MAL workshops in Denmark are complete.

In Denmark, the first MALs took place in February and March 2021 led by the NordSalt team in Denmark (SDU and Aarhus University researchers) with the support of the SINTEF team from Norway. We combined in-person and online meetings to discuss with stakeholders from different sectors such as researchers and representatives of NGOs, private foundations, companies, and distinct levels of governance.

The validation MAL took place on 18 April 2023.

The MAL team in Denmark, in action!

During our informal meetings, we discussed environmental drivers affecting Danish salt marshes and their potential as nature-based solution in face of the climate changes among other things. From our enthusiastic participants, we learned about the challenges of managing these habitats under current environmental regulations and national jurisdictions. We also discussed the use of these marshes and coastal meadow as well as the ecosystem services that should be prioritized from their points of view. According to the participants, coastal protection against extreme weather events and sea level rise and biodiversity maintenance are key services provided by Danish marshes. Importantly, we also learned that salt marshes management and conservation must consider the societal and economic demands involving these coastal habitats.

Running the Multi-actor labs was a very enriching experience for the NordSalt team in Denmark where we could interact, learn from and strengthen partnerships with key players at local, regional and national levels. We look forward to sharing our results with them in the next round of meetings! By working with the SINTEF team, we have also been learning the importance of transdisciplinary studies and how to get out of our “scientific bubble” to engage with stakeholders and produce policy-relevant knowledge!

Marianna Lanari
Postdoc
University of Southern Denmark