Vastavalt nimekirjale
05.01.2023 nr 6-3/22/5375-2
Rootsi mereala ruumiline planeerimine
Piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsiooni (Espoo konventsiooni) keskkonnamõju
strateegilise hindamise (KSH) protokolli alusel on Rootsi varakult teavitanud Eestit oma mereala
ruumilise planeerimise protsessist. Kuigi Rootsi kehtestas mereala planeeringud Botnia lahe,
Läänemere ning Skagerrak/Kattegat väinade jaoks veebruaris 2022, on alustatud uue mereala
planeerimise tsükliga eesmärgiga määrata kindlaks uued meretuuleenergia alad, mille kaudu on
võimalik täiendavalt toota elektrit. Selleks vaadatakse praegused mereala planeeringud üle. Kirjale
on lisatud ingliskeelne KSH sisu ja ulatust käsitlev dokument.
Rootsi küsib arvamust selle kohta, kas Eesti soovib osaleda uues mereala ruumiline planeerimise
KSH menetluses. Ootame 8. veebruariks 2023 põhjendatud arvamusi selle kohta, kas Rootsi
mereala planeeringute elluviimisega võib Eestile kaasneda oluline piiriülene keskkonnamõju,
mistõttu Eesti peaks osalema kõnealuses menetluses. Võimalike märkuste ja ettepanekute raames
on oodatud ka planeerimisega seotud asjaolud piiriüleses kontekstis, millega Rootsi pädev asutus
saaks arvestada edasises protsessis.
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Kerli Kiili
Välissuhete osakonna juhataja
asekantsleri ülesannetes
Lisa: KSH sisu ja ulatuse dokument
Rainer Persidski, 626 2973
[email protected]
Paldiski mnt 96/ Tallinn 13522/ 626 2802/
[email protected]/ www.envir.ee/
Registrikood 70001231
Scoping consultation for strategic
environmental assessment of revised marine
spatial plans in Sweden
2022-12-01 Dnr: 03746-2022
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Content
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Introduction and reading guide...................................................................................... 4
1.2 Ecosystem-based marine spatial planning .................................................................... 4
1.2.1 Marine spatial planning and the objectives of the marine spatial plans................... 4
1.2.2 Overall timeline of the marine planning process ...................................................... 5
1.3 Strategic Environmental Assessment of marine spatial plans ................................... 6
1.3.1 Formal requirements for strategic environmental assessment of marine spatial
plans ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.2 Scoping consultation ................................................................................................ 7
1.4 Terminology and definitions ............................................................................................ 8
2 Scope of the strategic environmental assessment ............................................................. 9
2.1 Temporal scope and alternatives .................................................................................. 9
2.2 Geographical scope ...................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Thematic scope and assessment criteria ................................................................... 12
2.3.1 Population and human health ........................................................................... 13
2.3.2 Protected animal and plant species in accordance with Chapter 8 of the
Environmental Code and biodiversity in general ..................................................... 13
2.3.3 Land, soil, water, air, climate, landscape, and built and cultural environments 13
2.3.4 Management of land, water and the physical environment in general, as well as
other management of resources, raw materials and energy ................................... 14
2.3.5 Other parts of the environment ......................................................................... 14
2.4 Methodological approach ............................................................................................. 14
2.4.1 The approach in brief ........................................................................................ 14
2.4.2 A method in different steps ............................................................................... 15
2.4.3 Symphony Method ............................................................................................ 19
2.4.4 Uncertainty in the assessment.......................................................................... 20
3 Knowledge base for assessment ........................................................................................ 21
4 Relationship with plans, programmes and other relevant processes ............................ 22
4.1 Areas of national interest, policy documents and spatial planning ........................ 22
4.1.1 Areas of national interest .................................................................................. 22
4.1.2 Extension of the transmission network ............................................................. 23
4.1.3 Sustainable development strategies, a Swedish marine strategy, and the EU 23
4.1.4 Regional development strategies ..................................................................... 25
4.1.5 Municipal and regional planning ....................................................................... 25
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4.2 Environmental and climate objectives ........................................................................ 26
4.2.1 National environmental objectives .................................................................... 26
4.2.2 Marine and aquatic environment, national, EU and regional ........................... 26
4.2.3 Climate policy at national and EU level ............................................................ 27
4.2.4 Biodiversity and fisheries .................................................................................. 28
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1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction and reading guide
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) held a national consultation on
the scope of the strategic environmental assessment of marine spatial plans, for revised marine
spatial plans from the 8th of July to the 10th of October 2022. In addition an ESPOO-notification is
carried out from 1st December 2022 to 28th February 2023. This document is made available in
the notification and describes the proposed scope of the strategic environmental assessment
(SEA) according to Chapter 6, Sections 1-19 of the Environmental Code. Participating countries
may provide comments on the scope of the SEA based on the proposed scope presented in this
document.
The implementation of the SEA, assessing the impacts of the marine spatial plans on the
environment, is part of SwAMs application of the ecosystem approach. SwAM is responsible for
the SEA, including the preparation of the assessment’s supporting material and the
environmental impact statement (also referred to as the EIA-document) describing the
environmental impact of the marine spatial plan. The purpose of the strategic environmental
assessment is to integrate environmental considerations into planning.
This introductory chapter provides an overview of marine spatial planning, the new marine spatial
planning process and the purpose of the strategic environmental assessment.
In Chapter 2, we describe the scope of the strategic environmental assessment where section 2.2
deals with the geographical scope, including transboundary impacts, and section 2.3 deals with
scope in content, i.e. the assessment criteria for the SEA.
Chapter 3 provides an overall picture of the knowledge base underpinning the strategic
environmental assessment.
Finally, in Chapter 4, we describe the interdependencies and links of marine spatial planning with
other plans, programs and contexts. It provides an overarching policy framework that puts marine
spatial planning in a broader context.
1.2 Ecosystem-based marine spatial planning
1.2.1 Marine spatial planning and the objectives of the marine spatial plans
The marine spatial plans shall demonstrate the most appropriate use of the sea. The plans
provide spatial conditions for different types of activities or protection in the sea, based on a
holistic perspective. Adopted marine spatial plans are guiding for further planning, management
and licensing of projects. Marine spatial planning is one of several tools for the Government to
control and influence activities and the state of the environment in the sea.
Marine spatial planning is the process in which marine spatial plans are developed. It organises
current and future activities in marine areas in order to achieve environmental, economic and
social objectives.
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In July 2014, the EU adopted a Marine Spatial Planning Directive (2014/89/EU).The Directive
requires marine spatial planning to promote the sustainable development of offshore energy,
maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture and the conservation, protection and improvement of
the environment. The ecosystem approach shall be applied in planning so that the marine
activities’ pressures on the environment are compatible with good environmental status according
to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
The EU Marine Spatial Planning Directive was transposed into Sweden’s national legislation in
September 2014 through provisions in the Environmental Code (Chapter 4, Section 10) on
national marine spatial planning, and 2015 through the marine spatial planning ordinance
(2015:400) which regulates the implementation of marine spatial planning. The Environmental
Code states that the purpose of the marine spatial plans is to contribute to long-term sustainable
development.
The Marine Spatial Planning Regulation clarifies that the design of marine spatial plans shall
contribute to good environmental status and that marine resources should be used sustainably, to
promote development and coexistence in marine sectors.
