Nordic Nature Based Solutions
26-27 SeptemberMalmö Arena Hotel
Speakers
Kes McCormick (conference moderator)Professor of Business Development and Sustainable Innovation, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)Welcome
Discussion based on the parallel workshops
Kes McCormick (conference moderator)
Kes McCormick is a Professor of Business Development and Sustainable Innovation at the Department of People and Society at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). He also hold a position at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University and is on the board for the Swedish Knowledge Hub in Business Management and Entrepreneurship at SLU. Kes McCormick is deeply engaged in the topic of nature-based solutions in the context of sustainability, governance and business.
Jan-Petter Huberth Hansen (Chairman of the Board - The NBS Programme)Project Leader, Norwegian Environment AgencyWelcome
Jan-Petter Huberth Hansen (Chairman of the Board - The NBS Programme)
Jan-Petter Huberth Hansen works at the Norwegian Environment Agency. Among his main areas of responsibility and interests are biodiversity conservation, especially wetland management. He has long experience with projects in the Arctic, Svalbard, Barents Region and tropical countries in Africa, as well as Myanmar and Nepal. He currently heads the board of the Nordic Council of Minister's Program on Nature Based Solutions.
Ingilín D. StrømMinister of Environment, Housing, and Labour Market Affairs in the Faroe IslandsOpening speech
Ingilín D. Strøm
Ingilín D. Strøm (b. 1991) is the Minister of Environment, Housing, and Labour Market Affairs in the Faroe Islands. A dedicated member of the Social Democratic Party (Javnaðarflokkurin), she was elected to the Faroese Parliament in 2019, where she has been a vocal advocate for equality, climate action, and environmental protection.
As a Member of Parliament, Strøm focused on policies that promote equality, address climate change, and enhance environmental protection. In her role as Minister, she has continued to advocate these causes. Notably, she worked to pass the first nature conservation law for the Faroe Islands and implemented various measures to strengthen climate and environmental protection.
Sofia HedénDeputy Mayor for Environment, City of MalmöOpening speech
Sofia Hedén
Sofia Hedén is the Deputy Mayor for Environment at the City of Malmö. Sofia is a teacher by training and a leading representative for the Social Democratic Party in Malmö. That climate adaptation is equal and just is a core priority for Sofia, as is ensuring access to green areas for all of the city’s residents.
Ludwig SonessonClimate Adaptation Strategist, City of MalmöGuest speakers
Ludwig Sonesson
Ludwig Sonesson is a Climate Adaptation Strategist at the Environment Department in the City of Malmö. He works on urban greening strategies and heat exposure and coordinates the Malmö Urban Landscape Lab which is experimenting with novel nature based solutions in the city.
Alexandra Vindfeld HansenLearning and sharing nature-based designGuest speakers
Alexandra Vindfeld Hansen
Alexandra Vindfeld Hansen is a partner in the Danish internationally renowned nature-based design studio SLA, where she leads the studio’s Research & Development. Alexandra has over 20 years of experience as a landscape architect and project director for interdisciplinary processes and urban development projects of both physical and strategic nature with a strong focus on nature-based design, climate adaptation, biodiversity, and sustainability. As R&D Director in SLA, Alexandra spearheads the studio’s interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and sharing of nature-based approaches and methodologies, ensuring that SLA’s R&D work lifts and inspires the studio’s projects across four continents.
Leonard SandinResearch Leader, NINA OsloNordic Council of Ministers NBS programme 2021-2024 – results and experiences
Leonard Sandin
Leonard Sandin has a background in river ecology focusing on restoration, climate change mitigation, and human impacts on organisms, ecosystem functioning and services. Sandins main interest is NBS implementation and the connection to biodiversity, restoration upscaling in river landscapes, and freshwater management in a climate perspective. He has led and co-led several multidisciplinary projects focusing in NBS including the Nordic Council of Ministers projects S-ITUATION, S-UMMATION and currently the GuideNBS project. He is currently a lead author on the IPBES thematic assessment of the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health, and is a co-lead of the Nordic NBS Hub.
Kolbrún í HaraldsstovuPlant Ecologist, Faroe Islands National MuseumNordic Council of Ministers NBS programme 2021-2024 – results and experiences
Kolbrún í Haraldsstovu
Kolbrún is a Plant Ecologist and the Head of the Department of Botany at the Faroe Islands National Museum. She leads the pioneering Lendisbati project, the first large-scale ecological restoration initiative in the Faroe Islands, which is one of eight pilot projects funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. In addition, Kolbrún educates the public on critical issues related to the Faroese natural environment and oversees research on the vegetation of Koltur Island, the first nature reserve in the Faroe Islands.
