1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Göteborg (FUA)
Region
Europe
Native title of the NBS intervention
Naturreservatet Lärjeåns dalgång
Short description of the intervention
The city's nature conservation project in Göteborg includes ongoing work on making Lärjeån's valley (Lärjeåns dalgång) a natural reserve. The purpose of forming a nature reserve for Lärjeån valley (Lärjeåns dalgång) is to ensure the area's great natural and cultural landscape and outdoor life values. Parts of the area are of national interest for nature conservation and are also part of the EU's protected nature conservation network, Natura 2000. The ravine landscape of Lärjeån is home to some very interesting flora and fauna like salmon, trout and pearl mussel. The consultation for the project has ended. Comments received during the consultation period are currently being processed. Preliminary new information is yet to come on how the case will be pursued. The nature reserve will be formed with the support of the Environmental Code. (Ref. 1, 7 , 8)
Address

Lärjeåns dalgång Kortedala
41536 Göteborg
Sweden

Location
The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).
NBS area image
Source of NBS area image
Google maps. Available at https://www.google.com/maps/place/L%C3%A4rje%C3%A5ns+dalg%C3%A5ng+Kortedala/@57.7601672,12.0202938,1593m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x464ff50e9b257873:0x16d9d05e2ff28af8!8m2!3d57.7585762!4d12.0258558. Accessed on 15th November, 2020.

It isn't possible to determine the limits of the study area.
Total area
29000000.00m²
NBS area
29000000.00m²
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Protected Area
Public Greenspace Area
Website of the intervention
https://goteborg.se/wps/portal/start/byggande--lantmateri-och-planarbete/kommun…
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2009
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2013
End date of the intervention
ongoing
Present stage of the intervention
Ongoing
Please specify "other" stage of the intervention
Municipal nature reserve for Lärjeån valley is proposed in 2009 in the city of Göteborg's comprehensive plan. (Ref. 2)
In 2013, Lärjeån's valley is included as an area of national interest for outdoor activities in Västra Götaland County. (Ref. 3)
Consultation (with e.g. interested parties and interested individuals with the opportunity to comment) has been planned for 2017. (Ref. 1)
Goals of the intervention
The city of Göteborg is working to recommend and create nature reserves with the aim of preserving natural areas for animals, plants and people's recreation. (Ref. 5)
The goal of making Lärjeån's valley (Lärjeåns dalgång) a nature reserve is to ensure the area's great natural, cultural, landscape and outdoor life values. As mentioned, parts of the area are of national interest for nature conservation. (Ref. 1)
Quantitative targets
Unknown
Monitoring indicators defined
Unknown
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Habitat and biodiversity conservation
Green space creation and/or management
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Preservation of natural heritage
Protection of historic and cultural landscape/infrastructure
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Species-focused
Ecosystem-focused
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Protect and enhance urban habitats
Promote environmentally-sound development in and around protected areas
Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem
Protect species
Undertake specific measures to protect species
Means for conservation governance
Biodiversity offsets
Create and use scientific knowledge for conservation
Implementation activities
Calluna (nature conservation consultant company) has been commissioned by the City of Göteborg to develop a care plan and value descriptions for the Lärjeån’s valley (Lärjeåns dalgång). During the process of drawing up proposals for nature reserves, information/consultation meetings are organized (in 2017) for e.g. interested parties. The consultation has ended. Comments received during the consultation period are currently being processed. Preliminary new information will come after the summer on how the case will be pursued. (Ref 1, 4)
Type of NBS project
Maintenance and management of urban nature
Protection of natural ecosystems
Strategy, plan or policy development
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Parks and urban forests
Large urban parks or forests
Vegetation Type
Trees
Please specify how many trees were planted
Unknown
Amenities offered by the NBS
Educational or biodiversity trails
Educational and research amenities (nature protection centre, monitoring stations)
Viewing and outlook points
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Regulating services
Local climate regulation (temperature reduction)
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Maintenance of genetic diversity
Cultural services
Tourism