New objectives in the planning process are mainly focused on increasing areas for energy
production. In addition to these, the marine spatial plans will be updated based on new conditions
for marine protected areas and for other interests when needed.
1.2.2 Overall timeline of the marine planning process
The marine spatial planning process is implemented according to a timetable guided by a number
of government assignments:
Government assignment to develop planning support for further areas offshore wind in the
marine spatial plans (RK dnr: M2022/00276, HaV dnr 764-2022). The assignment is aimed at
Svenska kraftnät, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water
Management, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Maritime
Administration, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Board of Agriculture and Sweden’s
Geological Survey. The Swedish Energy Agency coordinates the work with planning data
and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management leads the planning process in
accordance with the Marine Spatial Planning Ordinance. The Swedish Energy Agency shall
report no later than the 31st of March 2023. The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water
Management shall report no later than the 31st of December 2024.
Government assignment to the Swedish Energy Agency and the Swedish Agency for Marine
and Water Management to make a compilation of knowledge of conditions and possible
measures for coexistence in areas with upcoming wind power establishment (RK dnr:
N2022/00515, HaV dnr 899-2022). The assignment is implemented and presented jointly by
the two authorities by the 28th of February 2023.
Government assignment to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management to,
among other things, investigate how exclusive right to areas in territorial sea and Sweden’s
exclusive economic zone should be regulated and how an examination can be regulated for
the handling of several simultaneous applications for offshore wind power in relation to the
same area (M2022/00768, HaV dnr 1393-2022). The assignment shall be reported no later
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than the 30th of November 2022.
Assignment to the County Administrative Board to develop, with the support of the Swedish
National Heritage Board, appropriate planning evidence on cultural environments in the
national marine spatial planning. The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management
shall guide the work, which shall be reported no later than the 31st of December 2024.
The scoping consultation is the first element of the strategic environmental assessment and is
followed by the formal stages, Consultation, preliminarily from June — November 2023 and
Review, around May — August 2024 (Figure 1). In conjunction with consultation, review and
delivery to the Government, the environmental impact assessment is published together with
proposals for marine spatial plans.
Figure 1 - Overall timetable for the maritime spatial planning process including environmental assessment.
1.3 Strategic Environmental Assessment of marine spatial plans
1.3.1 Formal requirements for strategic environmental assessment of marine spatial plans
According to the Environmental Assessment Ordinance, marine spatial plans are presumed to
have a significant environmental impact as referred to in Chapter 6, Section 3 of the
Environmental Code. There are therefore requirements for carrying out strategic environmental
assessment in accordance with Chapter 6, Sections 1-19 of the Environmental Code. The work
on strategic environmental assessment is documented in an EIA in the form of a single document
for the three marine spatial plan areas.
The requirements for the environmental assessment of marine spatial plans are also based on
the Environmental Code’s portal clause according to which shall be applied in such a way that:
1. human health and the environment are protected against damage and detriment, whether
caused by pollutants or other impacts;
2. valuable natural and cultural environments are protected and preserved;
3. biological diversity is preserved;
4. the use of land, water and the physical environment in general is such as to secure a long term
good management in ecological, social, cultural and economic terms; and
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5. reuse and recycling, as well as other management of materials, raw materials and energy are
encouraged with a view to establishing and maintaining natural cycles.
The requirements mean that social and economic aspects also need to be included in the
assessment of impacts.
1.3.2 Scoping consultation
Scoping of the SEA shall take place at an early stage in the planning process. The purpose of
scoping of the SEA is, among other things, to ensure that the environmental assessment focuses
on the environmental issues that are most relevant to the plan in question, with a sufficient level
of detail. The marine spatial plans are large-scale and strategic but still need to relate to the
specific characteristics and sensitivity of the areas in question. The SEA can, by providing a
relevant description of the environmental impacts at the plan level, contribute to a more efficient
process in subsequent licensing of different activities, with its project level environmental impact
assessments. This not least by analysing the cumulative effects of different plan proposals, which
is not possible in the same way at project level.
Marine spatial planning and the SEA shall support municipal planning at a more detailed level.
The SEA shall describe and assess the significant direct, indirect, cumulative, short-term and
long-term cumulative effects. What is significant is assessed on a case-by-case basis based on,
among other things, the type and degree of impact and the values and sensitivity of the site.
The focus of this planning round is on planning for more areas of energy production. The scope of
the environmental assessment shall capture the effects linked to such areas, but also other
significant effects resulting from the modified marine spatial plans.
1.3.2.1 Nationally
The authority that draws up or amends a plan shall consult on the scope and degree of detail of
the SEA (Chapter 6, Section 10 of the Environmental Code). The marine spatial plans are plans
at a national level as they together cover the most of Sweden’s seas. The national scoping
consultation took place with those municipalities, county administrative boards and other
authorities which, due to their specific environmental responsibilities, are likely to be affected by
the marine spatial plan (Chapter 6, Section 10 of the Environmental Code).
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management therefore conducted a broad
consultation aimed at giving all interested parties, including industry and interest organisations,
the opportunity to provide feedback.
1.3.2.2 In case of significant environmental impact in another country
The Espoo Convention together with the Protocol on the Strategic Environmental Assessment
Directive (2001/42/EC) regulate consultations on transboundary significant effects on the
environment. These have been implemented in Swedish law through transposition in Chapter 6 of
the Environmental Code and the Environmental Assessment Ordinance (2017:966). The general
requirements are to inform the countries concerned of current planning and to conduct
consultations when planning proposals and EIA-document have been developed.
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Responsibility for consultations vis-à-vis another country under the Environmental Assessment
Ordinance is at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
1.4 Terminology and definitions
Use is a term for the types of activities or interests categorised in marine plans: electricity
transmission, energy production, investigation area energy production, defence, general use,
culture, nature, recreation, sand extraction, investigation area sand extraction, shipping,
investigation area shipping, and commercial fishery.
Pressure is the change in physical conditions caused by the implementation of the plan (e.g. use
of an area leading to turbidity or noise).
The effect or impact is the change in the environment caused by a pressure on an ecosystem
component (habitat or individual component of flora and fauna). Effects can be direct or indirect,
cumulative, positive or negative, long-term or short-term and give rise to consequences.
The Ecosystem Approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living
resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. It aims to take
into account both environmental and social contexts and integrated management methodology.
The approach includes a number of guiding principles (the1“Malawi Principles”), including the
principle of ensuring that the use of ecosystems takes place within their limits.2
Symphony ecosystem components (see heading 2.4.3) are habitats, species or groups of
animals and plants that form part of marine ecosystems.
Ecosystem services are the products and services of natural ecosystems that contribute to
human well-being. The concept helps to systematise and bridge ecology and society and makes
it visible that well-functioning ecosystems are important for society, health and welfare.
Climate neutrality means that greenhouse gas emissions are net-zero.
Consequences are the importance of impacts from an environmental and societal perspective.
Environmental aspects are the aspects described in Chapter 6 of the Environmental Code, with
regard to which themes the environmental assessment is carried out on.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the written report documenting the results of
the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of plans and programmes is the process that
includes certain elements that authorities and municipalities must carry out when drawing up or
amending certain plans or programmes whose implementation is likely to have significant effects
on the environment (Chapter 6 of the Environmental Code).
