“Human beings, having, above all creatures, received the power of reason... need to be aware where nature is unaware. Nature reaches its culmination in humans, but human consciousness has not its essence in itself or nature..”
– Carl Von Linné

WHAT WE DO

We at the Future of Nature & Cultural Heritage Foundation strengthen biodiversity by protecting and restoring natural habitats in Sweden. Through our independent foundation, Nordic landscapes receive strong, sustained protection and expert care — preserving the unique biodiversity found only in this part of the world. Our goal is clear, simple, and urgent: to strengthen biodiversity and to protect the future of nature and cultural heritage.
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT
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Glödsandbi - Biologisk mångfald på Österlen
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OUR NETWORK

Our goals would not be attainable without the dedication and drive of our network. With expertise from a wide range of disciplines, we are united by a shared ambition: to protect biodiversity in the landscapes managed by the foundation.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

Karin Hårding

Professor of Zoological Ecology

Karin is a professor at the University of Gothenburg. One of her areas of expertise is how structured populations respond to long-term stressors, and how extinction risk can be reduced through ecological insight. Her scientific perspective is of great value to the foundation, helping ensure that restoration efforts are grounded in solid science and guided by a clear understanding of how ecosystems function across time and scale.

Sindre Magnusson

Founder and Executive Chair

With a lifelong passion for flora, fauna, and field biology — and a sharp eye for nature photography — Sindre combines scientific curiosity with deep expertise in land stewardship and ecological restoration. His knowledge and vision make him an invaluable asset in advancing the foundation’s long-term conservation goals.

Ingmar Jönsson

Professor of Theoretical and Evolutionary Ecology

Ingmar is a professor of theoretical and evolutionary ecology and a senior advisor to the foundation. His research spans both microscopic life in extreme environments and the practical integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services into municipal land-use planning. With a background rooted in rural Sweden and decades of experience in ecological science and policy, he brings valuable expertise to the foundation’s efforts to protect and restore nature across landscapes.

Marie-Louise Bengtsson

Member of the board

With over 13 years of experience in education and communication around nature, sustainability, and social development, Marie-Louise brings deep knowledge and heartfelt commitment to our work. As Chair of the Association, she plays a vital role in shaping the direction of our volunteer programs and hands-on conservation efforts.

Johan Strid

Member of the Board

Johan brings decades of leadership experience from major organizations, including The Ocean Race, the Swedish Paralympic Committee, and the national Scout movement. With a strong background in sustainability, leadership training, and international cooperation, he helps guide the foundation’s strategic growth. Thanks to Johan’s experience and vast network, we are now taking the next big steps toward becoming a key platform for protecting and strengthening biodiversity in Sweden.

Peter Neubauer

Founder of NaturaTua AB

Our collaboration with NaturaTua is built on a simple but powerful premise: we are stronger together. As a private-sector partner, NaturaTua works to scale biodiversity protection through land ownership and targeted ecological investment. Peter brings a background in tech entrepreneurship and a deep commitment to nature-based solutions with real impact.

Learn more about NaturaTua

Robert Kautsky

Founder of Azote AB

Robert Kautsky brings deep expertise in sustainability communication and a unique ability to turn complex knowledge into compelling narratives. Through strategic advice, visual thinking, and systems insight, Robert helps us sharpen our message, reach the right audiences, and build lasting engagement for nature conservation.

We are proud to have a strong partnership rooted in a shared mission: to strengthen biodiversity by protecting and restoring natural habitats in Sweden. Learn more about Azote

Erica Nobel

Partner and Environmental Law Attorney

As a member of our board, Erica Nobel contributes with deep expertise in environmental law and a strong commitment to long-term nature protection. A partner at the law firm Delphi in Malmö, Erica is one of Sweden’s leading legal experts in land use and environmental governance. Her insight is invaluable in shaping legal frameworks for conservation agreements, land donations, and sustainable stewardship.

We are proud to have Erica on our board—sharing our mission to strengthen biodiversity by protecting and restoring natural habitats in Sweden.

Anders Ekstrand

Member of the Board

Anders is one of Sweden’s leading experts on deciduous forests. As Senior Forester Specialist Hardwoods at Södra and Vice Chair of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation in Skåne, he brings deep ecological expertise and decades of experience in sustainable forest management and restoration.