Ann NedergårdProject leader, Ålands vattenNordic Council of Ministers NBS programme 2021-2024 – results and experiences
Ann Nedergård
Environment and sustainability, together with cooperation and development, are the main themes of Ann Nedergård's professional life. She has previously worked as a program manager, project manager, as an environment and health inspector and with environment and water issues within public administration and EU programmes in Sweden and on the Åland Islands. Since eight years, she now works with projects that improve the water quality in the Åland Islands' two largest drinking water sources. When Ann Nedergård gets to combine sustainability, cooperation and water she feels that she is in the right place.
Jannik SeslefProject Leader, Assens municipalityNordic Council of Ministers NBS programme 2021-2024 – results and experiences
Jannik Seslef
Jannik Seslef is a Project Leader in Assens Municipality. With a professional bachelor in environment and nature, he works with removal of agricultural and low-lying soils for natural and environmental purposes. Jannik Seslef's vision that the total potential of the areas must be realized and that the multifunctional aspect contributes to the areas strengthening the local narrative and identity in the future and thus it becomes more meaningful for landowners and locals to donate land to the projects. Projects that are established with broad roots in the local area can become today's communities, which bind villages, farmers, the environment and natural purposes together.
Caroline EngeResearch Scientist, NIVANordic Council of Ministers NBS programme 2021-2024 – results and experiences
Caroline Enge
Caroline Enge is a research scientist at NIVA's section for Water and Society, where she focuses on environmental policy and governance, stakeholder engagement, science-policy interface, research communication and dissemination, environmental challenges and solutions such as nature-based solutions
Anna PalméSenior Scientist, NordGenNordic Council of Ministers NBS programme 2021-2024 – results and experiences
Anna Palmé
Anna Palmé is a Senior Scientist at NordGen. She holds a PhD in biology with focus on genetics and has extensive experience of project management with genetic resources. In NordGen, Anna Palmé is responsible for crop wild relatives - wild plants that carry traits important for our agriculture and food production.
Gustav NässlanderCEO, Trädkontoret (The Tree Office)Nordic Council of Ministers NBS programme 2021-2024 – results and experiences
Gustav Nässlander
Gustav is the CEO of the Swedish company Trädkontoret (The Tree Office) whom are leading the project "Yggdrasil", focusing on the 3+30+300 rule for better cities. Gustav has a bachelors degree in horticultural science, is an ISA certified arborist and works as a consultant in the field of urban forestry and arboriculture with many years experience from communicating the benefits of trees, both on stage and in a broad variety of projects.
Gustav will be presenting the ongoing project "Yggdrasil" which is working on evaluating how well Nordic cities are fulfilling the 3+30+300 rule. Gustavs presentation will revolve around explaining the 3+30+300 rule and also giving a broad insight to the projects status and progress this far. The project is also aiming at evalutating the species distribution of urban trees around the Nordics, with a focus on native/non-native species. Gustav will be addressing these challenges and giving a first peek at the results from this unique survey.
Helena BjörnSenior Environmental Strategist, Lomma municipalityExcursion 1: Lomma municipality
On this excursion you will get to explore how nature-based solutions can be implemented to address climate related hazards such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, drought, and flooding – from a landscape perspective. During the excursion, Helena Björn, Environmental strategist at Lomma Municipality, will guide us through their work with NbS from comprehensive planning to concrete solutions, showcasing different nature-based solutions from the recently finished LIFE Coast Adapt-project.
Helena Björn
Helena Björn has a PhD in ecology and is, since 2006, the Senior Environmental Strategist in Lomma municipality with focus on climate adaptation, spatial planning, Agenda 2030 and nature conservation. She is part of a team of spatial planners, engineers and other experts. In Sweden, spatial planning is handled by the municipalities, including the coastal zone.
Hugo SettergrenLandscape Architect and Expert within Nature-Based Solutions and urban climate adaptation at IVL Swedish Environmental Research InstituteExcursion 2: Greening Möllan and Augustenborg
An excursion combining visits to the following two projects:
Greening Möllan
Cities such as Malmö are increasingly using nature-based solutions to adapt to a changing climate. However, implementing them in a dense city with many other competing pressures on land can prove difficult. In the project “Greening Möllan”, the city of Malmö implemented a range of multifunctional green interventions centered around trees in the area Möllevången—a dense district from the early 1900s with a socially disadvantaged population and a large population of children. The project is indicative of how the city will work on adaptation in the coming years—prioritizing the district most in need of investment and planning interventions with as many positive benefits for the local community. You will hear about raingardens extending under parking spaces, vitalisation of older trees, site-specific species selection and collaborations with property owners.
Climate adaptation with nature-based solutions in Augustenborg "eco-city", Malmö.
Join a guided tour through one of Sweden’s oldest and pioneering city planning projects were climate related hazards have been addressed with nature-based solutions since 1998. In this excursion you will learn about how this neighbourhood was planned to address flood risks and creating socially inclusive spaces for its inhabitants through a myriad of different nature-based solutions. We will follow the flow of the rainwater through the neighbourhood and stopping to learn more about specific solutions along the way.
