Supported by Nature

Name of the Biosphere Reserve: Møn UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Main goal/​purpose: The EU Interreg project Supported by Nature aims to increase the understanding of Nature Based Solutions and how they contribute to improved environmental conditions and the promotion of biodiversity in the Baltic Sea.

Target groups: Planning departments, the public, universities and other educational institutions, local schools, and high schools

Stakeholders involved: Biosphere reserves and universities from six countries around the Baltic Sea, Aarhus University, Møn Rock Reef Association, Møn Sports Fisher Association, Møn Diver association, Klintholm Vandklubben Association, local schools, and high schools.

Project period: 11/23 – 10/26

The project brings six countries around the Baltic Sea together for one mission – to increase the understanding of Nature Based Solutions for a more sustainable Baltic Sea.

The project is anchored in the network of UNESCO biosphere reserves called ‘Biosphere for Baltic’ which in 2023 received funding for the project Supported by Nature from the Interreg Baltic Sea Programme.

The project received close to 3.6 million euros in EU funding and is a collaborative project for the network. It will run for three years and has been selected as a core project by the monitoring committee for the Interreg Baltic Sea Region.

Within the Møn UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the project focuses on working with coastal water habitats. The biggest activity in the new EU project is the establishment of an experimental rock reef in the biosphere area, which will also be one of the project's 17 learning sites in total.

A preliminary investigation will contribute to uncovering possible locations for the test rock reef as well as making project proposals for size and scope. The future rock reef will function as a place of learning with associated communication, which will help to inspire others to similar activities that can promote biodiversity in the Baltic Sea. Alongside the work with the stone reef, work is being done on coastal outreach with, for example, fish nurseries in a harbor or the like.

The project applies a multistakeholder approach and involves a broad spectrum of national and local stakeholders to enhance sustainability. Møn UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is collaborating closely with Aarhus University and local associations, e.g., Møn Sports Fishing Association, Møn Diver Association. The project has as a start also facilitated establishment of a local rock reef association, Møn Rock Reef Association, which will be a main partner through project implementation.

By raising awareness on the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the Baltic Sea and its resources an improved public knowledge will be build.

Learning site with a test rock reef established with information signs at the site that raise awareness in the public.

Improvement of biodiversity in harbor’s, e.g., biohuts serving as fish nurseries.

A practical guide building knowledge about Nature Based Solutions will be developed and shared with target groups.

The long-term goal is that a better knowledge base will lead to more frequent and more adequate use of Nature Based Solutions in planning processes as well as in land and sea management.

The projects centres on restoring biodiversity in waters through a multistakeholder approach engaging both local and national stakeholders. It is anchored in an international network of biosphere reserves around the Baltic Sea, who will exchange, document, and communicate best practices jointly.