In next year’s budget, the government pushes to SEK 1.2 billion for the purpose, which is more than for the current year. But Björn Risinger, director general of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, says that it is far from what is needed.
“We had requested a substantial increase in the total funding, roughly a doubling, in order to meet the targets for all protected areas,” he told the radio.
According to Risinger, the money should be enough for, among other things, predator management, to compensate farmers who take care of flower-rich pastures and to stop illegal trade in endangered species.
A large part of the grant is earmarked for wetlands and for fighting invasive species.
At the same time, many hiking trails are neglected and if they are in poor condition, they can be forced to close, says Risinger.