{"id":246,"date":"2025-04-08T12:14:04","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T11:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogg.lnu.se\/kunskapsmiljo-vatten\/?p=246"},"modified":"2025-04-08T12:14:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T11:14:06","slug":"sbhss-vattenposition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogg.lnu.se\/kunskapsmiljo-vatten\/blog\/blogg\/sbhss-vattenposition\/","title":{"rendered":"SBHSS Vattenposition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Sm\u00e5land 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. Kunskapsmilj\u00f6 Vatten board member and Sustainability Council member at LNU J\u00f6rgen Forss is a member of this water group and apprises us of developments made within the steering group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In December 2024, the SBHSS steering group decided to create a joint position regarding upcoming EU water-related initiatives for the 2024\u20132029 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Efficient Circular Water Use<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Pollution of Water Resources<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Climate Adaptation and Nature-Based Solutions<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Competitiveness<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To read the water position in more detail, in Swedish, see link below for PDF. <\/p>\n\n\n\n