In the increased densification of cities, the city’s green areas and urban forests are gradually decreasing. Even though overview planning emphasizes its importance and role in the city, this process seems to be consistent. In addition to the direct aesthetic aspects of the city, these changes also have potential in-depth consequences for urban life and…
The use of local natural resources, particularly forest resources, are important for many rural municipalities. Municipal spatial planning is a key tool in finding a balance between ecological, social and economic sustainability in social development based on a landscape perspective on utilization. Dialogue and stakeholder interaction in the planning, based on comprehensive and shared knowledge…
The forest is an important natural resource for Sweden. In order to combat conflicts about how the forest is to be used and managed, it is important to take into account public opinion. Changed climate is expected to increase the risk of forest damage caused by, for example, storm and pests. The forest management strategies…
As the climate changes, so do the forest and the conditions for forestry. This demands an adaptation of forest management in order to minimize risks and create conditions for forests that will be healthy and resilient in the future. However, in a study of actors within Swedish forestry, the greatest obstacles to this appear to…
Despite the fact that approximately 30 percent of the forest owners in Europe are women, there is a lack of basic insight and knowledge regarding the significance of gender when it comes to who owns forest and how the ownership is constructed, as well as the prerequisites for management and operations. Applying a gender perspective…
In a traditionally men-dominated industry like forestry, work for gender equality can be a great challenge. Traditions and norms constitute challenges as they generates different forms of resistance. However, as a new research article shows, this resistance may also present a possibility to understand these traditions and thereby develop more efficient gender-equality measures. Despite…
The post-war era has brought with it many social changes in the Western world, not least in regard to democracy. The major trend is increased democratization and greater transparency in central societal processes such as planning and decision-making, for example in issues concerning the use of natural resources. However, this has also entailed complex challenges,…
There is a prevailing view of the countryside that is generalized, and at times dark, as areas that exist merely for the cities and seldom as areas with their own innate value. Such a view causes one to miss the diversity found in our various types of rural areas. Even though some parts of the…
The typical forest owner lives in the same municipality where his/her forest property is located, has no more moves planned, and is a bit older than the general population. The new forest owner tends to be a younger woman, with a higher income and education. In Sweden, half of the forest owned by private owners…
An overarching plan that includes forest and municipal planning as well as other land-use interests is motivated, not least with thought to the possibility to understand and handle conflicts concerning the forest landscape. Municipalities establish a municipal development plan accounting for how the land within the municipality will be used, as well as plans for…