With a passion for biodiversity, carbon storage, and cultural landscapes, Anders plays a key role in shaping the foundation’s approach to conservation management.

FAQ

We are sure you have alot of questions, we have tried to answer the most commen below.
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FOUNDATION

Who oversees the the foundation?

The Foundation is supervised by “the County Administrative Board of Skåne”, which ensures that the foundation complies with its statutes and stated purpose.

In addition, the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency of Sweden (Kammarkollegiet) holds the highest legal authority over the foundation and is responsible for enforcing Sweden’s foundation laws.

To further ensure transparency, all collected donations to the foundation are monitored by the Swedish Fundraising Control (Svensk Insamlingskontroll), which verifies the proper and ethical use of funds.

To read more, download a swedish copy of the statutes of the foundation here.

What is the Foundation’s ultimate purpose?

The Foundation’s purpose is to strengthen biodiversity by protecting and restoring natural habitats in Sweden.

Priority is given to landscapes that support rich ecosystems—deciduous forests, wetlands, watercourses, and traditional agricultural environments—which hold both ecological and cultural heritage value.

Natural carbon storage—in forests, soils, and wetlands—is promoted only when it aligns with the Foundation’s primary goal: safeguarding biodiversity.

This mission, along with the Foundation’s strategies and principles, is described in detail in the statutes, available for download in Swedish here.

Can the Foundation’s purpose be changed or the land exploited?

No.

The Foundation’s core purpose—strengthen biodiversity by protecting and restoring natural habitats in Sweden— requires approval from Sweden’s Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet). This legal safeguard is one of the main reasons we have chosen the foundation structure.

However minor adjustments to the statutes, which do not affect the foundation’s core purpose, may be approved by the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen).

As such, the land managed by the foundation is protected from exploitation, now and in the future. 

If you have further questions about the foundation please contact Sindre Magnusson

What happens if the foundation ceases to exist?

If the Foundation is ever dissolved, all remaining assets must be transferred to another organization with a similar public-interest purpose—specifically, to strengthen biodiversity by protecting and restoring natural habitats.

This is required by Swedish foundation law and can only occur with the approval of the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet).

In this way, the mission continues—ensuring long-term protection of biodiversity, regardless of organizational form.

If you have further questions about the foundation please contact Sindre Magnusson

How are members of the board appointed?

The board members of the foundation are appointed by the non-profit association Framtidens Natur & Kulturarv.

The association’s statutes are closely aligned with the foundation’s purpose, and board members are chosen based on their ability to advance the foundation’s mission. Even if a future board member were to hold different views, this has little practical consequence—the foundation is strictly bound by its statutes, which cannot be changed by the board alone (see also: “Can the Foundation’s purpose be changed or the land exploited?”).

Here is a link to the association Framtidens Natur & Kulturarv website

If you have further questions about the foundation please contact Sindre Magnusson

How does the foundation measure and evaluate its progress?

The Foundation continuously reports on the land areas brought under conservation management. This information is publicly available on our website.

For individual donors, partners, or investors, we offer customized impact reports linked to specific contributions. These tailored reports can be delivered annually and include data on protected hectares, habitat types, restoration progress, and other relevant outcomes.

Our goal is to measure and evaluate impact in accordance with the latest research and conservation management standards.

If you have further questions regarding conservation management and reports please contact Sindre Magnusson

INVESTMENT

What capacity does the Foundation have to scale rapidly?

The foundation has experience of managing significantly larger land areas than we currently hold and we are ready to take the next big leap.

With financial backup we are ready to scale up to several tens of thousands of hectares within just a few years. A key factor is ensuring that land management remains financially sustainable—both in terms of ecological ambition and long-term Conservation management. If you want to learn more of how to contribute, contact Johan Strid.

Where are funds needed and how can I contribute?

There are many ways to support our mission to strengthen biodiversity in Sweden by protecting and restoring natural habitats.Whether you’re an individual, a company, or a foundation, your contribution can make a real and lasting difference.

Here are a few examples:

Enable permanent protection by supporting the acquisition of ecologically valuable land.

Donate land or usage rights, either directly or through a will or legacy.

Sponsor education and fieldwork for our growing network of nature volunteers.

Join our movement and discover how we can work together to strengthen biodiversity. contact Johan Strid or visit our How to Contribute page to learn more.

Can individuals or organizations from other EU countries own land in Sweden?

