2078/92. Sweden will appoint a parliamentary committee to draft a strategy for reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It will have the purpose of market-orienting, deregulating and "greening" agricultural policy. The report is due June 1997.

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: Approximately US$ 227 million have been allocated annually to implement the environmental programme for agriculture.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: A few bilateral and multilateral initiatives have been implemented on soil conservation, animal husbandry and gene banks.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of the Environment is the body with primary responsibility for the environmentally sound management of biotechnology. Other institutions include the Environmental Protection Agency, Swedish Board of Agriculture and the Swedish Board of Occupational Safety and Health. The Act on Genetic Engineering was adopted in 1994, and is considered a safety mechanism for biotechnology, containing principles on biotechnology risk assessment and management. The competent authorities (as per EC directives) exchange information regarding procedural requirements for the safe handling, risk management and the conditions of release of biotechnology products.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: The budget for the programme on the ecological hazards following the release of transgenic organisms is US$ 375,000.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Sweden participates in the OECD-cooperation concerning biotechnical issues. Sweden collaborates also with the African Center for Technology on studies on policy and research on biotechnology.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Signed in 1982; and Ratified in 1996

The Swedish approach to the regulation of activities harmful to the environment also refers to marine environmental protection. A basic principle is to minimize the effects of hazardous activities, using the most modern technologies and considering economic feasibility. National and regional monitoring programmes and the Integrated Coastal Recipient Monitoring programmes identify major marine environmental threats from land-based sources. While the national and regional monitoring programmes are funded by the Government, the coastal recipient programmes are funded by the users.

There are several databases on coastal and marine management, but they are not as yet integrated. Work on their integration is on-going and several pilot studies have been carried out. Information is available on resources, cultural and socio-economic characteristics, protected areas and wetlands (including mangroves). Since 1992, an assessment of the state of the environment of coastal and marine areas has been carried out annually. A number of monitoring programmes also assess changes in the coastal and marine environment.

Sweden is currently implementing an extensive action programme aimed at reducing nutrient-rich effluents into freshwater bodies and the sea. All sewage treatment plants designed for at least 10,000 people along the west and south coast, up to and including the Stockholm archipelago, are to be reviewed. The guidelines for such review involve a reduction of nitrates by at least 50%. Metal content of the effluents is to be lowered by 70% for mercury, cadmium and lead and by 50% for other heavy metals for the 1985-1995 period. Effluents containing persistent organic compounds from the pulp and paper industry have been reduced significantly in recent years.

Sweden continues to actively promote the safeguard of wild salmon. The restoration of the ecological balance of the Baltic is also a major concern.

Sweden is working to secure the ratification by all Parties of the 1992 Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic. An action programme has been adopted by countries in the Baltic searegion to safeguard and restore the ecological balance of the Baltic. The programme includes a focus on 132 sources of effluents from neighbouring countries. Of the 124 major sources of pollution in the Baltic region, eight are from Sweden. A third report on the states of the Baltic is being compiled under the aegis of the Helsinki Commission, HELCOM. Sweden did not achieve its target of halving nitrogenous emissions by 1995..

Sweden participates in an investment programme in the Baltic states aiming at improved waste water collection and treatment. Sweden recently initiated the project of creating an Agenda 21 for the Baltic sea region - Baltic 21- , compassing all countries around the Baltic Sea. Baltic 21 is building on the considerable success and momentum from environmental and other co-operation already operational within the Region. In the initial phase , Baltic 21 should focus on regional aspects and the integration of a number of key sectors.

The North Sea is seriously affected by wastewater from industry and urban settlements. For a long time Sweden has been actively working within several international conventions relating to the North Sea environment. The North Sea conferences are an important part of this work. Swedish efforts to improve the marine environment of the North Sea are concentrating on measures to reduce emissions of hazardous. In regional work for the North Sea , within the North Sea conference, the aim has been set of reducing emissions to harmless levels or zero within 25 years.

