Swedish forests and climate change : A frame analysis of the conflicting interests for the role of Swedish forests in relation to climate change.

Abstract: Forests are an important factor to counteract climate change (Yan, 2018), increased focus on climate related policies is therefore shaping also the future ways of managing forests (Münnich, et al., 2016). In addition, natural resources are a common factor violent and non-violent conflicts globally (Sida, 2017). This thesis was done to increase the knowledge regarding reproduction of unsustainable patterns within future strategies for climate and forest management. This is done with the hope to decrease the risk for development and escalation of conflicts by contributing to an understanding of how conflicting interests among stakeholders are being met. The thesis focuses on conflicting interests in Swedish policies, due to Sweden’s position to influence forestry internationally (MCPFE, EC & UNECE/FAO, 2010:74). Policies were chosen based on their relevance for future forest- and climate policies. Stakeholders were chosen to show a representation of major interest groups seen within the forest sector. Data collection was done through desktop studies and semi-structured interviews. Through the usage of frame analysis and a three-part analytical framework, the frames of the stakeholders and frames found within the policies, could be explored and understood. The results showed strong conflicting interests among stakeholders and a focus on of production within the analysed policies.