Life beneath the surface in Malmö

On a sunny day in late September the city of Malmö together with three NGOs organized a citizen engagement activity for the City Blues project. The purpose was to raise awareness about the city’s pilot area, Riseberga stream catchment area, and give residents an opportunity to explore the life beneath the surface.

Malmö’s pilot focuses on developing a plan for future nature-based solutions within the catchment area. During the pilot, different co-creation activities are being tested to gather information from relevant stakeholders. The citizen engagement activity combined a fun and interactive way to learn more about the stream’s ecology, with the possibility to give input to the project.

Information about the activity was posted on the city’s digital calendar, social medias and physical posters at the site. Networks of the three NGOs were also utilized. About 60 residents in different ages showed up with great energy and interest. While enjoying the activities they also got to answer a few questions about their perception of the stream. The results show that when the pilot area is more accessible, residents find it more attractive and are more interested in spending time by the stream.

At the event, participants witnessed how the stream is connected to their daily life, for example, when passing the area while walking their dog, playing with their kids or grandchildren, trying to spot spawning trout or just following the seasonal changes of the flow. The participants were in general very satisfied with the particular site but expressed some concerns about the water quality.

The information gathered through the interviews demonstrates how nature-based solutions can have multiple benefits. When planning future ways to manage floods and improve water quality, it’s good to remember that recreation can bring extra value and has a lot of potential.

Participants appreciated trying electrofishing and using landing nets during the event.

The city of Malmö now continues its work with analyses and modelling to understand where and how new solutions can be used in the catchment area. To make these plans happen in the future, the city and the local utility company need to keep working closely together. A big part of this work is creating a detailed master plan for the area.

The next co-creation activity will be held with businesses and real estate companies to encourage implementation of nature-based solutions also on private properties in the catchment area.

Programme Manual Online

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