An integrated coastal area management programme has not been established

1. Decision-Making Structure: The policy on oceans is part of the National Sustainable Development Strategy.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Government participates in the development of socio-economic and environmental indicators, in systematic observation systems, in the mussel watch programme, in capacity-building and training programmes and in the Global Ocean Observing System, but not in clearing-houses.

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: Approximately US$ 25 million were allocated during 1995/1996 for environmental activities in Central and Eastern Europe, with special emphasis on the Baltic Programme. By the end of 1996, Sweden will have contributed approximately US$ 1.5 million to the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation to finance projects under the Baltic and Barents Sea programmes. Investments have begun at several of the major pollution sources of the Baltic region, and there is a need to identify new sources of pollution.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: The protection of the marine environment from land-based activities is regulated by the Helsinki Convention for the Baltic Sea and the Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, as well as the Osparcom Convention for the Northeast Atlantic which also regulates threats from sea-based activities. Sweden plays an active role in ensuring that the UN Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks will lead to a legally binding convention. Sweden is also working towards a code of conduct on responsible fishing under the FAO. Sweden is actively involved in the Environment and Climate and Marine Science and Technology programmes of the EU, the Project Group for Air and Marine Environmental Effects of the Nordic Council of Ministers, and in the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES). Sweden works with the IMO, the IOC and other governments, and was actively involved in the 1995 Washington Conference on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Eutrophication of Sweden's water supplies has been a geographically widespread problem for a long time, affecting lakes, watercourses, groundwater, coastal and marine areas. In 1993 the Government initiated an inquiry into ways to improve management of groundwater. A special investigator was appointed in 1995 to review liming activities in lakes and waterways.

In certain developed areas where water is in short supply and salt water has seeped into individual wells, the problems have become acute in recent years. The objective is to halve land-based emissions of anthropogenic nitrogen to the sea and to achieve a sharp reduction in the emissions of phosphorus. Sweden has also entered into international commitments which involve reductions of land-based nitrogen and phosphorus content in effluents by 50% between 1985/87 and 1995.

An amendment to the Natural Resources Act was accepted to expand the number of rivers and waterways to be protected from hydro-electric development. A special investigator was appointed in 1993 to review management of groundwater resources, with the aim of making proposals for their safeguarding and balanced use, as well as improvement through better physical planning. The allocation of responsibility among the authorities concerned is diffuse and legislation is difficult to overview. There is also a lack of coordination in terms of information, technological development and common solutions.

Sweden is currently implementing an extensive action programme aimed at reducing nutrient-rich effluents into freshwater bodies and the sea, with a view to halve land-based sources of marine pollution, particularly of phosphorus.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The bodies primarily responsible are the Ministry of the Environment, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The County Administrative Boards are also involved. The policies/laws on the issues discussed in this chapter are: the Natural Resources Act, the Environment Protection Act, the Act Concerning Management of Natural Resources (1987:12), the Government Bill on the Environment (1990/91:90), and the Government Bill on the Environment Debt (1994).

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

Swedish law on chemicals control contain scientific, product and handling targets aimed to facilitate supervisory authorities to ensure that businesses do what is needed to reduce and eliminate dangers to the environment and health.

The principle of substitution is regulated in the Act (1985:426) on chemical products. The principle of substitution means that industry is required whenever possible to replace dangerous substances and products with those that present less risk to health and the environment. Also the precautionary principle is mentioned in the Act on chemical products. The precautionary principle is: Where there are threats of serious or irreversible harm, lack or full scientific certainty about the cause and effects of environmental harm shall not be used as a reason for postphoning measures to prevent environmental degradation.

