Category: Coast

Governing Multifunctional Coastal Landscapes: Lessons from Nämdö

9 September 2025 /

In the most recent issue of Ocean & Coastal Management, Charles Westerberg, Michael Gilek and Lucas Dawson from the LANDPATHS programme, together with Ralph Tafon from Södertörn University, published the article Governance challenges and opportunities for multifunctional marine and coastal landscapes: A comparative case study of Nämdö National Park and Nämdö Biosphere Reserve in Sweden.

The article examines governance challenges and opportunities in the Nämdö Archipelago outside of Stockholm, where two major environmental initiatives are being implemented in parallel: a National Park, led by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), and a Biosphere Reserve, initiated by a local NGO, Nämdö Green Archipelago.

Map of the Nämdö archipelago showing the proposed location for the Nämdö Biosphere Reserve (thick black line) and the Nämdö National Park (thin black line with dashed fill). The National Park will constitute the core area of the Biosphere Reserve. (This figure is taken from the article).

The study applied the Institutional Analysis and Development framework developed by Elinor Ostrom in combination with a systems perspective informed by interviews with residents, municipal officials, NGOs and national authorities. The objective was to understand how governance structures and institutional processes influence implementation outcomes in multifunctional marine and coastal landscapes.

The main findings from the study were:

  • The National Park process has been constrained by rigid institutional procedures, perceived limited inclusion of local knowledge and insufficient communication with residents. While the National Park offers strong legal protection, these features seemingly fostered mistrust and resistance at the local level.
  • The Biosphere Reserve initiative has generally been more positively received. Its flexible governance structure and consideration of local socioeconomic and cultural perspectives have strengthened legitimacy and local support. However, dependence on project-based funding and voluntary engagement creates uncertainty about its long-term sustainability.
  • Despite their differences, both models face common challenges in relation to resource mobilisation, political continuity and effective knowledge integration.

The findings suggest that neither governance model on its own is sufficient to address the complexity of multifunctional coastal landscapes. Instead, a hybrid governance approach which combines the enforcement capacity and institutional stability of National Parks with the participatory and adaptive strengths of Biosphere Reserves, may offer a more promising way forward.

For SEPA, this means exploring ways to introduce greater flexibility and inclusivity into National Park processes, while simultaneously ensuring stronger institutional support for, and collaboration with, local Biosphere Reserves. Doing so would improve alignment between international biodiversity commitments and local values and priorities.

On the water in the Nämdö archipelago. Photo: Charles Westerberg.

The Nämdö case illustrates that the success of marine and coastal governance depends on adaptive, inclusive and resourceful frameworks. We therefore recommend that SEPA draw on these findings in the ongoing development of the Nämdö National Park and in future conservation initiatives across Sweden’s marine and coastal landscapes.

Read the article in full here (Open Access): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107787

For more information, contact Charles Westerberg or Michael Gilek who work in the Marine and Coastal Landscapes subproject.

New report summarises the results of Nämdö archipelago citizen jury

27 May 2025 /

A new report summarizes the results from the citizens’ jury in the Nämdö Archipelago. The citizens’ jury was organized through a collaboration between the non-profit association Nämdö Green Archipelago (NGA) and LANDPATHS. The purpose was to establish priorities and deepen knowledge for the work of creating a biosphere reserve in the Nämdö Archipelago.

The citizens’ jury brought together 25 participants with various connections to the Nämdö Archipelago, ranging from permanent residents to part-time and holiday residents. Participants were recruited through an invitation letter sent to all households in the Nämdö Archipelago, as well as through digital channels and posters placed in strategic locations. This was followed by a selection process aimed at recruiting a broad diversity of opinions, demographics, and connections to the area. Participants received financial compensation for their involvement and were offered other forms of support to facilitate participation (language buddies, childcare, etc.).

During the process, experts contributed knowledge in fields such as sustainable community planning, business development, conservation, biodiversity, culture, and infrastructure.

The process was led by the consulting firm Kairos Future, which also designed the process in collaboration with NGA and researchers from LANDPATHS. The citizen jury discussions mainly took place in small groups, each led by a group facilitator.

After two days of deliberations, the participants proposed the following priorities for NGA’s work on the planned biosphere reserve:

  • Permanent residents
    Promote an increase in the number of permanent residents in the archipelago, especially by creating more opportunities for small-scale businesses such as local food production.
  • Conservation / species balance
    Promote greater biodiversity and a balance of species. Specific actions mentioned included reducing the deer population, restoring more wetlands, and creating habitats for predatory fish.
  • Digital meeting place
    Create a digital platform to increase youth participation in the development of the Nämdö Archipelago.
  • Marine Centre (“Havsrum”)
    Work towards establishing a Marine Centre in connection with the planned national park.
  • Community activity centre
    Work to establish a multi-purpose community centre on Nämdö.
  • Consultation
    Act as a consultative link between local residents and government authorities.
  • Renewable Energy
    Facilitate the establishment of renewable energy solutions.
  • Drinking Water
    Promote more sustainable use of and better access to drinking water.

The citizens’ jury also created a shared vision for the archipelago’s development. The results will serve as the foundation for NGA’s continued efforts to establish a biosphere reserve in the Nämdö Archipelago.

Read the report here, Swedish (PDF):

2025 05 Nämdöskärgårdens medborgarråd – RapportDownload

If you have any questions, please contact Tim Daw (Stockholm Resilience Centre).

