Forest policy and legislation in Sweden

SG0266 Forest policy and legislation in Sweden, 7.5 Credits

Skogspolicy och lagar i Sverige

Syllabus approved

2020-11-11

Subjects

Sustainable development Forest science

Education cycle

First cycle

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, entry requirements only from upper secondary school(G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Basic eligibility for university studies

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and skills in analyzing and discussing legal and economic instruments for sustainable forest management, as well as provide basic knowledge in law and policy with special emphasis on the interactions between society and ecosystems - especially forests.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

- explain Swedish forest policy history
- describe and discuss the design of Swedish forest policy and the relationship between forest policy and other related policy areas (eg environmental, energy, and climate policy), and apply to forestry problems from a social, economic and environmental perspective
- apply Swedish forest legislation and other related legislation (eg environmental, energy, and climate legislation) in forestry problems from a social, economic and environmental perspective
- explain and discuss the concept of sustainable development, using social, economic and environmental dimensions and related to forest policy problems
- identify and problematize stakeholder groups that influence forest policy development both nationally and internationally
- explain how international policy affects Swedish forest policy
- identify and analyze which structures and processes (such as certification systems) affect Swedish forest policy actors
- orally present and argue about current problems in forest policy and forest legislation.

Content

This course provides a basis for analysis of how different actors and stakeholders and processes in society affect forest use from a sustainability perspective and how different measures and strategies are designed for the forest landscape. Lectures and seminars provide the basics of sustainable development, policy and law that affect the forest together with related policy areas such as environmental, energy and climate policy with special emphasis on the interactions between these areas. The course touches on the ecological, economic and social aspects of the forest, and is based on sustainable development and sustainability goals, to then deepen analyzes and discussion of the need for political and economic governance, such as efficiency aspects of various political and legal instruments as balances between the forest’s different goals and multi-use. The course also includes general legal knowledge and legal methods with an overview of the legal sources used in solving legal problems. The course also includes the international actors who can influence Swedish forest policy, such as EU regulations and UN recommendations. Voluntary processes (such as certification) are also analyzed and discussed within the course. Through workshops and case studies, as well as study visits / guest lectures, the student can deepen their knowledge of forest use and the roles of different actors in forestry and develop their ability to identify and analyze different structures’ impact on individual forest owners together with the opportunities and limitations of Swedish forest policy. policy provides in terms of legislation, strategies, and recommendations. Workshops and seminars also contribute to developing students’ ability to present and argue about current problems. Mandatory elements in the course are active participation in study visits / guest lectures, seminars and workshops.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed exam, approved assignments and completed mandatory elements.

• If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Economics

Further information

There are no Grading criteria posted for this course