PRESS RELEASE May 20, 2009

Sweden celebrates 100 years of national parks

Hiking in Abisko, searching for spring mushrooms on Kinnekulle Mountain, fishing in the Gavle River (Gavleån), or bat- spotting in Söderåsen. These are just a few of the exciting activities taking place around the country May 24 to celebrate 100 years of national parks in Sweden.

Maria Ågren, director general of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, encourages everyone to get out and enjoy Sweden’s fantastic nature on May 24.
“On this day there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you want take a boat ride in Färnebofjärden, look at the rock carvings in Tyresta or visit Skansen’s new exhibit.

But people don’t have to limit themselves to national parks or nature reserves, she adds. “Select one of them or go out into the nearest forest glade. The important thing is that people get out and enjoy our nature today,” says Ågren. 

National park day celebrations are taking place all over Europe on May 24, which marks the day 100 years ago when the Swedish Parliament established the first nine national parks and adopted the first legislation to protect the environment. Today there are 28 national parks in Sweden. In September Sweden’s 29th national park and first marine national park, Kosterhavet National Park, will be inaugurated.

100 years of nature conservation

During 2009 about 20 organisations and state authorities are working together on to celebrate 100 years of nature conservation and national parks in Sweden. The aim of “Naturens år” (Nature’s Year) is to highlight nature conservation—its history, current practices and also the future of conservation.
 
According to Peter Westman, head of nature conservation at the World Wildlife Fund Sweden, in the beginning environmental protection was mostly about protecting endangered species and areas. “Today environmental protection also includes protecting our natural resources and ensuring that we use our natural resources in a sustainable manner,” says Westman.

Most of the May 24 celebrations are arranged by the national parks or county administrative boards, but activities and celebrations will take place all year, in protected areas and elsewhere. The tourism industry, including the Swedish Tourist Association and the Swedish Ecotourism Association, are also very active.

“The best way to understand why the environment is important is to experience it firsthand. Tourism and nature conservation are mutually beneficial,” says Yvonne Arentoft, head of the Swedish Tourist Association.  

For further information, please contact:
Suzanne Kolare, +46 8 698 16 97, Suzanne.kolare(a)naturvardsverket.se