Nordic Regions Exchange Good Practices in NbS Flood Solutions

Regional climate leaders from Denmark, came together in June Finland and Sweden came together online to explore how nature-based solutions (NbS) are helping to manage flood risks in both urban and rural areas. Organised by Tyrsky Consulting through the EU Mission for Adaptation to Climate Change Implementation Platform (MIP4Adapt), the event highlighted how Nordic regions are developing locally grounded, forward-looking strategies that contribute to wider European resilience.

Through open exchange and peer learning, participants shared practical experiences, common challenges and technical insights. By connecting regions with similar landscapes and climate risks, the session helped strengthen shared approaches to adaptation, reinforcing the importance of regional leadership in building climate-ready communities.

The session featured presentations from Gothenburg (Sweden), Western Uusimaa (Finland) and Vordingborg (Denmark), offering diverse insights into how they selected, funded and implemented NbS adaptation solutions, from constructed wetlands and restored streams to multifunctional parks and tools for managing sudden heavy rainfall.

Key messages included the need to:

• Integrate flood control into long-term urban planning
• Collaborate closely with landowners and stakeholders
• Recognise water as a driver for climate-adaptive urban development

Participants also discussed how public awareness campaigns, citizen involvement and political leadership are critical to success. A recurring theme was the importance of working across entire catchments to manage upstream flood risks and secure long-term resilience.

“The session showed how different regions are moving from planning to practical implementation of nature-based solutions for flood control,” said Kati Berninger from Tyrsky Consulting. “By sharing technical insights and local experiences, we saw how tailored approaches, supported through the Mission’s Technical Assistance, are helping municipalities turn challenges into opportunities for long-term resilience.”

As the delivery of MIP4Adapt’s Technical Assistance nears completion, exchanges like this expand the programme’s impact by fostering practical knowledge sharing and peer learning. The insights shared highlighted the positive results of Mission support, from guiding the selection and funding of effective nature-based adaptation solutions to strengthening governance and stakeholder engagement. The dialogue demonstrated how the Mission is helping regions turn adaptation plans into action and building momentum for more resilient futures across Europe.

Disclaimer
The contents and links to third-party items on this Mission webpage are developed by the MIP4Adapt team led by Ricardo, under contract CINEA/2022/OP/0013/SI2.884597 funded by the European Union and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, CINEA, or those of the European Environment Agency (EEA) as host of the Climate-ADAPT Platform. Neither the European Union nor CINEA nor the EEA accepts responsibility or liability arising out of or in connection with the information on these pages.