Sweden has no specific legislation governing access to Swedish genetic resources. This means that users do not need informed consents and agreements under the Nagoya Protocol in order to utilise Swedish genetic resources.
However, there is legislation that restricts or prohibits all utilisation of some species in Sweden.
Before you utilise a Swedish genetic resource
It is prohibited to collect certain species of plants and animals if they are protected by law or in other ways.
Check the legislation applicable to the particular species from which the genetic resource will be accessed. One such piece of legislation that you should check is Sweden's Artskyddsförordning (2007:845) (the Swedish Species Protection Ordinance).
If you want to conduct research or ex-situ conservation in Sweden on an invasive alien species, you may need a permit.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for invasive alien species living on land and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management for invasive alien species living in water.
If you want to use a species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you might also need apply for a CITES permit. In the EU, CITES is implemented through Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97.
If the resource is found outside protected areas
Almost all plant and animal species as well as fungi and other organisms in Sweden that are found outside protected areas such as nature reserves and national parks can be used with only the permission of the landowner, or under Sweden’s right of access to private land (allemansrätten).
You can utilise a genetic resource without the landowner’s permission if it is obvious that the resource has no economic value for the landowner and your utilisation does not cause any harm to the landowner.
If the resource is found in a protected site
You may need an exemption or permit under Sweden’s Environmental Code from the county administrative board, or in some instances the municipality, if the genetic resource is found in a nature reserve or a national park.
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