New sustainability programs at the EU level, such as the Nature Restoration Law, One Health Program, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy, raise questions for natural resource-based companies on how to integrate restorative and regenerative practices while ensuring long-term viability. For Södra, a leading Swedish forestry cooperative, the forest is more than just a source of renewable raw material for the Södra industries—it provides climate benefits, ecosystem services, long-term economic potential, and represents a core of Swedish innovation. Moreover, forests are a shared spaces for both people and wildlife, offering both livelihood and recreation.
Södra is Sweden’s largest forest-owner association, founded in 1938 and today a strong cooperation of 52,000 individual forest owners. Members are diverse, ranging from farmers who actively manage their forests to city-dwellers who have outsourced the work. With local roots in southern Sweden and a presence in the global market through its industrial activities, Södra’s primary mission is to ensure the profitability of its members’ forest estates and to secure markets for their raw materials. This is achieved through a focus on high-value industrial segments and a balance between productive forestry and nature conservation, while always respecting members’ property rights. Innovation, sustainability, and the interests of the forest owners guide the cooperative’s work, with the ambition to create sustainable value from every tree.
As the importance of sustainability has grown, Södra has integrated this focus across almost all levels of the organization. At the same time, public opinion on how forests should be managed is shifting, and Södra must continuously adapt and develop its practices to remain competitive—both in the market and among its members.
In light of this educational challenge and aligned with recent developments in EU legislation, Södra needs to consider whether it is time to proactively redefine its strategies. Aligning with forthcoming and expected regulations and programs is not only a matter of compliance but a strategic opportunity. By acting early, Södra can strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable forestry and turn these challenges into new market opportunities. Innovation in products and services that support biodiversity and ecosystem health will allow Södra to meet the growing demand for sustainability. Moreover, by focusing on regenerative practices, Södra can further establish itself as a pioneer in combining ecological restoration with long-term economic resilience and Swedish innovation.
Your challenge is to investigate how Södra can increase their positive ecological and societal impacts based on their position and take lead in the transition to a sustainable society. What assets and values can be utilized and what new innovative grips need to be taken?