Yes, foreign citizens and entities within the EU can own land in Sweden. However, the process is subject to a relatively complex legal framework.

Ownership is generally easier to establish if the buyer plans to reside in Sweden or if the seller is a legal entity such as a company. For those who prefer not to navigate the legal process themselves, it is also possible to donate funds to the Future Nature & Cultural Heritage Foundation, which can then acquire land on their behalf and ensure its long-term protection.

I have land that I want to protect. Can I donate it to the foundation?

Yes—you can. We welcome landowners who want to increase biodiversity and protect their land for future generations.

There are several ways to contribute land:

  • Donate ownership of your property to the foundation, either directly or through a will.

  • Establish a long-term conservation agreement (typically 20–50 years), where the foundation gains stewardship rights while you retain ownership.

  • Gift usage rights (usufruct) for a defined area, allowing us to manage and restore the land without transferring ownership.

Each solution is tailored to your wishes, the land’s natural values, and our shared goal of strengthening biodiversity. We handle legal and ecological assessments and ensure that the land is managed according to a long-term conservation plan.

If you’re considering donating land or usage rights, please contact Johan Strid and lets explore what is best suited for your landscape.

conservation management

How much land does the foundation manage?

The foundation is prepared to take on a much larger role than its current footprint suggests. Members of both boards bring experience in managing land areas far greater than what is currently under stewardship.

If the financial resources are in place, we are ready to scale up to tens of thousands of hectares within just a few years. A critical factor is that land management must remain economically sustainable. This depends on the type and condition of the landscape—both costs and potential income vary significantly between different ecosystems.

What kind of expertise does the foundation and association have?

The foundation and its sister non-profit association bring together a wide range of expertise in conservation biology, species knowledge, land management, and sustainable forestry and agriculture. Our stewardship plans are grounded in current ecological research and long-standing field experience.

Gaining long-term stewardship over land also requires solid knowledge in law and financial management—areas that are well represented on our boards. Local engagement is equally important: we have extensive experience in organizing and supporting volunteer-based conservation efforts throughout Sweden.

How can you guarantee long-term protection?

The foundation’s core purpose is to protect and restore biodiversity. We are legally bound by this mission and cannot compromise it for financial reasons.

There are two main ways land is protected:

  1. Ownership:
    The foundation can acquire land through purchase, donation, or bequest. Once protected under foundation ownership, the land receives permanent protection. The only exception is when land with low ecological value is acquired and later exchanged to secure land with higher biodiversity value. Such a trade requires approval from any relevant donor or funder.

  2. Use rights agreements (long-term stewardship contracts):
    These civil contracts can be signed for up to 50 years, with the possibility of renewal well in advance. The agreements are binding even if the property changes hands. The contract specifies the foundation’s stewardship rights and responsibilities in detail.

In all cases, our stated aim is to extend protection indefinitely, with the preferred long-term outcome being full acquisition and permanent conservation.

What methods do you use to restore habitats and species populations?

The foundation draws on both scientific research in conservation biology and practical experience from large-scale restoration work, especially that carried out by public conservation agencies in Sweden.

For each property, we define a target biotope—a clear ecological goal for what the land should become. If that goal has already been reached (e.g., in the case of mature natural forest or well-maintained meadows), our focus is on passive rewilding or traditional management like grazing or mowing.

Where values have been lost but can be restored—and when resources are available—we implement active measures to accelerate recovery. This may include targeted actions for specific species populations, not just ecosystems.

So far, the foundation has identified over 200 restoration techniques for habitats and species, and the list is continuously evolving as new methods emerge.

Is it possible to visit land under FNK’s management?

Yes, we can arrange study visits. These may include properties already under the foundation’s conservation management, as well as sites we are working to protect. Site visits offer a chance to experience our work on the ground, learn about the ecological values involved, and understand the restoration or stewardship strategies we apply.

“Cherish the natural world, because you're a part of it and you depend on it.”
– sir David Attenborough

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The Svenska postkoslotteriets Foundation provides time-limited funding to projects that promote positive social development and seek long-term solutions to local and global challenges. We are honored that our work to strengthen biodiversity in Sweden has been recognized and made possible through their support.

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The Future of Nature and Cultural Heritage Foundation is approved by the Swedish Fundraising Control and holds a 90-account – a mark of transparency and responsible conservational management of donations.