Hugo Settergren
Hugo Settergren is a Landscape Architect and Expert within Nature-Based Solutions and urban climate adaptation at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. His broad expertise ranges from technical understanding of SUDS, green roofs and urban vegetation systems to the strategic perspectives on where and how NBS can be implemented in cities. He is currently involved in several research and development projects where he is assembling best-practices, evaluating solutions and developing tools to make cities greener and more resilient to the changing climate.
Lise Lykke SteffensenExecutive Director, NordGenExcursion 3: Nordic Genetic Resource Centre (NordGen)
Genetic resources are essential for human life on earth. They provide us with food, feed, fibers and medicines. But they are also part of the infrastructure used for many types of nature-based solutions, such as NBS for adaptation of food production to climate change and increasing biodiversity in forestry and the agricultural landscape. Nordic Genetic Resource Centre (NordGen) is the Nordic countries’ joint seed genebank and knowledge centre for genetic resources. With the mission to conserve and promote a sustainable use of genetic resources, NordGen keeps thousands of seeds samples important for our future food production. Join us for a visit to our seed laboratories, greenhouse and garden where the Nordic seed collection is maintained. You will also learn more about Svalbard Global Seed Vault and might even enter the iconic Arctic building virtually.
Lise Lykke Steffensen
Lise Lykke is the Executive Director of the Nordic Genetic Resource Centre (NordGen) since 2016. Her responsibility is to lead and develop the organisation's operations. NordGen's mission is to conserve and promote a sustainable use of genetic resources important for the Nordic agriculture and forestry.
Björg ÁgústsdóttirMayor of Grundarfjörður, IcelandOption 1: Nature-Based Solutions and Land Use Focus on Coast and Coastal Landscapes
In this session, participants will explore key factors of success and main obstacles that have been encountered when implementing Nature-based solutions in non-urban coastal landscapes and at river catchment scale in the Nordic region. We will hear first-hand experiences from our presenters about the potential gains of working with NbS in non-urban areas and at catchment scale, but also some of the challenges like jurisdiction, conflict of interests, financing, administrative boundaries, stakeholder engagement and land-owner structures. Following the presentations, participants are invited to share their own experiences and ideas in a workshop format. The workshop will explore and identify existing barriers and the necessary tools to overcome them, drawing upon the shared experience, innovative ideas and new perspectives from our shared pool of Nordic knowledge. The insights will serve as input to the work carried out by the Nordic council of ministers to further enhance and upscale nature-based solutions in the Nordic countries.
Isak NyborgCoordinator at Höje å water councilOption 1: Nature-Based Solutions and Land Use Focus on Coast and Coastal Landscapes
In this session, participants will explore key factors of success and main obstacles that have been encountered when implementing Nature-based solutions in non-urban coastal landscapes and at river catchment scale in the Nordic region. We will hear first-hand experiences from our presenters about the potential gains of working with NbS in non-urban areas and at catchment scale, but also some of the challenges like jurisdiction, conflict of interests, financing, administrative boundaries, stakeholder engagement and land-owner structures. Following the presentations, participants are invited to share their own experiences and ideas in a workshop format. The workshop will explore and identify existing barriers and the necessary tools to overcome them, drawing upon the shared experience, innovative ideas and new perspectives from our shared pool of Nordic knowledge. The insights will serve as input to the work carried out by the Nordic council of ministers to further enhance and upscale nature-based solutions in the Nordic countries.
Isak Nyborg
Isak Nyborg is working to improve water quality in the Höje å catchment area through water conservation measures such as the creation of wetlands, irrigation wetlands, and two-stage ditches. Has working tasks include coordinating efforts between landowners, authorities, consultants, the county administrative board, and others, while also seeking funding.
The Kävlingeån and Höje å Water Councils are two of the oldest water councils in Sweden, working with the main goals of improving water quality and ensuring water in sufficient quantity. Over the past 30 years, these NGOs have funded and constructed over 600 hectares of wetlands in collaboration with their 10 member municipalities.
Isak Nyborg and Therese Parodi will talk about the extensive ditching that occurred about 200 years ago, our efforts in restoration, the pros and challenges of working within a water council, how we have financed all the projects, why they are beneficial for the environment, and the future challenges in water management.
Therese ParodiCoordinator at Kävlingeåns water councilOption 1: Nature-Based Solutions and Land Use Focus on Coast and Coastal Landscapes
In this session, participants will explore key factors of success and main obstacles that have been encountered when implementing Nature-based solutions in non-urban coastal landscapes and at river catchment scale in the Nordic region. We will hear first-hand experiences from our presenters about the potential gains of working with NbS in non-urban areas and at catchment scale, but also some of the challenges like jurisdiction, conflict of interests, financing, administrative boundaries, stakeholder engagement and land-owner structures. Following the presentations, participants are invited to share their own experiences and ideas in a workshop format. The workshop will explore and identify existing barriers and the necessary tools to overcome them, drawing upon the shared experience, innovative ideas and new perspectives from our shared pool of Nordic knowledge. The insights will serve as input to the work carried out by the Nordic council of ministers to further enhance and upscale nature-based solutions in the Nordic countries.
