Sea and Society Talk: European Seascapes in Transition

How can actors cooperate towards realizing the sustainability goals in governance and management of coastal areas? At the next Sea and Society Talk, social anthropologists Simon Larsson and Annelie Sjölander-Lindqvist present their study of a project aimed at establishing intensified collaborations between various actors working with management and governance in the Swedish west coast.

Globally, coastal areas are facing major challenges in maintaining economically sustainable communities, while creating conditions for sustainable ecosystems in the Sea. At the same time, coastal regions are seen as having great potential for developing new sustainable industries, and as a source of sustainable energy production and environmentally friendly transports. There are major challenges in preserving and developing coastal areas in a sustainable way, and it requires coordination and cooperation between several actors.

In the next Sea and Society talk, Simon Larsson and Annelie Sjölander present their study of a project titled Inter-municipal Coastal Zone Planning, which is a collaboration between 8 municipalities, as well as several other actors, in the Swedish west coast. Based on participatory observations, interviews and documentation studies, the study shows how the involved actors view opportunities and challenges with the collaborative project. The study shows that actors see great benefits with this initiative, but also point to difficulties in collaborating around certain issues in connection to the existing legislative framework, and division of responsibilities between societal institutions.

The seminar will be given in English. If you register no later than November 4 we fix a lunch sandwich for you. You are most welcome to attend also without prior registration.