»FjällMISTRA - Sustainable management in the mountain region
FjällMISTRA - Sustainable management in the mountain region
THE PROBLEM
The ecosystems of the Swedish mountain region have natural limitations, such as low biodiversity and low production, which makes them susceptible to use and exploitation. At the same time, the population in the local and regional mountain communities depend on being able to use the soil, forest, water and animal world as rationally as possible. Reindeer herding, forestry, hunting, fishing, tourism, mining, hydropower expansion and nature conservation are the needs and interests that come face to face and create conflicts. Different forms of natural resource use not only affect the environment as a whole, but also each other's environmental conditions and prerequisites.
HOW CAN THE PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM?
A common basis is needed for what should be considered as sustainable resource management and there needs to be more consensus on the existing potential for both protecting and using the resources of the mountain region. The aim of the programme is to develop a basis that can help use the natural resources of the mountain region in a sustainable manner. The programme affects activities in 15 mountain municipalities and the aim is to provide a scientific basis for the effective adaptation of different kinds of natural resource use to each other and to the environment. Ultimately, the programme shall provide a planning system and knowledge that can help manage conflicts of interests and goals with the aim of restricting the environmental impact on the Swedish mountain region.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS?
Agriculture. Reindeer herding. Fishery. Hunting organisations. Tourism. Central, regional and local authorities responsible for these activities. Interest groups (environment, nature conservation, recreation).
Programme period: 1998-2006
Funding: Mistra SEK 84 million
Main contractor: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU Umeå)
