Co-innovation Lab 2
Helsingborg Municipality is taking important steps to expand nature-based solutions in rural areas, focusing on the development of blue-green corridors in river catchment areas. Project managers Daniel Graf and Veronica Lennefors, working as part of Co-innovation Lab 2 in Skåne, Sweden, aim to create a strategic map highlighting where these solutions would be most effective and to develop a financing model involving local businesses.
Expanding blue-green corridors
These corridors, situated between agricultural fields, allow plants and animals to move from inland areas to the sea, boosting biodiversity. In addition, the combination of blue-green corridors with wetlands enhances resilience to flooding and drought, benefiting society, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. Achieving this requires close collaboration with landowners to identify priority areas and overcome challenges.
Engaging landowners to identify vulnerable areas
The first step involves mapping the most climate-vulnerable zones using GIS technology. Daniel and Veronica are now engaging in dialogues with landowners to incorporate their local knowledge and perspectives. This dialogue mainly takes place within a Water Council that includes municipalities, farmers’ associations, environmental groups, fishing conservation organizations, and drainage companies. As Veronica says, “We want to involve landowners early on to identify where to focus and understand the obstacles to implementing nature-based solutions.”
Developing a financing model
Financing remains a major hurdle, as neither the municipality nor landowners can shoulder all costs alone. Through ARCADIA, Daniel and Veronica are exploring a model where local businesses can contribute financially. Daniel explains, “Market-based compensation for landowners is essential. Companies might contribute to a fund, and many could find it rewarding to engage locally.” Veronica adds the possibility of establishing a system similar to biodiversity credits. They are also studying policy and legislative barriers to recommend changes that enable smoother implementation.
Concrete results for the future
By the end of the ARCADIA project in three years, Daniel and Veronica aim to have a clear map pinpointing the best locations for nature-based solutions and a viable business financing model. As Daniel concludes, “We hope to have an active dialogue with landowners in at least one area and businesses ready to finance projects so we can make real, tangible progress.”
This initiative highlights Helsingborg’s commitment to sustainable, collaborative approaches that benefit biodiversity, local communities, and climate resilience.