A continuos effort is made with the view of reducing the exposure of the environment to hazardous chemicals. .A Government Commission is recently appointed. The committee has the task to review Swedish chemicals policy against the background of, e.g. Swedens accession to the European Union, and a possibly changed risk picture caused by the use of chemicals. A new Governement Bill will be issued in the beginning of 1998 with detailed proposals on how to further minimise the risks of chemicals.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of the Environment is the body mainly responsible for the issues related to this chapter. The County Administrative Boards bear responsibility for coordination at the regional level. The following legislation is related to the management of toxic chemicals: the Act (1985:426) on Chemical Products, the Sanitation Act (1979/596, revised in 1994), and the Ecocycle Bill (1993). The National Chemicals Inspectorate is charged with proposing actions to minimize the hazards entailed by various PVC additives. Actions include phase-out targets, labelling guidelines, disposal and EIAs. They are also charged with questions related to minimizing the use of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium as well as other chemicals, which pose unacceptable hazards to man or the environment.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: Sweden chaired a Round Table Meeting of Ministers and CEOs in January 1996 to initiate a dialogue between industry and governments with regard to the fulfillment of Agenda 21.

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Sweden participated in and hosted the 1994 International Conference on Chemical Safety (ICCS), which constituted itself as the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) and also elected Sweden as President for the period up to and including the Second Forum. The Government also contributed funding for the participation of developing countries in the conference. Special efforts are being made to promote expertise in the control of chemicals among certain developing and eastern European countries. Sweden is also actively pursuing policy on chemicals within the EU and globally, such as through UNEP.

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

Basel Convention

signed in 1989; and ratified before 1 July 1992

X-

The latest information was provided to the Basel Convention Secretariat in 19--.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter: Industries generate as much as 75% of the total wastes generated in Sweden. Of the industries, the mining sector generates the most waste.

The industrial sector is encouraged to bear greater responsibility for the management of hazardous waste. As much waste as possible has to be recovered and recycled. Waste is also to be classified, transported and managed safely in environmental terms. Targets have been set for the collection of hazardous wastes, some of which have not been met. For example, the collection of nickel-cadmium batteries had only a 35% take-back rate compared to the target of 90% for July 1995.

Sweden is actively involved in the international ban against the exportation of hazardous wastes to non-OECD countries.

About 4,000 landfills have been shut down, with about 300 remaining, and industries have separate deposit sites of their own. About 50 landfills have equipment to recuperate methane gas formed as a result of anaerobic digestion. An on-going survey has identified about 800 industrially contaminated sites. Five hundred of these require further investigation and action. Metals account for the most serious cause of contamination, followed by toxic chemicals.

Exported waste fell significantly in 1992 over previous years, in large part due to new regulation restricting such exports, particularly to non-OECD countries. The recession was also a contributing factor.

In this chapter 20.22 (h) it is said that Governements should ascertain that their military establishments conform to their nationally applicable norms in the treatment and and disposal of hazardous waste. An environmental policy has been drawn up for the Swedish Armed Forces. The objectives in this policy state, among other things that the utilisation of resources, environmental hazards and the possibilities of reuse are to be taken into account in conjunction with procurement or modification of the materiels. Environmentally harmful substances and activities are successively replaced with less harmful ones.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of the Environment is the body mainly responsible for the issues related to this chapter. The County Administrative Boards bear responsibility for coordination at the regional level. The following legislation covers issues related to this chapter: the Waste Collection and Disposal Act, the Ecocycle Bill (1993), and the Sanitation Act (1979/596, revised 1994). A special investigator have reviewed the collection and disposal of all batteries dangerous to the environment and have proposed a tax on cadmium batteries. Appropriate amendments will be introduced based on the findings of the investigators report. The Environmental Protection Agency is charged with investigating the extent of illegal export and import of hazardous waste to and from Sweden, and to suggest suitable means to address this problem. Sweden has an ordinance which divides waste into differing degrees of danger to supplement the EC Transport Regulation. The Enviromental Protection Agency is charged with the control of permits for exports and imports.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: As an addition to the Basel Convention, Sweden and the EU, together with Norway, secured a ban on the export of hazardous waste for recovery from OECD to non-OECD countries, which enters into force on 1 January 1998. Sweden is pressing the EU to upgrade a number of hazardous wastes listed for export prohibition ("yellow list") under the Basel Convention.