Therese Parodi
Therese Parodi is working to improve water quality in the Kävlingeån catchment area through water conservation measures such as the establishment of wetlands, irrigation wetlands, and two-stage ditches. She is coordinating efforts between landowners, authorities, consultants, the county administrative board, and others, while seeking funding.
The Kävlingeån and Höje å Water Councils are two of the oldest water councils in Sweden, working with the main goals of improving water quality and ensuring water in sufficient quantity. Over the past 30 years, these NGOs have funded and constructed over 600 hectares of wetlands in collaboration with their 10 member municipalities.
Therese Parodi and Isak Nyborg will talk about the extensive ditching that occurred about 200 years ago, our efforts in restoration, the pros and challenges of working within a water council, how we have financed all the projects, why they are beneficial for the environment, and the future challenges in water management.
Sebastian Bokhari IrmingerCoastal Engineer, SGI Option 1: Nature-Based Solutions and Land Use Focus on Coast and Coastal Landscapes
In this session, participants will explore key factors of success and main obstacles that have been encountered when implementing Nature-based solutions in non-urban coastal landscapes and at river catchment scale in the Nordic region. We will hear first-hand experiences from our presenters about the potential gains of working with NbS in non-urban areas and at catchment scale, but also some of the challenges like jurisdiction, conflict of interests, financing, administrative boundaries, stakeholder engagement and land-owner structures. Following the presentations, participants are invited to share their own experiences and ideas in a workshop format. The workshop will explore and identify existing barriers and the necessary tools to overcome them, drawing upon the shared experience, innovative ideas and new perspectives from our shared pool of Nordic knowledge. The insights will serve as input to the work carried out by the Nordic council of ministers to further enhance and upscale nature-based solutions in the Nordic countries.
Sebastian Bokhari Irminger
Sebastian Bokhari Irminger is a Coastal Engineer working at the Swedish Geotechnical Institute, SGI. Throughout his career, Sebastian has worked with coastal management and climate adaptation projects, spanning technical, social and legal aspects, pushing the knowledge on how multifunctional solutions can be implemented in a Swedish context.
The SGI is the state agency responsible for coordinating erosion issues in Sweden. The SGI have a special focus on developing and implementing NBS as parts of coastal management and adaptation plans.
Susann MilenkovskiEnvironmental Strategist, Region SkåneOption 1: Nature-Based Solutions and Land Use Focus on Coast and Coastal Landscapes
In this session, participants will explore key factors of success and main obstacles that have been encountered when implementing Nature-based solutions in non-urban coastal landscapes and at river catchment scale in the Nordic region. We will hear first-hand experiences from our presenters about the potential gains of working with NbS in non-urban areas and at catchment scale, but also some of the challenges like jurisdiction, conflict of interests, financing, administrative boundaries, stakeholder engagement and land-owner structures. Following the presentations, participants are invited to share their own experiences and ideas in a workshop format. The workshop will explore and identify existing barriers and the necessary tools to overcome them, drawing upon the shared experience, innovative ideas and new perspectives from our shared pool of Nordic knowledge. The insights will serve as input to the work carried out by the Nordic council of ministers to further enhance and upscale nature-based solutions in the Nordic countries.
Susann Milenkovski
Susann Milenkovski has a PhD in ecotoxicology and is an Environmental Strategist in Region Skåne. Susann is working with challenges within water and ocean at a regional scale. For example, how to speed up pharmaceutical purification, establish a sustainable circular water supply and testing methods to calculate water balance. Susann has also been part of LIFE Coast Adapt – Swedens largest nature-based coastal adaption project 2018-2023.
Nils KändlerResearcher, Tallinn University of TechnologyOption 2: How cities can mainstream nature based solutions - Defining the success factors of the Nordic operational model
In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components necessary for successfully integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning and development. The session is designed for city planners, municipal officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders who are interested in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability through the application of nature-based approaches. We’ll discuss the essential elements like policy framework, funding mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and monitoring & evaluation. We build on the experience of Interreg BSR CityBlues project, where cities have joined forces to develop and implement blue-green infrastructure for urban climate change adaptation and citizen wellbeing. Workshop Objectives:
- To understand the opportunities and needs in cities to mainstream NBS in urban environments.
- To identify the essential elements needed for a successful operational model that enables broader uptake of NBS.
- To discuss good examples, practical steps and strategies for integrating NBS into city planning and policies.
- To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to support NBS implementation.