1
Malawi principles, https://www.cbd.int/ecosystem/principles.shtml
2
Ecosystem Approach, https://www.cbd.int/ecosystem
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2 Scope of the strategic environmental
assessment
In accordance with Chapter 6, Section 11 of the Environmental Code, an strategic environmental
impact assessment shall include:
1. a summary of the content, purpose and relationship of the plan with other plans and
programmes;
2. the identification, description and assessment of reasonable alternatives to the plan
3. details of:
a. the environmental conditions and the likely development of the environment if the plan is
not implemented;
b. the environmental conditions in areas likely to be significantly affected;
c. existing environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme, in particular relating
to protected areas or other areas of particular importance to the environment; and
d. how relevant environmental quality objectives and other environmental considerations are
taken into account;
4. the identification, description and assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of
the implementation of the plan;
5. information about the measures envisaged to prevent, hinder, alleviate or remedy significant
adverse environmental impacts;
6. a summary of the considerations made, the reasons behind the choice of alternatives and any
problems associated with the compilation of data and information;
7. a description of the follow-up and surveillance measures planned to follow up the significant
environmental effects resulting from the implementation of the plan; and
8. a non-technical summary.
This chapter describes the scope of the SEA with respect to items 2, 3 and 4 and the part of item
6 that concerns uncertainty in the assessment.
2.1 Temporal scope and alternatives
According to Chapter 6, Section 11 of the Environmental Code, reasonable alternatives must be
identified, described and assessed taking into account the purpose and geographical scope of the
plan or programme. Reasonable alternatives may be different planning scenarios to achieve the
objectives of the plan or programme (prop. 2003/04:116). In accordance with Chapter 6, Sections
12 and 16 of the Environmental Code, the SEA shall also describe why the plan or programme
was adopted instead of other reasonable alternatives.
In the SEA, reasonable alternatives shall be assessed taking into account the purpose and
geographical scope of the plan or programme. In the context of the SEA, alternatives will be
addressed as follows:
The environmental effects of the plan will be assessed against a so-called zero alternative,
which describes the conditions and the likely development of the environment if the plan
proposal were not implemented. The zero alternative assumes that the marine plans adopted
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by the Government in February 2022 are fully implemented. This means that the SEA will
show the difference in terms of environmental effects between the new plan proposals and
the marine spatial plans adopted in 2022.
Environmental effects will also be assessed against the current situation, which describes the
environmental status in 2023.
If different planning options are developed within the marine spatial planning process, the
SEA will analyse the environmental effects of the plan alternatives relative to the zero
alternative. In some areas or for certain environmental effects, it may also be relevant to
assess both the environmental effects of plan alternatives against the current situation and
the zero alternative against the current situation. This enables an assessment of the
aggregate effects that are expected to arise from the implementation of the adopted marine
spatial plans and the new plan proposals.
If the marine spatial planning process does not develop plan alternatives, these might be
developed as part of the SEA in order to show the effects of different choices concerning
future uses of the sea. Such choices may include, among other things, different locations for
energy production areas, different assumptions regarding fishing activities in wind farms or
different assumptions concerning management measures in areas with particular
consideration to high natural and cultural values. The environmental effects of these
alternatives will be compared with those of the zero alternative and the current situation as
described in the previous paragraph.
The reference year for both zero and plan alternatives is 2040. The reference year was set on the
assumption that the full effects of the marine spatial plan will take between 10 and 15 years to
materialise, in particular with regard to offshore wind development. It was also set taking into
account time for implementation of management measures in areas with particular consideration
to high natural or cultural values proposed in the plan. The SEA may also highlight the long-term
effects and impacts of the application of the marine spatial plans beyond 2040.
2.2 Geographical scope
The marine spatial plans cover Sweden’s economic zone and the areas not included in real
estate in the Swedish territorial sea from one nautical mile outside the baseline, referred to in the
Act (2017:1272) on the Swedish Marine Territory and Zones (Figure 2). The SEA will analyse the
significant effects on the environment that may result from the marine spatial plans, both inside
and outside the planning areas, including on land.
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Some environmental effect may
be reported at the national level,
such as effects on the economy of
marine sectors and effects on
human health and population.
Cross-border effects in relation to
Sweden’s neighbouring countries
will also be reported where such
effects are considered significant.
Effects beyond neighbouring
regions may also be relevant, for
example in terms of effects on
migratory species or shipping.
The plan areas have been divided
into sea basins, which in turn are
divided into areas (Figure 3).
Environmental effects are
reported for each marine plan
area, but more detailed analyses
at sea basin and area level may
also be relevant depending on the
environmental effects caused by
the implementation of the marine
spatial plans. The effects on
populations whose distribution
extends over multiple marine
areas will be analysed at a higher
level, for example at the national
Figure 2 - Borders in the Swedish maritime territory. level and where relevant, also
from a transboundary perspective.
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Planning area Plan area of the Gulf of Bothnia
ID number
Marine uses
Electricity transmission
Energy production
Investigation area – Energy pr.
Defense
General use
Culture
Nature
Recreation
Sand extraction
Investigation area – Sand extr.
Shipping
Investigation area – Shipping
Commercial fishing
Special consideration
to defense interests
to high cultural values
to high natural values
Sea basin Bothnian Bay
Connections outside the plan area
Electricity transmission /
Shipping
Area B143
Figure 3 - Geographical assessment areas used in the environmental assessment
2.3 Thematic scope and assessment criteria
The starting point for setting the thematic scope of the SEA are the environmental aspects that
are considered to be affected by the implementation of the marine spatial plans and which are
listed in Chapter 6, Section 2 of the Environmental Code:
1. population and human health;
2. animal or plant species protected under Chapter 8, and other biodiversity;
3. land, soil, water, air, climate, landscape, and built and cultural environment,
4. the management of land, water and other parts of the physical environment;
5. other management of resources, raw materials and energy; or
6. other parts of the environment.
According to the same paragraph, the SEA shall take into account environmental effects that are
direct and indirect, positive and negative, temporary and permanent, cumulative or individual (not
cumulative), as well as effects that occur in the short, medium and long terms.
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The following paragraphs describe how the above-mentioned environmental aspects will be
interpreted and assessed in the context of the SEA. 14 includes an overview of the assessment
methodology for each environmental aspect.
2.3.1 Population and human health
This environmental aspect will be assessed in terms of risks to human health from exposure to
pollution from activities affected by the marine spatial plans. The assessment will also take into
account more indirect effects on public health caused by changes in recreational and outdoor
activities as a result of the guidance provided by the marine spatial plans. The assessment of
these two types of effects includes an analysis of the distribution of effects among the population,
including in cases of accidents or other unexpected events.
2.3.2 Protected animal and plant species in accordance with Chapter 8 of the
Environmental Code and biodiversity in general
The assessment of this environmental aspect includes an analysis of the effects of the marine
spatial plans on different marine animal and plant species. In several cases, the assessment will
focus on species groups as a whole, but for protected or endangered species, species-specific
assessments will be made. Environmental effects will be assessed in terms of effects on
population size and distribution. For some species, other assessment criteria may also be
relevant, such as the size and age structure of fish species or coverage of habitat-forming plants
and animals.
