16. A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life

Biological diversity must be preserved and used sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations. Species habitats and ecosystems and their functions and processes must be safeguarded.  
 Species must be able to survive in long-term viable populations with sufficient genetic variation. Finally, people must have access to a good natural and cultural environment rich in biological diversity, as a basis for health, quality of life and well-being. 

The outcome within a generation for this environmental quality objective should include the following:

• Actions by central and local government to conserve biological diversity will be undertaken from a landscape perspective on ecosystem management. The buffering capacity of ecosystems – their ability to cope with change and undergo further development so that they can continue to be productive and deliver goods and services – will be maintained.
• The landscape, lakes and seas will be constituted so as to secure species habitats and dispersal pathways.
• Habitats will exist in sufficient numbers to maintain long-term viable species populations (favourable conservation status).
• Where important habitat types have been damaged, these will be restored, significantly improving conditions for biological diversity. Examples include habitat types that have shrunk substantially in area and/or distribution, whose quality as habitats has been generally degraded, or which support large numbers of species or genetically distinctive populations.
• Nationwide distribution of animal and plant species within, for example, their natural ranges will ensure sufficient genetic variation within and between populations.
• Alien species or genetically modified organisms posing a potential danger to human health or threatening to deplete biological diversity in Sweden will not be introduced.
• Biological diversity will be maintained primarily through a combination of sustainable use of biological resources, conservation of species and their habitats, measures to minimize the pollutant load, and action to limit climate impact.
• Species that are exploited, e.g. through hunting or fishing, will be managed in such a way that they can be harvested as a renewable resource in the long term without affecting ecosystem structures or functions.
• People will have access to natural and cultural environments with a rich diversity of plant and animal life, which will help promote and maintain high standards of public health.
• Sweden's biological cultural heritage will be managed in such a way that important natural and cultural assets are preserved.
• Government and citizens alike will have broad knowledge and awareness of the importance of biological diversity. Traditional and local knowledge about biological diversity and its benefits will be safeguarded and used where appropriate.
• Sweden will play an active part in international environmental cooperation aimed at conserving biological diversity.