If the Nordics are to succeed with the green transition, we must boost the resilience of the ocean while harnessing more of its benefits. Consequently, the demand for marine spaces is continually rising, highlighting the need for a more efficient utilization of marine spaces, while simultaneously maximizing environmental, social and economic benefits of marine activities.
In order to bring Nordic stakeholders together and facilitate an exchange of ideas as a part of Swedens presidency in the Nordic Council of Ministers the Swedish Board of Agriculture received funding to arrange the Nordic conference on co-location of marine industries in collaboration with Nordic Innovation and the Swedish Rural Network. Focusing on offshore renewable energy, fisheries and aquaculture, the conference aimed to highlight the opportunities and challenges that arise from the increasing demand for ocean space and how to enhance nature-positive solutions for co-location.
The participants engaged in discussions about the necessary conditions for enhancing co-location of various marine industries at sea. Invited experts shared insights from different Nordic perspectives based on current knowledge with the aim of contributing to tomorrow’s solutions and sparking innovation.
The conference was opened with a speech by the Swedish Minister of Agriculture Peter Kullgren as well as The Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers Karen Elleman.
The Minister (recorded speech) states that the Nordic countries must be at the forefront of solutions, with food security being essential, and the fishing sector is important for livelihoods. We must ensure that the conditions are in place for this. However, we also need to achieve our energy goals, and here we must collaborate from a Nordic perspective to find balance. We need to consider the synergies between different industries as this will also contribute to rural development.
The Secretary General for the Nordic Council of Ministers recognized that the core team members are present at the conference. She highlighted significant need for climate-smart solutions, much of which must come from the sea and offshore wind. At the same time, we must secure areas for the environment, conservation, and food production. As the sea has no boundaries it is a common management issue, and co-location is critical. The recommendations that come from these days are very significant and will feed into the Nordic Council of Ministers’ continued work.