2.3.3 Land, soil, water, air, climate, landscape, and built and cultural environments
This environmental aspect covers various aspects that will be assessed separately based on
different assessment criteria.
Effects on land and soil are assessed on the basis of effects on sea bottom environments, which
include both non-living (abiotic) and living (biotic) components, such as bottom structures and
substrates and habitat-forming species. The assessment is based on the degree of physical
disturbance and distribution of different bottom habitat types that occur within the assessment
areas.
The environmental aspect water is assessed in terms of effects on water as habitat in offshore,
coastal and transitional waters. The assessment is based on physical and chemical parameters
according to the EU Water Framework Directive, as well as hydrodynamic parameters according
to the MSFD.
Air and climate are assessed in terms of the effects on air quality of air pollution from marine
activities that the marine spatial plans directly and indirectly affect, as well as effects on
greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions of both air pollutants and greenhouse gases are mainly
caused by combustion engines of vessels, the most common types of which are merchant
vessels, fishing vessels and recreational boats. The effects on climate will also be assessed in
terms of changes in greenhouse gas emissions associated with increased offshore renewable
energy production. The SEA will also take into account adaptation to climate change in terms of
both how the implementation of the marine spatial plan will affect adaptation, and how climate
change could add to the other effects of the marine spatial plans.
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The effects on landscape will be assessed in terms of the effects on visual interference at
different points at sea and on the coast, as well as the possible effects on other characteristics of
landscapes. The main influencing factors are considered to be fixed installations at sea and to a
lesser extent vessels, depending on their size and number.
The environmental aspect of cultural environments will be assessed in terms of the
consequences for cultural environments mainly as a result of changes in the landscape, which
relates to the previous environmental aspect. Effects on the built environment will be assessed in
terms of changes in infrastructure and settlements in the coastal zone as a result of changes in
the maritime activities affected by the marine spatial plans.
2.3.4 Management of land, water and the physical environment in general, as well as
other management of resources, raw materials and energy
Assessment of this environmental aspect involves an analysis of whether the use of land, water,
physical environment, etc. as affected by the marine spatial plans constitutes good management
in relation to the carrying capacity of the natural environment and the benefits to society. The
assessment will compare the guidance provided by the marine spatial plans with other possible
uses, for example, according to current national interests or sectoral planning. It will be based on
an analysis of environmental and indirect effects on various economic and social aspects, such
as value added and employment in the sectors affected by the marine spatial plans.
2.3.5 Other parts of the environment
No additional elements of the environment are to be included in the SEA other than the ones
reviewed above.
2.4 Methodological approach
2.4.1 The approach in brief
The environmental assessment of the marine spatial plan proposals will include the identification,
description and assessment of significant environmental effects in accordance with Chapter 6,
Section 1 of the Environmental Code, and an assessment of the economic and social effects that
the implementation of the marine spatial plans is expected to have. The assessment will therefore
apply a methodological approach based on the cascade model,3 which encompasses these
different aspects (Figure 4).
The approach consists of three main elements. The first part is the environmental assessment
part, within which the effects of the marine spatial plans on ecosystems will be estimated. The
second part consists of a simplified ecosystem service analysis where the results of the first part
will be interpreted in terms of effects on relevant ecosystem services. The effects on ecosystems
and ecosystem services resulting from the implementation of the marine spatial plans are then
used in the third part of the approach for estimating economic and social effects for society, with a
particular focus on the marine sectors.
3
Haines-Young, RH, Potschin, M (2010) The links between biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being, Ecosystem
Ecology: A New Synthesis. Cambridge University Press, (s110-139)
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Environmental impact assessment
Blue green
infrastructure
Ecosystem
functions
Ecosystem
Assessment of economic and social effects
services
Societal value
Economic
value
Planning,
construction
and
management
Wellbeing and
sustainability
Figure 4 - Schematic image of the cascade model underlying the methodological approach.
2.4.2 A method in different steps
The first step of the environmental assessment method consists of identifying the environmental
aspects to be included in the assessment. The overall categories are set out in Chapter 6,
Section 2 of the Environmental Code (12.3), but they need to be further specified in terms of
species groups and individual species, habitat types and biotic and abiotic parameters that are
likely to be affected by the marine spatial plans. The choice of environmental aspects will be
based on the ecosystem components of Symphony that formed the basis for the SEA of the latest
marine spatial plan proposals in 2019 (Table 1). This list will be revised based in part on other
sources and in part on responses to the scoping consultation. A similar procedure will be followed
to specify the other environmental aspects mentioned under 12.3.
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Ecosystem Components in Symphony
Environmental
Gulf of Bothnia Baltic Sea North Sea
aspect
Plankton
Pelagic plankton Pelagic plankton Pelagic plankton
communities
Pelagic species/species
Pelagic species/species in Pelagic species/species in
in the free water mass:
the free water mass: the free water mass:
Herring, sprat
Herring, sprat, vendace Herring, sprat
Demersal/bottom
Demersal/bottom species: Demersal/bottom species:
species:
Cod Cod
Fish, incl. spawning Cod
areas
Migratory species: Migratory species:
Migratory species:
Eel Eel
Eel
Other: Other:
Other:
Spawning areas Spawning areas
Spawning areas
Fish in estuaries Fish in estuaries
Fish in estuaries
Grey seal Grey seal
Grey seal
Harbour seal Harbour seal
Marine mammals Porpoise Baltic Sea
Porpoise Belt Sea Porpoise Belt Sea
Ringed seal
Porpoise Baltic Sea Porpoise North Sea
Wintering seabirds offshore Wintering seabirds offshore Wintering seabirds
Wintering coastal birds Wintering coastal birds offshore
Birds *
Coastal birds Coastal birds Wintering coastal birds
Coastal birds
Angiosperms (flowering Angiosperms (flowering Angiosperms (flowering
plants) plants) plants)
Deep reef Deep reef Deep reef
Coarse bottom aphotic Coarse bottom aphotic Coarse bottom aphotic
Coarse bottom deep Coarse bottom deep Coarse bottom deep
Coarse bottom photic Coarse bottom photic Coarse bottomphotic
Bottom
Haploops reef Haploops reef photic
environments
Hard bottom aphotic Hard bottom aphotic Haploops reef
Hard bottom deep Hard bottom deep Hard bottom aphotic
athletic: founder than
Hard bottom foot Hard bottom photic Hard bottom deep
30 m
Artificial reef Artificial reef Hard bottom photic
aphotic: between 30
Coastline Coastline Artificial reef
and 60 m depth
Soft bottom aphotic Soft bottom aphotic Coastline
depth: deeper than
Soft bottom deep Soft bottom deep Soft bottom aphotic
60 m
Soft bottom photic Soft bottom photic Soft bottom deep
Mussel reef Mussel reef Soft bottom photic
Transport bottom aphotic Transport bottom aphotic Mussel reef
Transport bottom deep Transport bottom deep Transport bottom aphotic
Transport bottom photic Transport bottom photic Transport bottom deep
Transport bottom photic
Table 1 - Environmental aspects and ecosystem components in Symphony.
(*) Bird species: Wintering seabirds offshore and wintering coastal birds: Velvet scoter (M fusca), long-tailed duck (C hyemalis),
common scoter (M nigra), eider (S mollissima).
