Biodiversity

By protecting habitats, restoring wetlands and planning sustainably, we aim to create a healthier natural environment, a better climate and an attractive municipality to live in.

Visit naturvardsverket.se (external link)

Updated: 2026-05-26

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Why is biodiversity important?

Biodiversity means having many different plants, animals and fungi in nature.
It is essential for natural systems to function and to give us clean water, food and fresh air.

In Boden, we work to protect and strengthen biodiversity by safeguarding natural areas, restoring wetlands and creating green spaces in our communities. A concrete example is the parks department, which promotes biodiversity by, among other things, allowing certain green areas to flower naturally. Bees and bumblebees are responsible for most of the pollination of wild plants, many of our crops, and garden plants.

Wetlands – nature’s own helpers

Restoring wetlands benefits both nature and people:

Lower risk of flooding: Wetlands absorb and hold water during heavy rainfall.
Cleaner water: They capture nutrients and pollutants, improving the quality of lakes and streams.
More plants and animals: Wetlands support many species, increasing life in nature.
Better for the climate: Wetlands store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Beautiful places for recreation: You can walk, birdwatch and enjoy nature.

Boden is investing in wetland restoration to protect the climate, strengthen nature and create a greener landscape for everyone.

Feasibility study: Wetland inventory in the Edefors area

A man and a woman standing in the woods.

Why was the study carried out?

In April 2024, Boden Municipality and the Edefors Local Development Association (EDEK) received LONA funding – a national grant for local nature conservation. The goal was to identify dried-out or drained wetlands in the Edefors area.
The study continued until November 2025.

For many decades, wetlands in Sweden were drained for forestry and agriculture. When wetlands dry out, important habitats disappear, and the land no longer acts as a natural water buffer or carbon sink. This leads to higher climate impact and poorer water quality.

What did the study include?

Mapping wetlands connected to Spikseleån, Urstjärnälven, Flarkån and Bredträskbäcken
Assessing the potential to rewet the land
Dialogue with landowners and an environmental analysis

Project owner: Boden Municipality
Project carried out by: EDEK
Funding: LONA – Local Nature Conservation Grants

Implementation project: Wetland restoration in Edeforsbygden

A pile of logs sitting in the middle of a forest.

Why is the wetland project being carried out?

The project is based on the feasibility study, which identified suitable areas for restoration.
Boden Municipality and EDEK have received just over SEK 3 million to implement the work.

The project is possible thanks to local engagement, collaboration and strong local knowledge.
It also creates jobs for local businesses and supports development in the Edefors area.

What does the project involve?

Blocking drainage ditches and restoring natural water flows
Creating improved habitats for plants and animals
Strengthening fish stocks such as grayling and trout
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands

Long-term results

Increased biodiversity
Natural protection against high water flows
Cleaner water
A clear contribution to climate goals

Project owner: Boden Municipality
Project manager: EDEK
Landowner: Sveaskog
Project period: 2025–2027
Funding: LONA – Local Nature Conservation Grants

Implementation project: Wetland restoration in Flarkmyran

Why is the project being carried out?

Flarkmyran, southeast of Boden, is a 45-hectare area that was drained in the 1970s–80s to increase forest land. Drained wetlands release nutrients that flow into nearby waterways.

Nutrients from this area reach Lörbäcken and Persöfjärden, which are already under pressure. Restoring Flarkmyran is therefore especially important to reduce nutrient leakage and improve water environments.

The project has received just over SEK 4 million in LONA funding.

What does the project include?

Filling and blocking forest ditches
Reducing nutrient runoff into nearby watercourses
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Long-term effects

Better water quality and support for achieving water quality standards
Increased biodiversity
Natural protection against high water flows
Contribution to climate goals

Project owner: Boden Municipality
Landowner: Boden Municipality
Project period: 2025–2028
Funding: LONA – Local Nature Conservation Grants

Invasive species – unwelcome guests in nature

Invasive species are plants and animals that do not naturally belong here and that spread quickly. They push out native species and destroy important habitats. Over time, entire ecosystems can be affected.

