Base de Datos de Proyectos de PDR

This is a 3 year project financed through LEADER that aims to improve the marine environment of a Swedish fjord region as the basis for developing new economic activities and recreational/tourism opportunities

There has long been a desire amongst the local communities of the fjord region of the Swedish islands Orust and Tjörn, just north of Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast, to actively improve and develop their local marine environment. With time the bays of the fjords have become overgrown and fishing has declined. With the availability of LEADER funding, citizens of five municipalities Kungalv, Orust, Stenungsund, Tjörn and Uddevalla therefore pushed to develop a 3 year project.

The project aims to implement an integated package of measures that will a) make the sea cleaner and help the wildlife in the coastal zone, and b) provide the basis for development of tourism and other businesses in the local area.

A series of actions are being implemented with a variety of local actors and stakeholders to enhance the marine environment and boost local economic development by: i) reducing the levels of nutrient pollution; ii) increasing the availability of fish (including the return of cod); iii) extending the tourist season by increasing the supply of coastal and maritime-based nature experiences, iv) creating viable maritime businesses, and v) providing increased opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Results achieved so-far include: reductions in algae and weed in local waterways; improved migration routes for fish with new spawning sites in 3 rivers; creation of a no-fishing area; development of around 10 new tourism products/packages; an action plan for the emptying of marine toilets; creation of a new area for cleaning boats; proposals for new wetland areas; development of suitable sites for the farming of mussels; new jobs in the region, and; the first mature cod found in the fjords!

A good example of the successful implementation of the LEADER approach. The project idea was initiated by local NGOs who went to the local authorities for collaboration. This resulted in the development of a transferable 'model' for other communities on how to avoid conflict and achieve consensus on the balance between environmental protection and local economic development (including controversial issues like no-fishing zones).

Five municipalities of Kungälv, Orust, Stenungsund, Tjörn and Uddevalla on the Swedish west coast

Västra Götalands län

Sweden

268 000

139 000

81 000

48 000

https://www.terraetmare.se/

Ulrica Holmgren

ulrica.holmgren@terraetmare.se

+46 702 940 203; +46 303 732 513

Swedish