Coastal birds: black-tailed godwit (L limosa), razorbill (A torda), dunlin (C alpina schinzii), barnacle goose (B leucopsis), pied
avocet (R avosetta), common term (S hirundo), Arctic term (S paradisaea), common murre (U aalge), black guillemot (C grylle),
Caspian tern (H caspia), lesser black-backed gull (L fuscus), velvet scoter (M fusca), parasitic jaeger (S parasiticus), European
shag (G aristotelis), black-legged kittiwake (R tridactyla), northern pintail (A acuta), garganey (S querquedula), ruddy turnstone
(A interpres), common pochard (A ferina), greater scaup (A marila), ruff (C pugnax), common eider (S mollissima), little tern (S
albifrons), Sandwich tern (T sandvicensins) and European herring gull (L argentatus).
The second step of the assessment method includes the evaluation of the different environmental
aspects for each geographical area. In most cases, this evaluation is based on existing sources,
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such as maps of abundance of species and habitats, or assessments of cultural values. For those
environmental aspects where previous assessments are not available, the evaluation will be
carried out in the context of the environmental assessment with the support of subject matter
experts. In this process, the assessment criteria for certain environmental aspects may also be
reviewed.
The third step consists of identifying and estimating how the human activities included in the
marine spatial plans affect the chosen environmental aspects. This involves mapping each
activity in time and space based on Symphony, other sources and expert judgement. An
assessment is then made of the effects of each activity on each environmental aspect, in part
through Symphony for the environmental aspects included in the tool (see 2.4.3) and in part on
the basis of existing studies and in some cases expert judgement. The effects are assessed in
terms of intensity, geographical scale and duration, according to the scales set out in Table 2.
Criterion Scale
Highly positive (> 10 percent lower effect)
Moderately positive (6-10 percent lower
effect)
Small positive (2-5 percent lower effect)
Marginally positive (0-2 percent lower effect)
Zero (no effect)
Intensity
Marginally negative (0-2 percent higher
effect)
Small negative (2-5 percent higher effect)
Moderately negative (6-10 percent higher
effect)
Largely negative (> 10 percent higher effect)
Local (within the sea basin)
Regional (in the plan area)
Geographical scale
National (within Swedish territory and EEZ)
International (cross-border)
Short term (up to 2 years)
Medium term (between 2 and 5 years)
Duration
Long term (longer than 5 years)
Irreversible/permanent
Table 2 - Scales for assessing the intensity, geographical scale and duration of environmental effects.
For the social and economic aspects, the effects on ecosystem components may first need to be
interpreted in terms of the effects on ecosystem services relevant for the human activities in the
marine spatial plans. Table 3 presents an initial proposal for the ecosystem services to be
included in the analysis.
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Use class Use subclass [code] Category Group Example
Food from wild animals
Food (both from land and Supplying Biomass Production of cod
water) [1.1.1.4]*
Food from cultivated
Food aquatic plants and algae Supplying Biomass Production of algae
[1.1.1.5]
Production of rainbow
Food from farmed
Food Supplying Biomass trout, char, mussels,
aquatic animals [1.1.1.6]
crayfish
Wild plants, fungi or
algae for energy Production of tree
Energy production (both Supplying Biomass biomass, macroalgae
terrestrial and aquatic) biomass
[1.3.1.4]
Erosion control and
Regulation of physical, Erosion control and Regulating normal sediment stabilisation of
Regulatory and
chemical and biological stabilisation of masses flows and extreme plants (in aquatic
enforcement
conditions [2.2.1.1] * events environment including
attached animals)
Provision of nesting and
Maintenance of life
breeding grounds for
Regulation of physical, Upright holding of cycles, protection
Regulatory and huntable game species,
chemical and biological nursery and growing up of habitats and
enforcement breeding places for fish
conditions environments [2.2.2.3]* protection of gene
fry (e.g. shallow
pools
bottoms)
Regulation of saltwater Nutrient regulation of
Regulation of physical, chemistry through living edge zones;
Regulatory and
chemical and biological processes Water conditions nutrition regulation/
enforcement
conditions (water treatment) water treatment of eel
[2.2.5.2] grass
Regulation of the
Regulation of physical, Atmosphere Composition and Carbon sequestration of
Regulatory and
chemical and biological chemical composition conditions of the plants, carbon bonding
enforcement
conditions (Carbon bonding) atmosphere of phytoplankton
[2.2.6.1]
Characteristics of living
Direct interaction with systems that enable Physical Provision
living systems that activities that promote interaction with of attractive
Cultural
require presence in the health, recovery or well- natural recreational
environment being through active environments environments
interactions [3.1.1.1] *
Organisms and/or
Direct interaction with Characteristics of living Intellectual
ecological functions
living systems that systems contributing to interaction with
Cultural contributing to the
require presence in the cultural or historical natural
maintenance of cultural
environment heritage [3.1.2.3] * environments
landscapes
Characteristics or
Remote, indirect,
functions of species or Provision
interactions with living Biotic egesics that
living systems having an of endangered species,
systems that do not Cultural have non-user
intrinsic value of nature types and
require presence in values
existence ecosystem processes
natural environments
[3.2.2.1/3.2.2.2]
Table 3 - Proposals for ecosystem services to be included in the analysis. Ecosystem services marked with (*) are prioritised on
the basis of the anticipated environmental effects of the marine spatial plans. Classification according to Naturvårdsverket
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(2017), Ekosystemtjänstförteckning med inventering av dataunderlag, Rapport 6797 (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
(2017), Ecosystem service list with inventory of data, Report 6797).
The effects of the marine spatial plans on ecosystems and ecosystem services are then
assessed in terms of different effects on social and economic values based on expert judgement.
A starting point for the selection of assessment criteria is the list used in the 2019 Sustainability
Appraisal of the marine spatial plan proposals (Table 4). This will be complemented with other
sources and based on responses to the scoping consultation. In this process, the assessment
criteria for certain economic and social effects may also be reviewed.
Dimension Criterion Indicator
Effect on value added in the sector as a result of the marine spatial
Economic Value added
plan.
The extent to which the assessed sector has an effect on perceived
Social Availability
accessibility as a result of the marine spatial plan;
The extent to which the assessed sector has an effect on human
Social Health
health as a result of the marine spatial plan;
The extent to which the assessed sector has an effect on jobs as a
Social Employment
result of the marine spatial plan;
The extent to which the assessed sector has an effect on cultural
Social Cultural environments
environments as a result of the marine spatial plan.
Table 4 - Criteria and indicators for assessing the effects on economic and social aspects from the 2019 Sustainability Appraisal
of the marine spatial plan proposals (Hållbarhetsbeskrivning av havplaner. Underlag till regeringen, Havs- och
vattenmyndigheten (2019), Dnr 3628-2019).
The fourth and final step of the environmental assessment includes compiling the results at an
aggregate level and in relation to the objectives in relevant policy frameworks. This may mean, for
example, an overall assessment per plan area of results for each environmental aspect in
Chapter 6, Section 2 of the Environmental Code; an assessment per plan area against the
environmental quality standards in the Marine Environment Ordinance and the Water
Management Ordinance; and an assessment of all three marine spatial plans against Sweden’s
environmental objectives and other targets based on the sustainable development objectives
contained in the marine spatial plans.