Nils Kändler
Nils Kändler is currently working at Tallinn University of Technology as a researcher in urban water systems. He also holds Chartered Engineer qualification in training and innovation in the field of water supply and sewerage. Majority of his work is focusing on transitions in urban water systems related to climate change and aging infrastructure. He has profound expertise in water networks modelling, design, GIS systems and smartening solutions for better adaption for future urban challenges.
Kerta KõivChartered Engineer in Water Supply and SewerageOption 2: How cities can mainstream nature based solutions - Defining the success factors of the Nordic operational model
In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components necessary for successfully integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning and development. The session is designed for city planners, municipal officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders who are interested in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability through the application of nature-based approaches. We’ll discuss the essential elements like policy framework, funding mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and monitoring & evaluation. We build on the experience of Interreg BSR CityBlues project, where cities have joined forces to develop and implement blue-green infrastructure for urban climate change adaptation and citizen wellbeing. Workshop Objectives:
- To understand the opportunities and needs in cities to mainstream NBS in urban environments.
- To identify the essential elements needed for a successful operational model that enables broader uptake of NBS.
- To discuss good examples, practical steps and strategies for integrating NBS into city planning and policies.
- To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to support NBS implementation.
Kerta Kõiv
Kerta Kõiv is a Chartered Engineer in Water Supply and Sewerage, EstQF Level 8. During 10 years of work experience, she has been engaged in numerous projects on the design and project management of urban water and land reclamation systems. In addition, she is a PhD student at Tallinn University of Technology doing research on smart multidimensional Nature-Based Solutions for stormwater management in urban areas.
Ivar AnnusProfessor, Tallinn University of TechnologyOption 2: How cities can mainstream nature based solutions - Defining the success factors of the Nordic operational model
In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components necessary for successfully integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning and development. The session is designed for city planners, municipal officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders who are interested in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability through the application of nature-based approaches. We’ll discuss the essential elements like policy framework, funding mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and monitoring & evaluation. We build on the experience of Interreg BSR CityBlues project, where cities have joined forces to develop and implement blue-green infrastructure for urban climate change adaptation and citizen wellbeing. Workshop Objectives:
- To understand the opportunities and needs in cities to mainstream NBS in urban environments.
- To identify the essential elements needed for a successful operational model that enables broader uptake of NBS.
- To discuss good examples, practical steps and strategies for integrating NBS into city planning and policies.
- To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to support NBS implementation.
Ivar Annus
Prof. Ivar Annus is currently working in Tallinn University of Technology as a professor in urban water systems and Vice-dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Engineering. He has profound experiments in leading and coordinating international and national R&D projects in urban water systems with the focus on climate change adaption and mitigation measures, risk management, real-time control, modelling and digitalization.
In addition, he is a member of the higher education assessment committee of Estonian Quality Agency for Education and member of the International Society for Engineering Education.
Ingvild Skumlien FurusethResearch ScientistOption 2: How cities can mainstream nature based solutions - Defining the success factors of the Nordic operational model
In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components necessary for successfully integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning and development. The session is designed for city planners, municipal officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders who are interested in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability through the application of nature-based approaches. We’ll discuss the essential elements like policy framework, funding mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and monitoring & evaluation. We build on the experience of Interreg BSR CityBlues project, where cities have joined forces to develop and implement blue-green infrastructure for urban climate change adaptation and citizen wellbeing. Workshop Objectives:
- To understand the opportunities and needs in cities to mainstream NBS in urban environments.
- To identify the essential elements needed for a successful operational model that enables broader uptake of NBS.
- To discuss good examples, practical steps and strategies for integrating NBS into city planning and policies.
- To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to support NBS implementation.
Ingvild Skumlien Furuseth
Ingvild Skumlien Furuseth (F) holds an MSc in Business and Administration. As a Research Scientist, she focusses on nature-based solutions (NBS) for climate change adaptation. She has been involved in several projects about NBS funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Her focus has been on incentives, policy and knowledge-sharing related to the NBS implementation. Additionally, she led a commission project for the Norwegian Environment Agency, assessing NBS integration in land-use planning at various levels in four municipalities, following a State Planning Guideline.
Aki SinkkonenPrincipal ScientistOption 2: How cities can mainstream nature based solutions - Defining the success factors of the Nordic operational model
In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components necessary for successfully integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning and development. The session is designed for city planners, municipal officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders who are interested in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability through the application of nature-based approaches. We’ll discuss the essential elements like policy framework, funding mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and monitoring & evaluation. We build on the experience of Interreg BSR CityBlues project, where cities have joined forces to develop and implement blue-green infrastructure for urban climate change adaptation and citizen wellbeing. Workshop Objectives:
- To understand the opportunities and needs in cities to mainstream NBS in urban environments.
- To identify the essential elements needed for a successful operational model that enables broader uptake of NBS.
