Nature-based solution

Boreal Mix

Preserving forests in Sweden with high biological values

All projects
Project facts
Type of credit
Carbon avoidance - nature-based
Project developer
FightCOtwo
Verification
Validated, second-party verified by Intertek Certification AB
Project ID
VCS 5652
Location
Sweden
01

Increased carbon sequestration and biodiversity in Swedish forests

Most of us have memories of walking through a Swedish forest rich in natural value. Stones are covered in moss, tree trunks are adorned with mushrooms, and birdsong follows every step. The forest is a treasure trove of biodiversity, and a reminder of why it is so important to preserve and care for our forests and the biodiversity they hold.

02

Climate action at home

The world is facing two major crises: climate change and an accelerating loss of biodiversity. They are interconnected, and need to be addressed together. Rich biodiversity is our protection against a changing climate, because stable ecosystems can respond to extreme weather events, wildfires and pests.

By supporting Boreal Mix, you help preserve forests with high conservation value. FightCOtwo provides financial support to forest owners to conserve those forests, preserving the forest's carbon stock and increasing species richness.

03

The Swedish forest and its future

After a century of intensive forestry, natural forests have largely been replaced by low-diversity production forests. Today, 93% of Sweden's forest land consists of production forests, creating a conflict between economic interests and the forest's biological, social and climate-related values.

The northern boreal forests store one third of all carbon held in terrestrial ecosystems - more than any other type of natural landscape, which makes them particularly important for the climate.

04

How does the project work?

FightCOtwo offers landowners financial incentives to create and preserve forest environments where clear-cutting would otherwise be the expected course of action. Landowners receive annual payments while retaining ownership of their land and forest, and long-term civil law agreements ensure that no final harvesting takes place.

FightCOtwo conducts field visits to assess both forestry and ecological values, which serve as the basis for agreements and ongoing monitoring during the contract period. The method and system are second-party verified by Intertek Certification AB.

05

Reliability and calculations

To understand why the Boreal Mix project is additional and necessary, we need to examine the current state of Swedish forest policy. Sweden has environmental goals for 'Living Forests,' but today's policies and governance tools are insufficient to guarantee biodiversity and ecosystem services in forests over time. The loss of natural values is acute, especially as older forests that cannot be quickly regenerated are being harvested. Sweden's green infrastructure has significant gaps, making it crucial to preserve forests with high conservation value and restore threatened ecosystems.

FightCOtwo signs agreements with landowners whose forest land is unprotected and where logging would otherwise be the alternative. Their calculations are based on conservative estimates and account for natural carbon loss that may occur through events such as fire, storms, or insect outbreaks. They have developed a quality system for assessing natural values, based on international standards and the latest science. The system is verified by Intertek Certification AB (Forrest).

Webinar

See webinar about the project

Location

This project is located in Sweden

One of the protected forests lies along the Laisälven River in Norrbotten.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What type of forest is being protected?

Boreal Mix protects forests in the boreal coniferous forest belt, also known as the boreal forest ecosystem. In Sweden, this region stretches from the Dalälven River and northward. The forest is dominated by coniferous trees, but birch, goat willow, and aspen are also present, along with frequent areas of peatland.

Where is the forest we help protect located?

Currently, FightCOtwo offers protection for two different forests, but the more financial support received, the more forests can be safeguarded.

One of the forests is located along the beautiful Laisälven River in Norrbotten. It consists of a spruce and pine stand with an average age of over 130 years. Active reindeer herding takes place in the area, and the forest enhances the wilderness feel that surrounds the popular fishing waters of the river.

The second protected area by FightCOtwo lies in the inland of Lapland, in forests characterised by slow-growing coniferous trees. These forests contain large amounts of deadwood in various stages of decomposition, benefiting biodiversity and supporting threatened species that depend on old-growth forest.

Can we visit the forest?

Absolutely. FightCOtwo offers everyone who helps finance the project the opportunity to join a field visit together with experts.

How long are the agreements with landowners?

Civil law agreements are signed for a period of 30 years with the landowners, which means that no final felling is allowed during this time.

Why isn't the project Gold Standard certified?

Gold Standard has historically only certified projects in developing countries. Although they have recently expanded to include a few projects in non-developing countries, their focus remains on energy projects. There are currently only a handful of forestry projects worldwide that are Gold Standard certified.

To meet Gold Standard requirements, a project must fulfill at least three of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At present, FightCOtwo fulfills only two: combating climate change and promoting biodiversity. That said, it is not impossible that the project may achieve Gold Standard certification in the future.

Doesn't Sweden already have sustainable forestry?

Sweden has a strong tradition of forestry, but today's challenges call for closer scrutiny. We have an environmental objective called 'Living Forests,' which aims to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services in forests. Unfortunately, it is a confirmed reality that this goal will not be met under current conditions. Increased logging has pushed forests toward the risk of shifting from being carbon sinks to becoming sources of emissions - contradicting both our environmental and climate targets.

The core issue is that current policies and regulatory tools are not sufficient to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services in our forests. This is urgent, as the loss of irreplaceable natural values is a critical concern. Sweden's green infrastructure has significant shortcomings, and it is essential to preserve forests with high conservation value and restore threatened habitats. There is an immediate need for conservation-oriented forest management in the ecosystems that require it.

In summary, while Sweden has a long-standing forestry tradition, we now face challenges that demand a more comprehensive and sustainable strategy to protect forest biodiversity. FightCOtwo is committed to addressing these issues through the Boreal Mix project, aiming to meet the challenges facing our forest landscapes.

How is biodiversity measured?

In the voluntary carbon market, customers purchase 'carbon credits.' But since biodiversity is just as valuable as the climate, it would make sense to also introduce 'bio credits.' However, biodiversity is more difficult to quantify and is usually assessed through observations of species diversity in nature.

FightCOtwo conducts field visits where forest and ecological values are assessed - both as a basis for agreements and for monitoring during the contract period.

All living organisms leave traces of DNA in water, air, and soil. By analyzing DNA in water and soil samples, it's possible to get a picture of the species richness at a site - a method known as eDNA. In collaboration with IVL, FightCOtwo will run a project to further develop this method and eventually use it in its biodiversity assessments. This will make it easier to quantify biodiversity.

When you purchase carbon offsets through FightCOtwo's projects, you're paying for climate impact in the form of carbon credits. But in addition to climate benefits, you also contribute to supporting biodiversity. It's a win-win situation - benefiting both the climate and biodiversity.

How do you prove that the forest would not have remained standing without the funding?

FightCOtwo only enters into agreements with landowners whose forest land is not protected and where logging is imminent.

More projects

Want to know more about this project?

We help you build a credible portfolio that fits your climate strategy - independent, high-integrity and fully documented.