2.4.3 Symphony Method
Symphony is an assessment method developed for the Swedish national marine spatial planning
with the purpose of estimating the level and distribution of the aggregate environmental effects of
marine spatial plans. Symphony calculates the spatial distribution of cumulative environmental
effects, which means that every portion of the sea is given a value that describes how much
human activities affect a representation of the marine environment.
The results are illustrated with the help of environmental effect maps, and partly through tables
and diagrams that illustrate which sectors and pressures affect each ecosystem component. In
Symphony, assumptions about changing conditions can be made to estimate the results of
scenarios relative to human pressures. In this way, Symphony provides a quantitative basis to the
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environmental assessment. Cumulative environmental effect is calculated, among other things,
for assessing the current environmental state, the baseline and plan options, as well as for
specific analyses.
2.4.4 Uncertainty in the assessment
Uncertainty at different levels may affect the results of the SEA. Lack of knowledge about the
marine environment and how it is affected by various factors, including human activities, is an
important source of uncertainty. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge about offshore marine
ecosystems, in particular with regard to interactions between different ecosystem components.
Advanced models describing ecosystems have been developed and are constantly evolving, but
they are based on assumptions and simplifications with different types and degrees of
uncertainty.
There is relatively good knowledge about the main marine activities, but there are important gaps
in knowledge about how the activities affect individual ecosystem components or ecosystems as
a whole. Most marine areas are currently affected by a variety of human pressures, and in most
cases it is not possible to distinguish and assess the effects of individual activities. It can
therefore be difficult to establish causal relationships between an observed environmental effect
and a particular human activity. For the same reason, there is also some uncertainty in the
assessment of how environmental changes affect social and economic aspects such as value
added and employment.
Uncertainty increases when assessing effects at higher levels of aggregation, as the number of
different system components and interactions between them increases. The assessment tool
Symphony provides a representation of these causal relationships, but is based on a number of
assumptions and different data sets that contain uncertainties. Symphony results will therefore
need to be complemented with other sources in order to reduce uncertainty in the assessments.
Another source of uncertainty relates to the future implementation of the marine spatial plans.
According to Swedish legislation, the plans provide strategic guidance and do not specify or
regulate how the different uses will be developed. The results of this guidance are largely
determined by the way in which is the plans are interpreted and applied by the sectors and
management authorities. A series of assumptions will need to be made about how private
investments, permit processes and other decisions affecting marine activities will develop as a
result of the marine spatial plans. Such assumptions are especially uncertain in sectors
experiencing fast technology development, such as offshore wind energy development.
In order to be transparent about the validity of the assessment results, the SEA will describe all
assumptions and uncertainties that are deemed to have affected the results.
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3 Knowledge base for assessment
The SEA will primarily use existing data and knowledge. Additional studies may be needed in
cases where relevant or up-to-date knowledge is lacking in order to make a good assessment. In
such cases, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management will be responsible for
commissioning or producing the necessary knowledge, in consultation with subject matter experts
from other organisations. The SEA will include a full disclosure of used sources according to
customary practice.
The SEA of marine spatial plans is a complex process involving many different areas of
knowledge. The knowledge base will necessarily reflect this complexity and is expected to
include, inter alia, the following types of sources:
Symphony data, in the form of maps of distribution of different ecosystem components,
intensity of environmental pressures caused by different maritime activities, and cumulative
environmental effects.
Marine environmental monitoring data, including maps;
Statistics about the different maritime industries, including environmental, social and
economic aspects;
Studies on the current situation and trends regarding environmental status and use of the
marine environments in Sweden and neighbouring regions. This includes specific surveys,
modelling and mapping of nature values for specific species and habitats, as well as maritime
activities and their environmental effect.
Expert judgements from subject matter experts on relevant topics.
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4 Relationship with plans, programmes and other
relevant processes
An SEA shall contain a summary of the plan’s main purpose and its relationship with other
relevant plans and programmes in accordance with Chapter 6, Section 11 of the Environmental
Code. This section intends to present the relationship with relevant plans and programmes based
on the objectives of marine spatial planning.
Marine spatial plans shall aim at sustainable development and planning shall be based on
objectives and strategies at local, regional, national and international level, including EU level.
The following section includes overarching strategic documents on sustainable development,
municipal planning and environmental objectives. Strategies and targets are intended to guide
regional and municipal priorities and municipal overview and detailed plans.
The selection of plans, programmes and other relevant processes presented in the section is
mainly based on their relevance within the current government assignment to identify new areas
for energy production in the marine spatial plans.
4.1 Areas of national interest, policy documents and spatial
planning
4.1.1 Areas of national interest
Areas of national interest are geographical areas that have been designated as nationally
important areas. Proposals for a marine spatial plan shall be consistent with regulations for land
and water use management and shall be consistent with specified areas of national interest as
set out below:
Areas of national interest in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Environmental Code,
reported by national authorities of interest.
o These include national interest in commercial fishing, nature conservation and
outdoor recreation, conservation of the cultural environment, facilities for energy
production and electricity distribution, facilities for communications, and total
defence. Areas of national interest and respective authorities are specified in
Section 2 of the Ordinance (1998:896) on management of land and water areas.
Areas of national interest under Chapter 4 of the Environmental Code (specified directly in
the Act)
o These concern larger areas with high natural and cultural values as well as values
for outdoor activities and include coastal areas and Natura 2000 sites (listed in
special order).
The marine spatial plans shall guide the use of the sea areas based on designated areas of
national interest and trade-offs between them.
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4.1.2 Extension of the transmission network
During the autumn of 2021, Svenska kraftnät (authority of transmission system for electricity) was
commissioned by the Government to develop a plan for the expansion of the transmission
network in Swedish marine territory. The mission was presented in June 2022 and proposed six
offshore connection nodes along the coasts of the country. The geographical location of the
connection points could have an impact on the indicative use of marine spatial planning on
energy extraction, if they will be realised. The planning of these connection nodes has although
currently been postponed.
4.1.3 Sustainable development strategies, a Swedish marine strategy, and the EU
According to the Marine Spatial Planning Ordinance, proposals for a marine spatial plan must be
designed in such a way that the plan integrates economic, social and environmental objectives.
The National Strategy for Regional Sustainable Development across the country from 2121 to
2030 sets out a number of national strategic areas and priorities for overarching objectives
relating to economic, social and environmental objectives. The national strategy shall guide the
direction of regional development strategies (RUS)4 and govern the state resources for regional
development work. National regional development policies are part of the implementation of the
2030 Agenda and are closely integrated with the EU’s strategic objectives, directives and sectoral
policies.
The major societal challenges that highlighted in the national strategy for sustainable regional
development are; environmental problems and climate change, demographic change and
widening inequalities nationally and within the EU. The strategy identifies a number of strategic
areas to serve as a basis for the implementation of regional development policy. The strategic
areas that are considered to be primarily relevant for marine spatial planning are: equal
opportunities for living, work and well-being throughout the country, which includes good urban
planning where community planning “promotes a social structure that contributes to sustainable
habitats, reduced climate impact, conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in a
changing climate”, and the strategic area of accessibility throughout the country through digital
communication and transport 5.
