Kunskapsmiljö: Vatten

Allt inom vatten

SBHSS Vattenposition

2025-04-08

The Småland Blekinge Halland South Sweden (SBHSS) partnership consists of five regions and a university in southern Sweden, aimed at promoting sustainable development and growth. The overall goal is to support members’ economic interests and enhance collaboration on strategic issues both in Europe and Sweden. Kunskapsmiljö Vatten board member and Sustainability Council member at LNU Jörgen Forss is a member of this water group and apprises us of developments made within the steering group.

In December 2024, the SBHSS steering group decided to create a joint position regarding upcoming EU water-related initiatives for the 2024–2029 mandate. Access to sufficient and high-quality water is crucial for regional development and competitiveness, impacting public health, food production, and a rich blue-green infrastructure. However, changing precipitation patterns and increased challenges have affected water resources.

SBHSS aims to play a constructive role in the EU policy process concerning water and marine issues. The position outlines key challenges and actions for the EU Commission, focusing on:

  1. Efficient Circular Water Use: Emphasizes the need for robust water supply systems to handle varying flow patterns and encourages the use of non-conventional water sources like rainwater. SBHSS urges the EU to consider regional differences in legislation and promote the use of alternative water sources.
  2. Pollution of Water Resources: Calls for better legislative frameworks to protect water sources and address pollution from harmful chemicals, including plastics and pharmaceuticals. It recommends enhancing existing regulations and increasing resources for monitoring pollution.
  3. Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems: Highlights the imbalance in ecosystems, particularly in the Baltic Sea, due to nutrient leakage from agriculture and overfishing. SBHSS emphasizes the need for sustainable fishing policies that consider the specific needs of different geographical areas and calls for investment in sustainable fishing infrastructure. The document also advocates for the development of “blue food” as a new resource.
  4. Climate Adaptation and Nature-Based Solutions: Stresses the importance of implementing nature-based solutions to improve water quality and enhance resilience against climate change. SBHSS calls for EU support in developing test areas for these solutions and for legislation that facilitates the restoration of natural water bodies.
  5. Competitiveness: A sustainable water management is essential for future competitiveness in business. SBHSS supports EU initiatives to foster a blue economy and encourages innovative approaches to water-related challenges, including the mobilization of private capital for development projects.

Overall, SBHSS advocates for a comprehensive approach to water management, urging the EU to consider regional differences, promote circular water use, enhance pollution controls, and ensure sustainable fishing practices. For further inquiries or information, contact EU officer Martin Broberg. Martin.broberg@sbhss.eu

To read the water position in more detail, in Swedish, see link below for PDF.

SBHSS Vattenposition utskick Chefsgruppen 2025-03-17Download

The Flow: The News in Kunskapsmiljö Vatten, Week 15 – 2025

2025-04-03

Another successful Pike Day at Kronobäcks Våtmark, Mönsterås!

After a six year hiatus, Mönsterås kommun has brought back “Gäddans Dag,” the popular springtime event for families of all ages to learn about spawning season for pike. Set against the scenic backdrop of Kronobäck, Mönsterås Kommun, Linneaus University, Sportfiskarna, and a host of other local organizations showcased their work in nature and culture, with an aim to engage the community and promote the area’s natural beauty.

Various stations were set up along a walking trail, with activities such as pike watching, quizzes, and net fishing. Members of the community learn about the annual spawning cycle for pike, which is crucial for maintaining healthy pike populations, contributing to the biodiversity of their ecosystems.

Oscar Nordahl, fish researcher of LNU works with two young ecologists on Pike Day
Linnaeus University Station, Pke Day, April 5 2025

Successful Kunskapsforum Unites KM Vatten Researchers and Local Policy Makers in Kalmar

This month’s Kunskapsforum, held at Linnaeus University, successfully brought together KM Vatten researchers and local policy makers from the Kalmarsundskommissionen, fostering a dynamic environment for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The event showcased research from our KM Vatten LNU scholars, including Elin Lindehoff, Oscar Nordahl, Samuel Hylander, Maidel Choudury (Vattenfall) Mats Åström, and Marcelo Ketzer. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions focused on addressing water sustainability challenges faced by the municipalities surrounding Kalmar Sound.

This gathering of innovative minds emphasized the importance of sharing the latest advancements in water research, leaving participants inspired and eager for future collaborations. We look forward to hosting more knowledge-sharing events that bridge the gap between research and policy-making.

Open Call: Baltic Sea Action Fund Plan

Financing for a healthy Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund (BSAP Fund) is an early-stage financing mechanism dedicated to expediting the implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP). The BSAP Fund facilitates and accelerates the preparation and implementation of projects that address the key challenges facing the Baltic Sea.

Apply by April 18th

Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund

Gender Equality in Academia: Picture a Scientist Film Screening and Panel – May 6th

Join us for a special evening of film and discussion on the issues of Gender Equality and Equal Rights in Academia

We invite you to an evening featuring a screening of the acclaimed documentary “Picture a Scientist.” This powerful film chronicles the experiences of female scientists as they navigate the challenges of gender inequality and microaggressions in academia. Through personal stories and compelling research, the film sheds light on the urgent need for systemic change in the scientific community.

Following the screening, engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Liv Nilsson Stutz of Linnaeus University. Our esteemed panelists include Rachel Foster from Stockholm University, Lauri Robbins Ericson, a women’s leadership speaker, and Emma Ebintra, coordinator for equality and equal rights at Linnaeus University. Together, they will explore the broader scope of equality in academia, addressing the barriers faced by women and underrepresented groups.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the important conversation!

Read more and register here: https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/current/events/2025/konferenser/gender-equality-in-academia/


Thomas Mollica Dissertation

Don’t miss Thomas’ dissertation defense: Phosphorus acquisition strategies in planktonic microbial communities in the Baltic Sea – importance of pico- and nanoplankton.

Date: Friday 25 April 2025 at 10:00

Place for thesis: Lapis, Hus Vita, Kalmar and via Zoom Webinar

External reviewer: Professor Mark Moore, University of Southampton, UK

Examining committee:

Professor Elena Gorokhova, Stockholms universitet, Docent Catherine Paul, Lunds tekniska högskola, Lunds universitet, Professor Sven Tågerud, Linnéuniversitetet, Chairperson: Docent Petter Tibblin, Linnéuniversitetet, Supervisor: Professor Catherine Legrand, Jönköping University

Webinar link: https://lnu-se.zoom.us/j/69727518250?pwd=ObEjLX6SaaFbYoxhfeOlvjprm8uOBI.1

Workshop on Nitrogen cycling in the Baltic Sea

Welcome to the nitrogen cycling in the Baltic Sea workshop, Uppsala, 13-15th of May.

Registration and information: https://www.slu.se/en/ew-calendar/2025/5/workshop-with-the-baltic-sea-nitrogen-cycle-network-bsncn/

The workshop will be free of charge through funding by the Swedish Institute. For any questions feel free to reach out to Malin Olofsson, SLU. (Contact in link) See PDF link for more details.

SI_workshop v2Download

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