The Environmental Protection Agency is charged with developing quantitative targets and actions for the improved management of wastes. This includes developing criteria for the types of waste to be received at landfills and incineration plants, among others. The Environment Code Commission is currently engaged in a review of waste management legislation, with particular reference to the allocation of responsibilities between different agents (e.g., producers, municipalities and contractors).

Sweden is pressing the EU for the codification of the producer responsibility principle and for future EU law to be more general.

Nitrogen reduction is introduced at a number of coastal municipal wastewater purification plants. This introduction continues.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of the Environment is the body mainly responsible for the issues related to this chapter. The County Administrative Boards bear responsibility for coordination at the regional level. The following legislation covers the issues related to this chapter: The Waste Collection and Disposal Act, the Ecocycle Bill (1993), and the Sanitation Act (1994).

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: In 1995, the secretariat of the Waste Management Research Council was transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency.

3. Major Groups: A study has been started by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities, the Federation of Swedish Farmers and the Swedish Water and Waste Water Works Association, together with a number of experimental municipalities to monitor developments in, and develop targets for, environmentally appropriate water supply and sewerage systems.

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) is taking part in direct investments in about ten different projects at sewage treatment plants.

As a result of the issue of additional dose limit regulation by the SSI, the number of individuals with high doses of radiation in Sweden has decreased significantly. Radiation doses to the public in the vicinity of the plants are consistently below the limits. This is considered a reflection of the favourable dilution conditions.

Management of spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste at the nuclear power plants and at the central interim storage facility and the repository for radioactive operational waste is being handled satisfactorily. The plants emergency response systems are also considered to be satisfactory. Nonetheless, inspections have revealed some minor deficiencies in procedures and documentation. Uncertainties remain surrounding the factors which may limit the lifetime of Swedens reactors.

1. Decision-Making Structure: In its inspection work, the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate (SKI) systematically evaluates the organization of its nuclear power plants and safety culture.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: There is often a shortage of in-house specialist expertise within different areas, and may lead to too great a dependency on consultants.

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

Total revenue from all environment related taxes listed under PROGRESS is about US$ 9 billions per year. Special funding has been allocated for job creation measures in the environmental sector and for investments in ecological adjustment. See also chapter 37.

CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

A one billion SEK environmental investment programme for a period of five years will start in 1997 in order to stimulate the adaption to recycling of the water and sewage systems. In resedential areas and within construction investment grants is to be payable for measures that improve the environment, develop technology and create employment.

NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS: Environmental taxes on commercial fertilizer have been increased, together with the carbon dioxide tax. A government bill was passed in 1995 to increase the carbon dioxide tax paid by industry. Other taxes include those on gravel, sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides. A waste tax is being considered. (See chapter 8 for additional information.)

ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES: A tax reform has increased the costs for private driving of company cars.

Currently an investigation is being carried out concerning the existence of environmentally unfriendly subsidies in Sweden.

donor country

Compare chapter 37.

An advisory panel on environmental technology has been appointed to draw up a programme for how to promote the use of environmental technology in the industry, including a strategy for procurement of environmental technology and how to realize it.

MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION: No information

Environmental issues have recently received increased emphasis in higher education. The Governement Research Bill for the period 1997 - 99, which was presented to the Parliament in september 1996 gives priority to research on environmentally toxic substances, climate , biodiversity and protection against radioactivity. Resources are also allocated to research on class related disease patterns, i.e. inequality in health. Sweden will also actively support the establishment of international research networks for global issuess such as food supply, energy, health and and environment. Environmental research within universities has been given a high importance, particularly the fields of biological diversity and climate. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Swedish Council for Forestry and Agriculture Research (SJFR) have, for example, changed their overall objectives to be more in line with the decisions of the Rio Conference. The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) focuses on international strategic environment research in areas such as climate and energy, environmental technology, biotechnology, and water-related issues.

