Protected areas, nature reserves

The county administrative boards and municipalities can form nature reserves according to the Environmental Code. Nature reserves are created “for the purpose of preserving biodiversity, nurturing and preserving valuable natural environments or meeting the needs of areas for outdoor recreation. An area needed to protect, restore or regenerate valuable natural habitats or habitats for protected species may also be declared as a nature reserve” (from the Environmental Code). Sweden has over 5,100 nature reserves.