Aesthetic appreciation
Recreation
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Beneficiaries
Primary Beneficiaries
Local government/Municipality
Citizens or community groups
Governance
Governance arrangements
Co-governance with government and non-government actors
Non-government actors
Private sector/Corporate/Business
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
The city of Göteborg recommended (and is to create) the area for nature reserve in its comprehensive plan, the county administrative board has identified the area of public interest for outdoor activities, and Calluna (consultant company) has been commissioned by the City of Göteborg to develop a management plan and value descriptions for the nature reserve. (Ref. 5, 3, 4)
Key actors - initiating organization
Local government/municipality
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
Regional government
Local government/municipality
Private sector/corporate actor/company
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Participatory methods/forms of community involvement used
Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping)
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
Yes
Please specify the "Regional Directive/Strategy"
Parts of Lärjeåns dalgång are part of the European Network for nature protection areas, Natura 2000. (Ref. 1)

Lärjeåns dalgång is also included one of Sweden's largest EU urban development projects Development Nordost (Utveckling Nordost, Stadslandet Göteborg), which works for sustainable development in and around the area, economically, socially and environmentally. (Ref. 3)
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Unknown
Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan
Parts of the area are of national interest for nature conservation and outdoor life. (Ref. 1, 3)
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
Planned nature reserves (e.g. Lärjeåns dalgång) are listed in the Göteborg’s comprehensive plan. (Ref. 2)
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Intervention is mandatory
Environmental regulation
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify the general plan with GI/NBS section
The city of Göteborg is works to recommend and create nature reserves with the aim of preserving natural areas for animals, plants and people's recreation. (Ref. 5) It has been suggested to create a nature reserve for Lärjeån's valley (Lärjeåns dalgång) in the city's comprehensive plan in 2009. (Ref. 2)
If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme / type of the plan.
Biodiversity strategy or plan
Urban redevelopment plan
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
State contribution (LONA-contribution) from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. (Ref 3)
Co-finance for NBS
Yes
Co-financing governance arrangements
Unknown
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Unknown
Financing
Total cost
Unknown
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
Unknown
Source(s) of funding
Public local authority budget
Other
Please specify other source of funding
The city of Göteborg's work on creating a nature reserve (Lärjeåns dalgång) is partly financed by state contribution (LONA-contribution) from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. (Ref. 3)
Type of fund(s) used
Earmarked public budget
Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)
Non-financial contribution
Unknown
Business models
Green densification model
Urban offsetting model (biodiversity or water)
Green heritage model
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Public actor (e.g. municipality)
Private for-profit actor (e.g. firm, insurer)
Type of innovation
Social
Cultural innovation
Please specify social innovation
The intervention aims to preserve natural areas for animals, plants and people's recreation. (Ref. 5, 2)
Novelty level of the innovation
The innovation is copied/derived from previous initiative(s) with substantial adaptation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
The city of Göteborg has created nature reserves before, e.g. Välen, a completed municipal nature reserve. (Ref. 5)
Replicability/Transferability
Ambiguous (e.g. multiple interpretations)
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
The city of Göteborg has other ongoing projects, e.g. creating a nature reserve of 'Stora Amundön och Billdals skärgård'. (Ref. 5)
Impacts, benefits
Environmental impacts
Climate change
Lowered local temperature
Green space and habitat
Increased number of protection areas
Increased green space area
Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems
Increase in protected green space areas
Reduced biodiversity loss
Description of environmental benefits
1. The project will preserve biodiversity, care for and preserve valuable natural environments in the protected area. This will include the interesting deciduous flora and some uncommon bird species like the Woodpecker, wood pigeon and bee-eater.