- To discuss good examples, practical steps and strategies for integrating NBS into city planning and policies.
- To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to support NBS implementation.
Aki Sinkkonen
Docent in environmental ecology, Principal Scientist Aki Sinkkonen has large expertise in running multidisciplinary ecological-medical research projects that seek for novel nature-based solutions. He was the main designer of globally the first biodiversity intervention trials in which environmental biodiversity is inserted into urban settings, in order to eventually prevent non-communicable diseases. He was recently invited to The Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters. He has published 90 international, peer-reviewed papers, three patents, supervised several Ph.D. theses and post docs, and he has a wide international research network.
Kristiina MardiProject Leader, Aarhus MunicipalityOption 2: How cities can mainstream nature based solutions - Defining the success factors of the Nordic operational model
In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components necessary for successfully integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning and development. The session is designed for city planners, municipal officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders who are interested in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability through the application of nature-based approaches. We’ll discuss the essential elements like policy framework, funding mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and monitoring & evaluation. We build on the experience of Interreg BSR CityBlues project, where cities have joined forces to develop and implement blue-green infrastructure for urban climate change adaptation and citizen wellbeing. Workshop Objectives:
- To understand the opportunities and needs in cities to mainstream NBS in urban environments.
- To identify the essential elements needed for a successful operational model that enables broader uptake of NBS.
- To discuss good examples, practical steps and strategies for integrating NBS into city planning and policies.
- To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to support NBS implementation.
Kristiina Mardi
Kristiina Mardi is project leader and coordinator of diverse international and national projects in Nature departement of Aarhus Municipality. With background as freshwater biologist, she is working on projects focused on freshwater water ecology, functioning, administration and services, river and nature restoration, impacts on freshwater flora and fauna, rain water management and nature-based solutions in city planning, mostly related to aspects of biodiversity. She works on nature-based solutions to secure the blue-green interests in planning, create time and space for water and improve the quality and quantity of blue-green spaces.
Yvona HolbeinCoordinator for Stormwater Activities, Oslo MunicipalityOption 2: How cities can mainstream nature based solutions - Defining the success factors of the Nordic operational model
In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components necessary for successfully integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning and development. The session is designed for city planners, municipal officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders who are interested in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability through the application of nature-based approaches. We’ll discuss the essential elements like policy framework, funding mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and monitoring & evaluation. We build on the experience of Interreg BSR CityBlues project, where cities have joined forces to develop and implement blue-green infrastructure for urban climate change adaptation and citizen wellbeing. Workshop Objectives:
- To understand the opportunities and needs in cities to mainstream NBS in urban environments.
- To identify the essential elements needed for a successful operational model that enables broader uptake of NBS.
- To discuss good examples, practical steps and strategies for integrating NBS into city planning and policies.
- To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to support NBS implementation.
Yvona Holbein
Yvona Holbein is a coordinator for stormwater activities in Oslo Municipality, especially based on Stormwater Action Plan. Her main focus is on good cooperation between the agencies in Oslo, managing the pipelines, watercourses, greenery, streets, parks and with responsibility for the planning and building in Oslo. She is concerned with strategies and innovation and maintains contact with national and municipal actors and research institutions, such as NIVA.
Yvona also led the 4-year process of developing a Guide for Stormwater Management which was launched in September 2023. The stormwater guide elaborates on the requirements in national and local regulations and clarifies the municipality's expectations for sustainable and nature-based stormwater management.
Ari Krisna Mawira TariganAssociate Professor, University of StavangerOption 2: How cities can mainstream nature based solutions - Defining the success factors of the Nordic operational model
In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components necessary for successfully integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning and development. The session is designed for city planners, municipal officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders who are interested in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability through the application of nature-based approaches. We’ll discuss the essential elements like policy framework, funding mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and monitoring & evaluation. We build on the experience of Interreg BSR CityBlues project, where cities have joined forces to develop and implement blue-green infrastructure for urban climate change adaptation and citizen wellbeing. Workshop Objectives:
- To understand the opportunities and needs in cities to mainstream NBS in urban environments.
- To identify the essential elements needed for a successful operational model that enables broader uptake of NBS.
- To discuss good examples, practical steps and strategies for integrating NBS into city planning and policies.
- To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to support NBS implementation.
Ari Krisna Mawira Tarigan
Ari Krisna Mawira Tarigan is an associate professor in the Department of Safety, economics, and Planning at the University of Stavanger, Norway. He is responsible for teaching bachelor and master students under the program of building engineering (bygg) and city and regional planning (byplanlegging). His work covers the aspects of blue-green infrastructures for cities and urban areas, water and wastewater systems and sustainable cities. He has been involved in several research projects on nature-based solutions funded by the EU, University Fund, EEA Grants and HKdir. Recently, he has been part of the City Blues project, partly financed by Interreg Baltic Sea Regions, which brings Stavanger’s experiences and best practices on using nature-based solutions (NBS) and catchment-based approaches for urban flooding and stormwater management.
