Swedish areas in international networks
Sweden has notified nine new areas for inclusion in the Helsinki Convention network of valuable marine areas. This network now includes 21 Swedish areas. In addition, six Swedish marine areas are included in the Oslo-Paris (OSPAR) Convention network of marine protected areas.
Under the Helsinki Convention (HELCOM), Sweden has undertaken to protect a representative network of coastal areas and marine habitats – Coastal and Marine Baltic Sea Protected Areas.
Areas included in the network are called Baltic Sea Protected Areas (BSPAs). By 2010 at the latest, these areas must either enjoy long-term protection or contain one or several ‘zones of particular interest’ which enjoy long-term protection. In the latter case, a conservation plan must also have been drawn up for the area. Protection is established by means of Swedish legislation.
New areas notified for inclusion in the Helsinki Convention
The Swedish EPA carried out a review of the Swedish part of the network in 2006 and proposed changes to the Government. The Government has now decided to notify nine new areas for inclusion under the Helsinki Convention.
These new areas are: Kronören, Axmar, Bullerö-Bytta, Värnanäs skärgård, Hoburgs bank, Lundåkrabukten, Hallands Väderö, Lilla Middelgrund and Fladen.
More information
Valuable marine areas in the North-East Atlantic
Six Swedish areas meet the recommendations developed under the Oslo-Paris Convention (OSPAR). These areas are included in the network of Marine Protected Areas, which means that Sweden has undertaken to preserve their natural values.
The areas are:
- Lilla Middelgrund
- Fladen
- Kungsbackafjorden
- Nordre älvs estuarium
- Gullmarn
- Koster
More information
Contact: Jorid Hammersland, jorid.hammersland (a) naturvardsverket.se