How invasive species spread

Through plant trade and gardening
Via soil, fill material and transport
When plant parts stick to soil, tools or machinery

Why is this a problem?

They harm nature and outcompete other species
They are difficult and costly to control once established
They cause economic losses for society and landowners

Stopping their spread protects nature and biodiversity.

Canadian waterweed

Canadian waterweed is an invasive aquatic plant found in lakes and waterways. It can spread rapidly, form dense growth and alter aquatic environments. The species is included on Sweden’s national list...

Canadian goldenrod

Canadian goldenrod is an invasive species often found along roadsides, in gardens and on abandoned land. It spreads quickly, can take over large areas and threatens biodiversity. The species is includ...

Japanese rose

Japanese rose is an invasive species often planted in parks, gardens and coastal areas. It spreads quickly and threatens biodiversity. The species is not included on the EU list of invasive species, b...

Garden lupine

Garden lupine is common along roadsides and ditches. Despite its colourful flowers, it is an invasive species that threatens many important meadow plants. It is not listed by the EU, but it is a major...

New Zealand flatworm

The New Zealand flatworm is an invasive species that can harm gardens and agriculture. It feeds on earthworms, which weakens soil structure and makes ecosystems less resilient.

Himalayan balsam

Himalayan balsam is a fast-growing plant from the Himalayas. It spreads easily and is a major problem in Sweden. The species is listed by the EU, which means that landowners are required to control an...

Spanish slug

The Spanish slug, often called the “killer slug,” causes major problems in gardens and crops. It eats many types of plants and can quickly grow in number.

Which species must you control and report?

Under EU regulations, it is prohibited to spread, sell or cultivate certain invasive species. As a property owner, you are responsible for controlling them on your land and reporting findings in Artportalen External link..

The Swedish Government has adopted the country’s first national list of invasive species, which entered into force on 15 May 2026. The list includes 34 species considered particularly problematic in Swedish terrestrial and aquatic environments.

The national list complements the EU list and makes it possible to take early action against species that are not yet a major problem across Europe but risk causing damage in Sweden.

Key elements of the new national regulation on invasive species

More species are regulated nationally, in addition to the invasive species included on the EU list.
It is prohibited to spread, plant or intentionally cultivate invasive plants.
Property owners and operators are responsible for preventing the spread from their land or activities.
Measures must be taken to limit the spread where reasonable and possible.

How to manage invasive plants on land

When working with invasive plants, it is important to avoid spreading soil or plant parts.

By following these guidelines, we reduce the risk of spreading invasive species and help protect our natural environment:

Handling plant waste and soil

Place all plant material in bags and dispose of it as combustible waste or at the recycling centre – never in compost or in nature.
Soil that may contain roots or seeds should also be handled carefully and disposed of correctly.

Illustration showing that garden waste should not be dumped in nature (cross), but disposed of correctly as combustible waste (check mark).

Transport and disposal

Transport plant waste well-packaged so nothing falls off during transport.
Leave waste at the municipality’s site for combustible waste or the designated area at the recycling centre.

Illustration showing that loose garden waste should not be transported openly in a car (cross), and that the waste should be packed in bags before transport (check mark).

Cleaning tools and equipment

Clean tools, boots and gloves thoroughly before using them elsewhere.
Remove soil and plant material from trailers, machinery and vehicles.

Illustration showing that dirty boots should not be left uncleaned (cross), and that boots should be thoroughly cleaned before being left (check mark).

Checking new plants

Inspect soil and plant pots when buying or exchanging plants – many species spread through trade.
Do not bring seeds or plants home from travels, as this can introduce unwanted species.

Illustration showing that plants and plant material should not be brought home from abroad (cross), and that one should choose other souvenirs instead (check mark).

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Citizen Service

E-mail: kommunen@boden.se

Phone: +46 921 620 00