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