Oliwer SchultzDelegate of the Nordic Youth Biodiversity NetworkOption 3: Biodiversity - Now and for Future Generations
Join us for an engaging parallel session dedicated to nature-based solutions and biodiversity, featuring interesting presentations and an interactive workshop. In the first part, experts will present a variety of topics including education, nature restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rewilding projects. The second part will start with a brief introduction to the future of nature-based solutions in the Nordic region, setting the stage for the interactive workshop. Participants will then engage in group discussions, exploring various strategies and solutions for enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions. This session is facilitated by the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network.
Discussion based on the parallel workshops
Oliwer Schultz
Oliwer Schultz, newly graduated from a master’s degree in Ecology and Sustainable Development at Linköping university. He has for some years been part of the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network, coordinating a team of Nordic youth in the negotiations before and during COP15, and now for a smaller team of young experts towards COP16. Besides engagement in civic society in different organizations, rewilding and urban biodiversity are the topics he usually focuses on inside and outside his studies.
The Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network (NYBN) is the Nordic chapter of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), an international network of youth organisations and individuals from every global region who have united together with a common goal: Halting and reversing the biodiversity crisis. As the official coordination platform for Nordic youth in the negotiations under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), NYBN is committed to bringing the perspectives of young people into the political process and empowering young people to take action.
Villemo TomasdotterDelegate of Nordic Youth Biodiversity NetworkOption 3: Biodiversity - Now and for Future Generations
Join us for an engaging parallel session dedicated to nature-based solutions and biodiversity, featuring interesting presentations and an interactive workshop. In the first part, experts will present a variety of topics including education, nature restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rewilding projects. The second part will start with a brief introduction to the future of nature-based solutions in the Nordic region, setting the stage for the interactive workshop. Participants will then engage in group discussions, exploring various strategies and solutions for enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions. This session is facilitated by the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network.
Villemo Tomasdotter
Villemo Tomasdotter, BSc (Sweden), is currently undertaking a master’s degree in Applied Climate Strategy at Lund University. They are an active member in the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network (NYBN) within which they contribute to the organisation’s work to halt and reverse the biodiversity crisis. Villemo has experience in human rights and the human-nature relationship and is engaged in the interlinkages between climate and biodiversity.
Nikolai FribergProfessor, Aarhus UniversityOption 3: Biodiversity - Now and for Future Generations
Join us for an engaging parallel session dedicated to nature-based solutions and biodiversity, featuring interesting presentations and an interactive workshop. In the first part, experts will present a variety of topics including education, nature restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rewilding projects. The second part will start with a brief introduction to the future of nature-based solutions in the Nordic region, setting the stage for the interactive workshop. Participants will then engage in group discussions, exploring various strategies and solutions for enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions. This session is facilitated by the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network.
Nikolai Friberg
Professor Nikolai Friberg has more than 30 years of experience in freshwater ecology and has worked with a range of topics, mostly related to aspects of biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and restoration of rivers. He has published extensively within his area of research and was a lead author in the first highly profiled assessment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Currently, his main avenue of science is related to how ecosystem understanding can underpin the upscaling of nature-based solutions to levels necessary to meet the ambitious societal goals of restoring degraded ecosystems.
Giovanni BozzaMember of the European Young RewildersOption 3: Biodiversity - Now and for Future Generations
Join us for an engaging parallel session dedicated to nature-based solutions and biodiversity, featuring interesting presentations and an interactive workshop. In the first part, experts will present a variety of topics including education, nature restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rewilding projects. The second part will start with a brief introduction to the future of nature-based solutions in the Nordic region, setting the stage for the interactive workshop. Participants will then engage in group discussions, exploring various strategies and solutions for enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions. This session is facilitated by the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network.
Giovanni Bozza
Giovanni Bozza is a PhD researcher focused on greening the forestry sector through the implementation of mixed forestry. He is a member of the European Young Rewilders, a network of young people passionate and working in rewilding, and has a background in Landscape Restoration and Forest Protection.
Hanne Haack LarsenDirector, Aage V. Jensen NaturfondOption 3: Biodiversity - Now and for Future Generations
Join us for an engaging parallel session dedicated to nature-based solutions and biodiversity, featuring interesting presentations and an interactive workshop. In the first part, experts will present a variety of topics including education, nature restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rewilding projects. The second part will start with a brief introduction to the future of nature-based solutions in the Nordic region, setting the stage for the interactive workshop. Participants will then engage in group discussions, exploring various strategies and solutions for enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions. This session is facilitated by the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network.
