Battle over the future of Sweden’s right to roam
A forestry company in the northern area of Arjeplog is tired of car companies using its frozen lakes as test grounds, and the resulting court case signals conflict over the Swedish traditional right of public access to private land.
This part of Sweden is a world centre for winter driving, and the companies say they are entitled, under the law of public access, to use the frozen lakes as they cause no permanent damage.
Radio Sweden spoke to environmental lawyer Margareta Svenning, an expert on the so-called allemansrätt and advisor to the city of Malmö. She says this case is going to have a big effect on Sweden’s traditional right to roam.
Radio Sweden speaks to environmental lawyer Margareta Svenning:
Listen here
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: New national park planned in Canada’s High Arctic, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Sámi spokesperson urges respect for nature, Yle News
Sweden: Campaign helps immigrants enjoy Swedish nature, Radio Sweden
