Most of the work conducted at the Swedish Species Information Centre fits into Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences program for Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, focusing on the long term goals of sustainable development expressed by the Parliament in, e.g., the Swedish Environmental Objectives. The Swedish Species Information Centre works with commissions from the Government and other authorities within the field of Swedish biodiversity, frequently in cooperation with various NGOs. We also conduct research in the fields of Ecology and Conservation.
we:
- assess and evaluate the conservation status of the Swedish species
- keep track of the names of species, habitat types and other terms and concepts pertaining to biodiversity and conservation
- accumulate and disseminate information about findings of individual species
- support the implementation of EU regulations
- conduct and support research in the fields of biodiversity and conservation
Evaluation and assessment of the conservation status of Swedish species
We take an active part in gap analyses, construction of monitoring and evaluation systems and other strategic work concerning accumulation of biodiversity data. We thereby strive to ensure that the continuous monitoring of Sweden’s species and habitat types is conducted according to the best available knowledge. The Swedish Red List and The Swedish Taxonomy Initiative are important examples of this. Through our web services, publications, conferences, exhibits and seminars – as well as through active dialogue and cooperation with various operators – we pass on information about biodiversity and conservation to authorities, trade and industry as well as the general public.
Nomenclature
By supplying people working with biodiversity with an updated nomenclature (species names, names and definitions of habitat types and other important conservation terms) we enable them to speak the same language. Our taxonomical database Dyntaxa, which is freely available on the internet, plays an important part in these efforts. Our work is conducted in close cooperation with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Museum of Natural History and other parties concerned.
Accumulation and dissemination of species records
Through the Swedish Species Observation System we gather information from private persons as well as various authorities and institutions concerning the occurrence and distribution of Swedish species.
Supporting the implementation of the EU regulations
Through expert advice we support the civil society in its efforts to implement the EU conservation legislation, e.g. the Species and Habitiats Directive and the Birds Directive.
Research
We conduct research in the fields of ecology and conservation biology, focusing on, e.g., the effects of changes in climate or land use on the survival and distribution of individual species. We also coordinate the development of Swedish LifeWatch, a digital infrastructure aiming at making research data on biodiversity available to science as well as the civil society. Through the The Swedish Taxonomy Initiative we also support taxonomical research on, and inventories of poorly known organism groups in Sweden.
International cooperation
International cooperation is a prerequisite of efficient conservation efforts. The Swedish Species Information Centre cooperates closely with its counterparts in the other Nordic countries. It is also a part of the European Topic Center on Biological Biodiversity, an expert agency supporting the EU in its biodiversity efforts. We are also active members of the IUCN, the international organisation responsible for the production of a global Red List.