Hanne Haack Larsen
Hanne Haack Larsen is the Director at Aage V. Jensen Naturfond, a Danish nature foundation with more than 35 years of experience in nature management and development. Its purpose is the conservation and development of nature and the protection of wild animals in Denmark. It owns and manages natural areas throughout Denmark and supports a wide range of projects in nature management, research, and nature communication.
Hanne Haack Larsen will introduce how and why they do nature projects and work with biodiversity. She will also present some of the projects they are currently working on, such as the restoration of Filsø, the reintroduction of moose in raised bog management, the introduction of European Bison, and much more.
Søren Per SørensenDevelopment Consultant, Vordingborg MunicipalityOption 3: Biodiversity - Now and for Future Generations
Join us for an engaging parallel session dedicated to nature-based solutions and biodiversity, featuring interesting presentations and an interactive workshop. In the first part, experts will present a variety of topics including education, nature restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rewilding projects. The second part will start with a brief introduction to the future of nature-based solutions in the Nordic region, setting the stage for the interactive workshop. Participants will then engage in group discussions, exploring various strategies and solutions for enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions. This session is facilitated by the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network.
Søren Per Sørensen
Søren Per Sørensen is a Development Consultant at the Centre for Culture, Leisure and Development, Vordingborg Municipality and Møn UNESCO Biosphere Area. He has been working with sustainable development primarily in Tourism and Agriculture since the late nineties, and always with focus on cooperation with local stakeholders. Currently he is the project manager of the Danish part of the Interreg Baltic Sea core project “Supported by Nature”.
Irina HerzonSenior Lecturer in Agroecology, University of HelsinkiOption 3: Biodiversity - Now and for Future Generations
Join us for an engaging parallel session dedicated to nature-based solutions and biodiversity, featuring interesting presentations and an interactive workshop. In the first part, experts will present a variety of topics including education, nature restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rewilding projects. The second part will start with a brief introduction to the future of nature-based solutions in the Nordic region, setting the stage for the interactive workshop. Participants will then engage in group discussions, exploring various strategies and solutions for enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions. This session is facilitated by the Nordic Youth Biodiversity Network.
Irina Herzon
Irina (Iryna) Herzon is a Senior Lecturer in Agroecology in the University of Helsinki. Her interdisciplinary research and teaching cover a wide range of sustainability challenges in food production and consumption, bridging ecological understanding with social processes. She has been active in science-policy interface work as a member of ministerial working groups, the EU focus groups, and Finnish Nature Panel. Her pedagogical activities across the University and internationally were recognized with a membership in Teachers' Academy.
Ulrika ÅkerlundLandscape Architect, Boverket Discussion based on the parallel workshops
Ulrika Åkerlund
Ulrika Åkerlund is a trained landscape architect working at the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) in Sweden. Her main responsibilities concern green structure planning, urban ecosystem services and nature-based solutions and how these subjects are integrated in municipal spatial planning and building. She has also worked with a Nordic Cooperation project on greener cities. Currently she is working with nature-based solutions within the Swedish Model for Sustainable Urban Development supported by European Regional Development Fund.
Marit Finland TrøiteSenior Adviser Climate Adaptation, Norwegian Environment Agency Discussion based on the parallel workshops
Marit Finland Trøite
Marit Finnland Trøite is a Senior Adviser for climate adaptation at The Norwegian Environment Agency. She holds a master's degree in political science and government and has since 2017 been working with coordinating climate adaptation at the national level. She has led the development of guidance for municipalities on the Central Government Planning Guidelines and the development of knowledge about nature-based solutions in cooperation with local, regional, and national actors. She has also been in the reference group of the Nordic Council of Ministers' program for nature-based solutions. Additionally, she is working with an evaluation of the sea-level governance in Norway.
Pamela ConradFounder/Executive Director, Climate Positive DesignLecture in plenary
Pamela Conrad
Pamela Conrad, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP, is an internationally recognized landscape architect, Faculty at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and Architecture 2030 Senior Fellow. Her passion for the environment is deeply rooted – from growing up on a farm in the mid-western United States to studying plant science and regenerative landscape architecture. Pamela’s 20-year career has focused on implementing carbon sequestering nature-based solutions in the built environment ranging from large scale habitat restoration to urban waterfront adaptation. She has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, TIME Magazine for Kids, Build Beyond Zero (2022), and on stage at the UN COP27/28 Climate Conferences.
Pamela is participating online.
Lajla Tunaal WhiteResearch Director, NINAClosing remarks
Lajla Tunaal White
Lajla Tunaal White is a Research Director for the Oslo division of the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA). She is an ecologist with a background from the civil service both in Norway and England. Her experience spans national and international policy development related to biodiversity, natural and cultural landscapes, climate and pollution, particularly regarding sustainable agriculture and forestry. In NINA her focus is on researchers working with ecological research in terrestrial environments, ecosystem accounting, nature-based solutions, nature risk and restoration. She is driven by collaboration and innovation to achieve overarching environmental goals.
