The implementations of Sweden's environmental goals in Swedish Lappland are not succeeding due to issues of legitimacy, credibility and lack of local participation. Systems analysis revealed that unresolved social issues of governance prevent addressing environmental objectives. Specifically, a history of abuse and misuse of governmental power has continued, creating confusion over land rights and questioning the legitimacy of state authorities. Environmental goals cannot be implemented until underlying social trust and credibility are restored through greater local participation and resolution of governance issues.