Insightful Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions
The network around "Conflicts between conservation and production". Foto: Erica Magnusson
The network within the project ”Conflicts between conservation and production” has now held its first meeting. The goal of this initial workshop was for the participants to get to know each other and to explore the concept of “Nature-Based Solutions”—as well as to discuss how and in which conflicts nature-based solutions can be applied and whether there are any unexplored opportunities in research and practice.
One of the research projects that has received catalyst funding from UUniCORN is this network, which will explore the potential of nature-based solutions in mitigating conflicts, such as those between biodiversity and natural resource use. The vision of the network is to develop new research collaborations that will contribute to the creation of healthy and resilient landscapes, rich in biodiversity, while still meeting society’s various needs. Through their work, the participants aim to identify barriers, explore opportunities, and propose solutions to facilitate this transformation.
The project leaders, Malgorzata Blicharska and Jayne Glass, were pleased with the outcome of the workshop.
- We had constructive discussions around the network’s theme. It was both interesting and rewarding to see researchers from various university departments discussing nature-based solutions from different perspectives, drawing on knowledge from a wide range of cases, says Jayne Glass.
From left: Jayne Glass and Malgorzata Blicharska. Photo: Erica Magnusson
How Are Nature-Based Solutions Defined?
When people hear the term “nature-based solutions”, many initially think of small-scale applications, such as green roofs or small urban ponds. However, nature-based solutions also encompass large-scale efforts, such as restoring major watercourses or creating national parks.
One of the workshop’s key objectives was to define and discuss the concept of nature-based solutions. Participants sought to understand each other’s perceptions of nature-based solutions, as well as potential challenges that could arise in implementation. The goal was to generate inspiration for new research questions that the network could develop further.
Recurrent themes included how nature-based solutions are conceptualized, the different knowledge claims within related conflicts, and concerns about nature-based solutions being used as greenwashing in policy and practice. These discussions will continue in the next workshop after the summer when the group will finalize their ideas in preparation for writing an academic paper together.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The researchers involved in the network come from multiple disciplines, including:
- Political Science
- Human Geography
- Sustainable Development
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Sociology
- Environmental History
- Environmental Law
- Ecology
Both Jayne Glass and Malgorzata Blicharska recognize many benefits to interdisciplinary collaboration.
- One major advantage is the opportunity to meet researchers at Uppsala University who are working on similar or related topics—but from different scientific perspectives, says Jayne Glass. And I am looking forward to future meetings and collaborations on this subject!