Nature as part of Sweden's security

When we talk about Sweden's security, most people think of the defence. We are talking about NATO, civil preparedness, energy supply and food supply in crisis.

But there is a part of our defense that is rarely mentioned: nature.

Because what exactly is a robust society? It is a community that can supply water even during drought. Which can produce food when international supply chains are broken. That can withstand torrential rain, heat waves and forest fires. Which has rich soils, healthy forests, and living waterways.

Therefore, functioning ecosystems are needed.

When wetlands are restored, the risk of both floods and droughts is reduced. When forests are preserved, the landscape's ability to store water and withstand extreme weather is strengthened.

When pollinators are protected, food production is strengthened. When biological diversity is preserved, nature's resistance to diseases, pests and a changing climate increases.

This can be seen as security policy.

Because security is partly about protecting the systems that every day provide us with food, water, and a functioning landscape. A society that progressively weakens these systems becomes more vulnerable, regardless of how strong the military defense is.

Perhaps a country's security begins in the forest, in rich mullet, in the wetland, in living seas.

And in the ecosystems that still work for us - around the clock, without sending an invoice.

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