us: The National Report, “Vad hander med kusten” Erfarenheter från kommunal och regional planering samt EU-projekt i Sveriges kustområden, was officially submitted by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Division for Sustainable Development and Integration of Environmental Considerations to the European Commission on 24 February 2006.
No formal process to develop and implement ICZM in the country exists and no steps have been taken to establish ICZM in the country (from the perspective of the academic community and the general public). A possible exception could be consideration of the gradual introduction of the Water Framework Directive.
The coastal governance of the country is very centralized giving only very limited room for regional and local initiatives that goes beyond the relatively strict national regulation.The existing "Planning and Building Act" governs all activities in coastal areas, and is the cornerstone for spatial planning processes, viewed as a kind of 'ICZM Act'. Rather strict and rigid central planning implemented through this Act hampers local initiatives to develop economic activities in coastal areas. From environmental standpoint large parts of the coastline is still in relatively pristine conditions.
It is important to mention, that the traditional approach to coastal management and planning has been very successful from an environmental conservation standpoint. Hence the need to introduce the ICZM approach to planning may not be considered a priority in Sweden, at least not from an environmental point of view. There are no inter-regional organizations involved in the area of coastal zone development. The newly established Water Districts (to implement the WFD) will probably play a more important role in the future.
Reporting Institution
Ministry of Sustainable Development
Division for Sustainable Development and Integration of Environmental Considerations
Stockholm
The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning is the central government authority for planning, the management of land and water resources including coastal areas, urban development, building and housing. The agency is an authority under the Ministry of Sustainable Development and monitors the function of the legislative system under the Planning and Building Act and related legislation, proposing regulatory changes, if necessary. The agency also provides information to those engaged in planning, housing, construction and building inspection activities.