Sweden has as well a Swedish national marine strategy, decided by the government in 2015. The
strategy sets out the Government’s vision for the development of marine industries: Competitive,
innovative and sustainable maritime industries that can contribute to increased employment,
reduced environmental pressure and an attractive living environment. The vision is based on
three similar perspectives: Seas in balance, Competitive maritime industries and Attractive
coastal areas. The marine spatial plans are highlighted in the strategy as an important instrument
for steering development in the Swedish sea areas. The strategy covers and integrates several
policy areas, such as industrial policy, regional development policy, social objectives, and
sectoral policies relating to the sea and its use, as well as environmental policy. The strategy thus
constitutes a guidance for implementing an integrated maritime policy in Sweden.
4
&https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/forordning-2017583-om-regionalt-
tillvaxtarbete_sfs-2017-583>
5
& https://www.regeringen.se/rattsliga-dokument/skrivelse/2021/03/skr.-202021133/> and,
<https://www.regeringen.se/4956ea/contentassets/53af87d3b16b4f5087965691ee5fb922/nationell-strategi-for-hallbar-
regional-utveckling-i-hela-landet-20212030>
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The Swedish Maritime Strategy also notes the importance of the EU’s specific strategies for the
different sea basins. For Sweden, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is relevant, with its
Action Plan for Sustainable Development and Implementation of the EU Green Deal and Agenda
20306.
The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region aims to strengthen cooperation to jointly address
challenges and opportunities. The strategy has three overarching objectives Saving the Sea,
Connecting the region and Increasing prosperity and a nine sub-objectives. The strategy has an
action plan with 14 policy areas (PA) and actions. The action plan includes policy areas such as
spatial and marine planning (PA Planning), as well as policy area Energy (PA Energy), with
actions and targets regarding renewable energy. According to the Strategy, adaptation to the
Green Deal and the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality objective requires the integration of climate
change measures and the promotion of sustainable development into the strategy as a whole and
in all its policy areas. Swedish marine spatial planning is closely integrated with neighbouring
country work in the policy area within the strategy, its actions within the action plan and also
related to the implementation of HELCOM’s Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP).
With relevance to marine spatial planning are as well particular sectoral strategies such as,
climate and energy strategies, strategy related to transport, fisheries, outdoor activities and
security and defence policies, which all have specific objectives relevant to marine spatial
planning. The EU Blue Economy Strategy and7 Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy8, as well as
proposals for an updated Renewable Energy Directive,9 promote implementation and objectives
of the EU Green Deal.
The European Union’s Green Deal is a roadmap which aims to transform into a modern,
resource-efficient and competitive economy. The Green Deal comprises a number of targets,
including industrial transition towards a climate-neutral EU by 2050. In addition to climate
neutrality, the initiative includes efforts to protect people, animals, plants, habitats and that
companies should become world leaders in clean goods and technology, and contribution to a
just transition for all10.
Renewable energy production targets are based on international agreements such as the Paris
Agreement, which is reflected in Swedish and European energy policy. In the EU, the proposed
REPowerEU plan is now11 in place to speed up the transition in the energy sector to reduce
import dependency and increase investment in renewable energy and hydrogen. The proposed
plan includes, among other things, proposals to amend Directive (2018/2001) on the promotion of
the use of energy from renewable sources. Amendments include, inter alia, land and sea basin
designation schemes for energy production, including the management of environmental impact
assessment.
6
<https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/86a578f7a521469e9b6b8c62ac5aa128/maritim-strategi.pdf>
7
<https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/ocean/blue-economy/sustainable-blue-economy_en>
8
<https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/eu-strategy-offshore-renewable-energy_en>
9
<https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-directive-targets-and-rules/renewable-energy-
directive_en>
10
<https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_sv#documents>
11
&https://www.regeringen.se/49f1ff/contentassets/6831d5c34e214871b6e01ac488da6521/planen-repowereu-samt-
meddelande-om-el--och-gasmarknaden-202122fpm102
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4.1.4 Regional development strategies
According to Ordinance (2017:583) on Regional Growth, each region is required to develop
regional development strategies (RUS). Regional development strategies aim to provide an
overall picture of how the region intends to develop and provide regional perspectives for the
implementation of sustainable development. Taking into account sectoral claims and assets,
these strategies are relevant to marine spatial planning. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea
Region, the National Strategy for Sustainable Development, the Maritime and Fisheries
Programme, as well as municipal master plans including maritime areas12, shall guide the
orientation of regional development strategies. Regional development strategies shall be
developed in cooperation with the municipalities, regions concerned, county administrative
boards and other relevant state authorities. These strategies should be anchored locally and
regionally.
4.1.5 Municipal and regional planning
According to the Planning and Building Act, PBL, (2010:900), each municipalities shall have a
comprehensive plan for the entire municipality, including the sea area (internal water and
territorial sea) within the municipality’s borders. Through the marine spatial planning ordinance,
municipalities and the state have overlapping planning responsibilities in the territorial sea.
The overlap implies that the state and municipal planning levels coincide within a geographical
zone in the territorial sea. This may lead to differences between municipal and government
planning interests in the overlapping zone. The overlap poses a challenge for state and municipal
planning regarding collaboration and dialogue in future planning. Through good cooperation
between the state and the municipality, future conflict of objectives between planning levels can
be minimised. The overlapping zone may also imply that state marine plans can contribute to the
development and strengthening of municipalities’ coastal zone and territorial sea planning.
Regarding cross-municipal issues such as infrastructure, climate aspects and housing supply,
regional spatial planning is also carried out according to the PBL. Regional planning aims to
facilitate municipal planning and other planning. A regional plan shall provide the basis for the use
of land and water areas. The regional plan is non-binding but should be serve as guidance for
detailed development plans and area regulations. According to PBL, regional planning is to take
place in the counties of Stockholm and Skåne. For the rest of the counties, it is voluntary.
Regional plans are relevant to marine spatial planning based on their spatial planning, linking
seas and land, for example in terms of infrastructure and climate aspects.
According to the Act (1977:439) on municipal energy planning, each municipality should have a
current plan for the supply, distribution and use of energy in the municipality. In its planning, the
municipality shall promote energy management and promote a safe and sufficient supply of
energy13.
12
<https://riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/forordning-2017583-om-regionalt-
tillvaxtarbete_sfs-2017-583>
13
The Act on Local Energy Planning, & https://www.energimyndigheten.se/energieffektivisering/lagar-och-krav/lagen-om-
kommunal-energiplanering/>
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4.2 Environmental and climate objectives
4.2.1 National environmental objectives
Sweden’s environmental objectives system includes a generational goal, 16 environmental quality
objectives, and six milestone targets. The generational goal is an overarching goal for Swedish
environmental policy and serves to guide environmental action at all levels of society. It focuses
on a number of environmental efforts to clarify the implications of the target and what it should
focus on. The efforts especially relevant for marine spatial planning are considered to be:
Ecosystems have recovered, or are about to recover, and their ability to generate long-term
ecosystem services is secured. Biodiversity and the natural and cultural environment are
preserved, promoted and used sustainably. Human health is exposed to minimal negative
environmental impact while promoting the positive impact of the environment on human health.
The share of renewable energy is increasing and energy use is efficient with minimal impact on
the environment.