Citizens’ Jury on the Nämdö archipelago Biosphere Reserve underway

29 October 2024 /

On Saturday 19 October, the participants in Nämdöskärgården’s citizens’ council gathered for the first time. The council brought together 25 citizens with different opinions and connections to the Nämdöskärgården. Some were year-round residents while others were part-time or summer residents. After an educational and information-rich first day, the preparations for the next gathering, which will take place on November 16, now begin.

This blog post is an English translation of an article we wrote on the Nämdö Green Archipelago (NGA) website (see the NGA article in Swedish).

The citizens’ jury in the Nämdö archipelago connects with the process of establishing a Biosphere Reserve around Nämdö and its surrounding islands. A collaboration between LANDPATHS and Nämdö Green Archipelago, the citizens’ jury is tasked with generating input on the future development of the archipelago, with a specific focus on which initiatives should be prioritized in the local actors’ continued work to establish the biosphere area.

During the first day, the participants learned more about what a Biosphere Reserve is and listened to different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities the faced in Nämdö. 

Speakers during the first day: 

  • Nämdö Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, Ann Aldeheim, Nämdö Green Archipelago
  • Preserve on land and below the surface, Elin Dahlgren, SLU
  • Community service and development, Anna Gabrielsson, Värmdö municipality
  • Infrastructure and transport, Sune Fogelström
  • Business and tourism, Martin Rosén, Stavsnäs Båttaxi
  • Social meeting places and culture, Kerstin Sonnbäck, Lower Dalälven Biosphere Reserve

After each presentation, the participants had the opportunity to reflect in small groups on the presented perspectives, ask questions and discuss their views and experiences. Afterwards, the participants were encouraged to write a future vision to describe how they imagine the Nämdö archipelago in the coming years. The day ended with shared reflections and impressions from the day, as well as expectations for the future.

With information, experiences and reflections from the first day, the group will gather again on Saturday 16 November. The focus of the second day will be on delving into the different perspectives, and prioritising and analysing the advantages and disadvantages of different efforts. 

The result of the citizens’ jury will form the basis for Nämdö Green Archipelago’s continued work to establish a biosphere area in the landscape.

A big thank you to all participants for your time and commitment!

More information about the citizen jury method

In a citizens’ jury, citizens are selected according to criteria that ensure a broad representation of the public in a small group. Over several days, the participants hear different perspectives, opinions and expert knowledge, and then get to discuss the issue in depth. The process usually ends with a joint conclusion or recommendations. Citizens are compensated for their participation in this process.

For more information about the citizens’ juries taking place within LANDPATHS, contact Tim Daw (leader of the Barriers and opportunities for change project).

Nämdö archipelago – A new Swedish Biosphere Reserve ?

9 May 2023 /
Portrait of Charles Westerberg
Charles Westerberg, SH

LANDPATHS subproject “Marine and coastal landscapes” focusses on the management of conflicts in coastal/marine biosphere reserves linked to the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme. Researchers in this subproject study how biospheres interact with wider multi-level and multi-sector governance arrangements such as marine spatial planning. Researchers in this subproject have recently selected Nämdo archipelago as one of the areas for their case study. PhD student Charles Westerberg reports about their first visit to the largest island.

Passenger boat on the way to Nämdö
Boattrip from Stavsnäs to Nämdö

 

Nämdö archipelago, which consists of hundreds of islands, is located a few hours away from Stockholm and is part of Värmdö municipality. Approximately 30 of the islands are inhabited, with Nämdö being the largest. Nämdö is highly valued by both residents and visitors due to its natural and cultural significance. The archipelago is also home to several nature reserves that are part of the European network Natura 2000, areas containing high biodiversity and exceptional beauty.

Preparation to become a new Biosphere Reserve

As part of LANDPATHS subproject Coastal and marine landscapes, the archipelago will serve as a case study in their preparation process of a new Biosphere Reserve. The goal is to explore how conflicts can be identified and resolved through proposed measures and compromises. Additionally, we are considering collaborating with subproject Barriers and opportunities for change to conduct a citizen mini-public or jury. This engagement approach has been shown to successfully raise awareness and acquire informed feedback from local citizens.

Visiting Nämdö

On April 25th, researchers from both subprojects travelled to Stavsnäs and met with members from the Nämdö Green Archipelago (NGA) group. NGA was founded in 2020 to facilitate sustainable rural development in the archipelago. They are currently working on a pilot study to nominate Nämdö archipelago as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a process that involves extensive mapping and stakeholder consultations.

Farm owner Stina Molander talking to Landpaths researchers
Stina Molander, farmer and owner of Östanvik farm tells us about her business and how her animals help maintain the open and thriving landscapes of Nämdö and its surrounding islands. From left to right: Fanny Moeckel (LANDPATHS), Karin Heeroma (NGA), Tim Daw (LANDPATHS), Tomas Kjellqvist (Södertörn university), Stina Molander (Nämdö farmer and owner of Östanviks gård), Ann Aldeheim (NGA)

Cows in the stable at Östanvik farm on Nämdö
Cows at Östanvik farm

 

After a scenic boat ride from Stavsnäs, we arrived on Nämdö island and had the opportunity to meet with residents and visit local hotspots and businesses. Throughout the day, we were introduced to some of the challenges facing Nämdö and its people, such as a declining and aging population, the costs of nature conservations, concerns regarding land ownership, and limited livelihood options. These are just a few of the issues that NGA is hoping to address.

Our work with Nämdö will be ongoing throughout the LANDPATHS project, and we are excited to see how the Biosphere Reserve process will develop.

Person walking on a peer with boats on Nämdö

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