The role of threat to areas and initiative from actors for establishment of nature reserves in southern Sweden 1926–1996

Abstract

Ecologists are developing methods for the design of reserve systems, but non-ecological factors or criteria may limit their applicability (e.g. threat, initiative, low-cost ‘opportunities’). Threat before reserve acquisition (i.e. direct threat, contributing to reserve establishment) and the actors proposing reserves were studied for a random sample of 84 nature reserves with forest in southern Sweden, established 1926–1996. A direct threat was recorded for about 40% of these reserves before they were acquired. The remaining reserves had not been directly threatened, although indirect threat probably contributed to establishment of several reserves. Threat was an important factor in this productive lowland area, but for reserves in larger regions with varied topography (e.g. Sweden) mainly alpine or low-productive areas is represented, and threat seems to be of minor importance. Decisions for the 84 reserves were taken by one main conservation agency, which however initiated less than 50% of the reserves. External actors, such as other authorities, idealistic organisations and private individuals were also important initiators, suggesting that actors in the reserve process should be studied in biodiversity programs. Strong arguments for protection, careful planning, and flexibility with respect to non-ecological factors (that probably cannot be eliminated) may be successful tactics to establish more reserves with high biological values.