Policy-lab for nature-based solutions in cross-municipal climate adaptation

In the proposed project we apply a policy lab-process to develop methods, structures, and ways of operation for the development of policies for cross-municipal climate adaptation across sector and interest boundaries, using nature-based solutions.

As case study, we use “Storkriket” in southern Sweden, an area containing high values for both humans and nature and hence, in progress of becoming an UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The area covers three municipalities where future climate adaptations need to balance different interests in relation to agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity.

In close collaboration with municipal representatives, local landowners and businesses, NGOs, regional and national authorities and scientists, we will increase the knowledge regarding the area’s conditions, needs, priorities, and trade-offs when developing policies for cross-municipal climate adaptation.

We will focus on nature-based solutions that consider natural processes and conditions that will contribute in conserving the unique values of the area, also under a changed climate.

Developed methods, structures and ways of working, will be generalized for application within other areas and conditions, but with a similar need for climate adaptation trade-offs.

The proposed project has exceptional chances of contributing to sustainable rural development, including all three aspects of sustainability: ecological, economic, and social.