Of the 16 Swedish environmental quality objectives, it is primarily A Balanced Marine
Environment, Flourishing Coastal Areas and Archipelagos, Reduced Climate Impact, A Non-Toxic
Environment, Zero Eutrophication, A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life and A Good Built
Environment that is considered to be central to marine spatial planning. Central to the
environmental quality objective is to achieve a sustainable use of the marine environment and its
resources. But also clarifications on good environmental status according to the Marine
Environment Ordinance (2010:1341) and good chemical and ecological status according to the
Water Management Ordinance (2004:660).
4.2.2 Marine and aquatic environment, national, EU and regional
The EU Marine Strategy Framework aims to achieve good environmental status in the EU’s
marine areas and is implemented in Sweden by the marine environment ordinance. The Swedish
Agency for Marine and Water Management (HVMFS 2012:18) has define on what characterises
good environmental status implies and established environmental quality standards with
indicators for the Sweden’s sea basins and established an environmental monitoring programme
and an action programme. Marine spatial planning shall support the implementation of marine
environmental management by taking into account the objectives of good environmental status
and through spatial planning in favour of good environmental status. Marine spatial planning
plays an important role, of the proposed action programme, such as measures to increase area of
protection, contribute to favourable conservation status of species and habitats and develop
guidance for marine environmental impact assessments.
To consider within marine spatial planning is as regional agreements, conventions and objectives
for a better marine environment, such as HELCOM (Helsinki Convention), with an updated Action
Plan for the Baltic Sea, as well as corresponding to the North-East Atlantic, OSPAR (Convention
for the Protection of the Marine Environment of North-East Atlantic).
The EU Water Framework Directive do as well14 relate to marine spatial planning based on land-
based activities, water resources and potential indirect impact and utilisation factors on land and
14
<https://www.havochvatten.se/planering-forvaltning-och-samverkan/vattenforvaltning/vattendirektivet/vattendirektivet.html>
27/28
seas. The Directive is implemented in Sweden through the Water Management Ordinance and
has correspondingly targets for the environmental status of freshwater and coastal area.
Sweden’s five water authorities decide on management plans, environmental quality standards
and action programmes.
4.2.3 Climate policy at national and EU level
In 2017, Sweden adopted a climate policy framework. The framework consists of a climate law,
climate targets and a climate policy council. The Climate Act entered into force on the 1st of
January 2018. The law imposes a responsibility on current and future governments to pursue
policies based on climate objectives and to report regularly on developments. Sweden’s long-
term climate target means that by 2045 Sweden should not have any net emissions of
greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, and thereafter achieve negative emissions. The target
means that greenhouse gas emissions from Swedish territory should be at least 85 per cent lower
by 2045 than in 1990. The remaining emissions down to zero can be achieved through so-called
complementary actions. In order to reach the target, the capture and storage of carbon dioxide of
fossil origin may also be counted as a measure where there is considered to be no other
reasonable alternatives.15
National policies regarding climate adaptation is also considered relevant in terms of marine
spatial planning. This includes work for increased preparedness and risk and vulnerability
assessments based on Ordinance (2018:1428) on authorities’ climate adaptation work and
national climate adaptation strategy (Government Bill 2017/18:163), related on its priority of
biological and ecological effects, but also generally linked to management areas and practical
considerations within the framework of spatial planning.
The EU’s 2050 climate neutrality objective is in line with international commitments under the
Paris Agreement. Through a regulation on a European Climate Law,16 the political ambition to
achieve climate targets by 2050 becomes a legal obligation for the EU and, through its adoption,
commits Member States to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55 % by 2030. The EU
Green Deal is the EU’s strategy to achieve these targets and through the so-called 55 %
package, it is expected to be put into practice. The package includes a set of proposals for the
revision of climate, energy and transport legislation and for new legislative initiatives to align
Union law with the EU’s climate objectives17.
The EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change18 and its actions, such as the collection and
exchange of data and knowledge, as well as objectives to promote nature-based solutions to
strengthen climate resilience and ecosystems are all relevant for marine spatial planning.
15
<https://www.naturvardsverket.se/amnesomraden/klimatomstallningen/sveriges-klimatarbete/sveriges-klimatmal-och-
klimatpolitiska-ramverk>
16
<https://www.consilium.europa.eu/sv/press/press-releases/2021/05/05/european-climate-law-council-and-parliament-reach-
provisional-agreement>
17
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/sv/policies/green-deal/
18
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/sv/press/press-releases/2021/06/10/council-endorses-new-eu-strategy-on-adaptation-to-
climate-change
28/28
4.2.4 Biodiversity and fisheries
Marine protection areas 19, regional action plans for green infrastructure20, counteracting physical
impacts of the aquatic environment, restoration, measures for endangered species, counteracting
invasive alien species21 and regulations in fisheries are part of Sweden’s efforts to strengthen
biodiversity, combat climate change and promote sustainable use. The national work is mainly
based on Sweden’s implementation of the EU Habitats Directive, the EU Biodiversity Strategy
203022 and the EU’s Common Fisheries23and Agricultural Policy24. The role of maritime spatial
planning here concerns spatial guidance and trade-offs such as commercial fishing and the
protection of natural values.
In 2020, the European Commission adopted a Biodiversity Strategy25, as well as a strategy for a
sustainable food system “From Farm to Fork”26. The Biodiversity Strategy includes a long-term
plan for the protection and restoration of nature and ecosystems, including a goal of formally
protecting at least 30 % of the marine area. Of this 30 %, one third should be strictly protected by
2030, i.e. 10 % of the entire sea area. The Biodiversity Strategy also covers areas for action on
invasive alien species and threatened (red-listed) species, and includes Member States
developing national commitments for protection and restoration. On 22 June 2022, the European
Commission presented, as part of its strategy work, a proposal for a regulation on the restoration
of nature, including the restoration of 20 % of the sea by 2030.
The Commission will request Member States to ensure by 2030 that there is no deterioration in
the conservation trends and status of any of the habitats and species protected under the Birds
and Species and Habitats Directive (for marine environments also EUNIS). The Strategy requires
Member States to ensure that at least 30 % of all species and habitats that are not currently in
favourable status reach that category or have a strong positive development. The Strategy also
aims to achieve synergies with other initiatives included in the EU Green Deal, such as the Farm
to Fork Strategy and represents the EU’s contribution to international negotiations on global work
on biodiversity and sustainable development.
Marine spatial planning has a role to play in supporting the implementation of these directives and
strategies through the spatial guidance provided by the marine spatial plans on the use of the
sea.
19
<https://www.havochvatten.se/arter-och-livsmiljoer/atgarder-skydd-och-rapportering/skyddade-omraden/marina-skyddade-
omraden/ramverk-for-marint-omradesskydd.html>
20
<https://www.naturvardsverket.se/gron-infrastruktur>
21
<https://www.havochvatten.se/download/18.4b6151c116b836ca6984081d/1605262122205/handlingsplan-spridningsvagar-
invasiva-frammande-arter.pdf>
22
& https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=COM(2020)380 &lang=en>
23
& https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/sv/sheet/114/den-gemensamma-fiskeripolitiken-ursprung-och-utveckling>
24
& https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/cap-glance_sv>
25
&https://www.naturvardsverket.se/om-miljoarbetet/miljoarbete-i-eu/biologisk-mangfald>
&https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_sv>
26
& https://ec.europa.eu/food/horizontal-topics/farm-fork-strategy_en>