Effekten av uteblivna miljöersättningar för anläggning av våtmarker

Environmental subsidies are used as incitements to farmers for development of sustainable land use. In 2014, applications for funding constructed wetlands were not available. This paper examines the environmental consequences of this lack of funding in one intensively cultivated region Skåne län, southern Sweden. A review of wetland applications between year 2007-2013 show that the average rate of applications has been 31 projects per year with a wetland size of 4,48 ± 1,61ha per project (mean±95% CI). Based on interviews, the result suggests that the lack of funding in one year leads to between 102 and 140 ha of constructed wetlands that is not built. This correspond to a total loss of increased nitrogen retention capacity between 6,0 and 91,7 tons/year and a loss of increased phosphorus retention capacity between 0,17and 2,1 tons/year in the drainage basins of Skåne. Further the interviews show that continuity of environmental regulations and funding is important for the farmers’ interest in environmental measures. It is concluded that the total loss of increased retention capacity is small compared to the annual transport of nitrogen and phosphorus in the drainage basins. However, changes and interruptions in regulations reduce the confidence in authorities among farmers. This may have more negative, long term effects by ceasing the interest for environmental measures.