In the service of nature and society

This is how Naturcentrum works, and why they are investing in Naturarvet.

Naturcentrum was founded in the mid-1980s by two young nature enthusiasts, Jonas Stenström and Svante Hultengren. From its first premises in Kålltorp in Gothenburg, Naturcentrum has grown into a company with 37 employees, all biologists with different areas of expertise. The founders are still involved in the company, even though they stepped down from operational management a few years ago. Naturcentrum is an employee-owned company where many have worked together for decades.

"We are very careful to hire the right people for Naturcentrum, and the proof of that is that almost no one ever leaves. We are a close-knit group that has worked together for a long time, even though we are scattered across the country. I love this company and the people in it," says Johan Ahlén, CEO of Naturcentrum, who has worked at Naturcentrum since 1999.

Experts on species and ecosystems

Naturcentrum's mission ranges from inventory and environmental monitoring to restoration and nature information. They work on behalf of county administrative boards, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Transport Administration, and municipalities, among others, but also for a large number of private companies, both small and some of Sweden's largest.

"We are experts on species and ecosystems. When new roads, factories, or wind farms are to be built, we produce nature conservation documentation so that decision-makers have accurate and reliable information," says Johan.

They also work in the field conducting inventories for nature conservation purposes, such as monitoring different species and species groups. An entire group is dedicated to nature restoration, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and watercourse restoration.

"We plan, design, and restore. And we work with contractors to ensure that everything is done correctly. It's very hands-on work," says Johan.

At the same time, Naturcentrum is also working on producing signs, brochures, and guides for national parks and nature reserves.

With love for Swedish nature

The driving force behind Naturcentrum comes from a deep commitment to nature. But they are also aware of the reality we live in.

– Social development cannot simply be stopped. But we must find ways for nature and society to work together. Through good, objective, and high-quality documentation, with proposals for concrete solutions and adaptations, we help decision-makers make wiser decisions. The better the knowledge and understanding, the better the decisions and the better for nature, says Johan.

And Naturcentrum's commitment to Naturarvet preserving old-growth forest out of a decision about Christmas presents.

We thought that Christmas gifts for staff were a bit dull. So we started donating money to the rainforest in Ecuador. But gradually, we wanted to do more for Swedish nature. That's when we found Naturarvet were impressed by their approach. It was concrete, transparent, and felt right.

Today, the commitment is much greater than a symbolic Christmas gift. Since Naturcentrum is employee-owned, the owners, i.e. almost the entire staff, made a joint decision:

– When we make a profit, we set aside a portion for nature and society. We have established a fund for nature conservation and sustainable development, with a large portion going to Naturarvet.

A concrete initiative

What particularly appeals to Naturcentrum about Naturarvet its clarity.

Naturarvet with carefully selected areas that really need protection. And the way they present it, with boxes and areas, is smart and educational. You can immediately see which areas we have been involved in preserving,” says Johan.

He explains that the visible surfaces bring both joy and pride. But also a sense of urgency, and concludes:

We must take care of the values that remain in Swedish forests, and we must do so now. The fact that we can make a tangible difference for nature together means an incredible amount.

Would you and your company like to contribute to preserving more unprotected old-growth forests, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and providing refuge for red-listed species? Please contact us at Naturarvet info@naturarvet.se.