Strategy for Sweden’s global development cooperation in the areas of environmental sustainability, sustainable climate and oceans, and sustainable use of natural resources 2018–2022.

This document lays down the Strategy for Sweden’s global development cooperation in the areas of environmental sustainability, sustainable climate and oceans, and sustainable use of natural resources, which applies to the period 2018–2022. The objective of Swedish international development cooperation is to create opportunities for better living conditions for people living in poverty and under oppression. The starting point is the policy framework for Swedish development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, as well as the principles of aid effectiveness and effective development cooperation. Development cooperation shall contribute towards implementing the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The purpose of Swedish development cooperation with a focus on environmental sustainability, sustainable climate and oceans, and sustainable use of natural resources within the remit of this strategy is to contribute to normative, global policy and methods development and to strengthen the capacity of organizations, institutions, networks and other relevant actors. The strategy is to particularly draw on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), life below water (SDG 14), and life on land (SDG 15).
With specific regard to climate-resilient sustainable development, the following objectives are set out: preventing climate change and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants; reduced vulnerability for people living in poverty and increased resilience to handle climate change and natural disasters; sustainable energy systems based on renewable energy.
Another goal is to promote an environmentally sustainable development and sustainable use of natural resources, which encompasses: stronger protection and restoration, and sustainable management and use of landbased ecosystems, biodiversity and species, natural resources, including agriculture and forestry, and ecosystem services; increased access to sustainable renewable energy at an affordable price for people living in poverty; environmentally sustainable cities and communities; greater access to basic services and housing in urban areas for people living in poverty; sustainable production and consumption patterns, including preventive chemical controls and waste management. Specific goals and actions are foreseen as regards sustainable oceans and water resources, namely: stronger protection and restoration, and sustainable management and use of marine, coastal and freshwater ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources and ecosystem services; cleaner water and oceans, reduced emissions of pollutants and reduced littering.