The Nature benefit network

Name of the Biosphere Reserve: Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount Kinnekulle UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Main goal/purpose: The nature benefit network means that participating organizations have an active forum for dialogue.

Exchange knowledge, experiences and add environmental orientation that benefits ecosystems and biological diversity in the biosphere reserve.
Identify needs that strengthen the biosphere reserve's natural benefits.
Develop joint projects and initiatives that benefit ecosystems and biological diversity in the biosphere reserve.

Target groups: Civil servants and non-profit persons from the stakeholders.

Stakeholders involved: Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount Kinnekulle UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Municipalities of Lidköping, Götene and Mariestad, The County Administrative Board, Swedish society for nature and University of Skövde

Project period: 2018 – on-going

Description of the project

The nature benefit network emerged in 2018 based on the need for joint efforts around ecosystems. Since then, it has developed into a more stable form of network with clear frameworks.

The combined knowledge and experience of the Nature Benefit Network, its contact areas, and opportunities to identify needs, together with its room for action, form a valuable basis for collaboration to develop ideas and implement value-creating efforts for strengthened ecosystems and strengthened biological diversity in the biosphere area.

Results and effects

Since its inception, the network has generated and contributed to the completion of several projects in the biosphere reserve.

Focal points:

2. Sustainable use of ressources

3. Research and education

This is done through:

The network participants exchange knowledge, experiences and add environmental orientation that benefits ecosystems and biological diversity in the biosphere reserve. Through common projects we have shown how humans can live in harmony with nature while ensuring the sustainable use of resources, aligning with the framework's objectives for sustainable development. (2)
The network and its involved stakeholders are supporting the bbiosphere reserve as platform or hub for research and education, fostering a better understanding of ecosystems and sustainable practices as well as providing opportunities for studying the impacts of human activities on biodiversity and disseminating knowledge to local communities and visitors. (3)

The network also contributes to focal points 1 & 4:

The projects initiated by the Nature benefit network have contributed to strengthening ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity. (1)
The Nature benefit network includes participants from the local society through the Swedish society for nature. (4)

Biosfärområde Vänerskärgården med Kinnekulle