As demand for land, minerals, water, and biodiversity intensifies, Sweden is set to face more conflicts over how natural resources are used and who benefits. These conflicts are not only environmental but also social and political — raising questions of legitimacy, rights, and trust.
In a recent debate article in Aktuell Hållbarhet, our colleagues Sandra Atler and Sofia Svingby highlight why early, inclusive and rights-based consultation is essential for handling such conflicts. They argue that Sweden has a unique opportunity to set an example — by showing that growth, human rights, and environmental protection can be aligned.
Handled well, these conflicts can be transformed into processes that build trust, reduce disputes, and enable long-term and legitimate decisions on natural resource use.
→ Read the full article (in Swedish) at Aktuell Hållbarhet: Naturresurser och urfolk: Sveriges utmaningar och ansvar – Aktuell Hållbarhet