Mapping of voluntary set-aside forests intended for nature conservation management in Sweden

In Sweden, an estimated 0.3–0.6 million hectares (1.2–2.4% of the entire Swedish forest area) of forests are voluntary set-asides for nature conservation management (NCM). Even though these areas are crucial in Swedish biodiversity conservation, no analysis has yet been carried out of their conservation values and spatial distribution. The aim of this study was to comprehensively describe areas intended for NCM in Sweden. Based on existing habitat descriptions, six NCM area categories were defined. The occurrence of each category was determined through GIS analysis of a spatially explicit dataset containing information on 26,953 stands (136,672 ha) set aside for NCM. Of the analysed area, 86% met the criteria of at least one category. The most common category was “Old coniferous forests”, which was found to be abundant in northern Sweden, and often the only category met in stands. Out of the remaining five categories, four were more frequent in southern Sweden. In the southern regions, stands often met the criteria of two or three categories simultaneously. This mapping is a resource for further research and development of policies and strategies aimed at increasing the extent and improving the quality of nature conservation management.