Bilateral collaboration - collaboration between countries in the field of environment and climate

Current environmental challenges are generally beyond national borders, and many of Sweden's environmental problems cannot be solved within its own borders. Long-term, strategic, bilateral collaboration is needed for Sweden as well as other countries, and can pave the way for other strategic core issues. It is included in Sweden's environmental policy.

Bilateral collaboration is a type of long-term collaboration on development. Collaboration takes place between two parties, in which resources and costs are shared between the parties.

There is a bilateral appropriation from the government in the field of environment and climate. It is earmarked for collaboration with countries that have a large influence on the global environment and/or have strategic importance for global collaboration on the environment and climate.

Collaboration between government agencies is an important and pragmatic part of bilateral collaboration. Four agencies under the Ministry of the Environment and Energy are collaborating within the above appropriation:

  • The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management
  • The Swedish Chemicals Agency
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • SMHI

The appropriation is administrated by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The funds agreed on are paid to the agencies in the form of grants. The agencies are responsible for planning and implementing collaboration measures within the framework of the funds granted.

During the last few years, SMHI has participated in activities in Chile, Brazil, South Africa, India, China and Russia within the frame of bilateral collaboration.