Swedish scientists have been active in the EUs Environment and Climate programme. Swedish researchers have been particularly successful in the fields of global changes, external environment, and environmental protection in the areas of health and social sciences.

STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG TERM SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY: The Ministry of Education and Science is the body primarily responsible for education and research, natural and social sciences and related legislation.

Measures have been taken to encourage education and research in the areas of science and technology. Plans have been developed giving particular attention to equal opportunity and encouraging more woman students in the areas of science and technology.

Sweden has supported research at a large number of universities and research institutions at the national, regional and international levels. The Swedish Agency for Research and Environmental Cooperation (SAREC) allocated approx. US$ 23 million in 1993 to such organizations.

The Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (MISTRA) began its work in 1995. In 1993, the government and parliament decided to use "wage-earner funds" to advance the development possibilities of environmental research. These funds are being managed by the MISTRA.

The joint section for environmental research at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Göteborg is one example of many university departments and colleges organizing themselves for inter-disciplinary efforts to address complex environmental problems.

The overall aim for the Swedish education system is that environmental issues is to be found as a red line through all levels of education. All regulations in law and ordinance for the Swedish education system are, as it relates environment , in line with Agenda 21. Environment perspectives shall be taken into consideration in all subjects and education programmes at all levels of the education system. The pedagogical programme for pre-schooling is divided into three fields of which one is nature. In the School Act from 1985 for compulsory schools, upper secondary education and municipal adult education the care for the environment is emphasized. Universities and university colleges shall offer tertiary education of high quality and among other things promote an ecological sustainable development. Some of the general objectives for research is to generate new significant knowledge about nature, society and culture and give perspective on the position of man in the universe , in the ecosystems of the planet earth and in history and to contribute to the preservation and development of health, culture, welfare and environment for all individual and groups of the population and for future generations.

The Agenda 21 Committee encourages partnerships, mobilizes resources, provides information and assesses the needs of different population groups.

a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable development

Environmental issues are to be highlighted and integrated into all subjects, with greater weight being placed on environmental issues in the syllabi in upper secondary school.

b) Increasing public awareness

Popular education - folk high schools and educational associations (Study circles) - with its objective to develop basic democratic values in society by giving all citizens the opportunity to develop their general knowledge and skills has a very important role in increasing public awareness.

Another way of increasing public awareness is by giving the population at large information through television news, public service announcements and programmes focussing on natural sciences. Information about Agenda 21 efforts, local and regional, has been disseminated by special campaigns mainly in the metropolitan areas.

c) Promoting training

The Environmental Protection Agency provides information and training on the environment to teachers and with other organizations supports a local network with environmental know-how and information on Agenda 21.

ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS: Major Groups that are members of the Agenda 21 Committee also participate in activities under this chapter. Projects have been introduced to eliminate gender stereotyping, e.g., to encourage women to choose technical and scientific studies and for men to choose studies in teaching and nursing.

FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES: No information

Sweden has since 1988 had a policy objective of all development assistance to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment. Environmental Impact Assessments have been compulsary for all projects since 1991.

After UNCED a working group was set up to develop general principles, guidelines and working methods to integrate the decisions at UNCED in the framework of Swedish development cooperation. In the report entitled Sustainable Aid: Swedish Development Assistance after UNCED, the group put forward recommendations, which the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has used as a basis to work out its Plan of Action for Sustainable Development. In July 1996 the Swedish Government also reported to the parliament the policies within the international development cooperation regarding sustainable development.

The main elements of the policy for sustainable development is the focus on poverty reduction. Certain sectors are identified as particularly important to achieve sustainable development; fresh water, agriculture and forestry, marine environment, urban environment and energy. Support to capacity-building, education and institutional support are core priorities, as well as support to democratic institutions and an increased attention to the role of women in development.