2. Once conserved, the valley will be protected from any kind of deforestation which will, in turn, benefit the local climate. (Ref 1, 3, 4)
Economic impacts
Unknown
Description of economic benefits
Unknown
Social and cultural impacts
Health and wellbeing
Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Cultural heritage and sense of place
Protection of natural heritage
Protection of historic and cultural landscape / infrastructure
Education
Increased support for education and scientific research
Increased knowledge of locals about local nature
Description of social and cultural benefits
1. The place hosts a 7.5-kilometre long nature trail, which attracts many visitors throughout the year.
2. The project will help to protect the natural landscape of the region and will also raise its national significance as a national heritage.
3. The area is of interest to many researchers, who are studying the biodiversity and the unending ecosystem services the area provides. 4. Description of the area's nature pedagogical values are carrying out with the training of teachers in outdoor education in areas such as biology, technology and mathematics. (Ref 1, 3, 4, 7)
Type of reported impacts
Expected impacts
Indicators
The project is ongoing. Once completed, the nature reserve is expected to ensure the area's great natural, cultural, landscape and outdoor life values. Indicators for the impact assessment are the biodiversity value, protected flora and fauna, number of visitors and the importance as a national heritage. (Ref. 1)
Environmental, social and economic impacts
Cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
No information available
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
Unknown as of November, 2020.
Methods of impact monitoring
Process of recording NBS impacts
No evidence in public records
Methods used to evaluate the impacts of NBS
Unknown
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Yes
Presence of indicators used in reporting
No evidence in public records
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
The Environmental Code (sv. Miljöbalken) includes requirements for environmental impact assessment (e.g. with regards to protection areas and Natura 2000). (Ref. 2)
Link to the output of assessments
https://goteborg.se/wps/wcm/connect/7465bee4-73c0-45a6-962f-84137e6f67b1/Del2.p…
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Yes
Mode(s) of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Other
Please specify other modes of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Consultation (with e.g. interested parties and interested individuals with the opportunity to comment) has been completed and is under process. (Ref. 1)
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Unknown
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Unknown
References
Web links relevant to the intervention
Ref. 1
Ref. 2
Ref. 3
Ref. 4
Ref. 5
Ref. 6
Ref. 7
Ref. 8
List of references
Ref. 1. Göteborgs Stad (n.d.) Naturreservatet Lärjeåns dalgång. Plan- och byggprojekt. Retrieved from shorturl.at/svyJN on 15th November, 2020.
Ref. 2. Göteborgs Stad (2009) Översiktsplan för Göteborg: Del 2, användning av mark- och vattenområden. Stadsbyggnadskontoret. Retrieved from https://goteborg.se/wps/wcm/connect/7465bee4-73c0-45a6-962f-84137e6f67b1/Del2.pdf?MOD=AJPERES on 15th November, 2020.
Ref. 3. Länsstyrelsen Västra Götalands län (2013) Område av riksintresse för friluftsliv i Västra Götalands län. Lärjeåns dalgång. Retrieved from on 15th November, 2020.
Ref. 4. Calluna (2012) Nyskapande skötselplan för naturreservat. Nyheter. Retrieved from http://www.calluna.se/nyheter/nyskapande_skotselplan_for_naturreservat/120 on 15th November, 2020.
Ref. 5. Göteborgs Stad (n.d.) Planering av naturreservat. Kommunens planarbete. Retrieved from shorturl.at/hjzA6 on 15th November, 2020.
Ref. 6. Naturskyddsföreningen (2010) Det gråa Göteborg - en granskning av miljö- och naturvårdspolitiken i Göteborg 2006-2010. Naturskyddsföreningen i Göteborg. Retrieved from https://sverigesradio.se/diverse/appdata/isidor/files/104/8927.pdf on 15th November, 2020.
Ref. 7. Göteborgs Stad (n.d.) Lärjeåns dalgån. Retrieved from https://goteborg.se/wps/portal?uri=gbglnk%3agbg.page.d277fa73-ed91-405c-918d-d0416dd4709e&serviceUrl=3741&servicetype=Naturomr%C3%A5denon 15th November, 2020.
Ref. 8. Göteborgs Stad (n.d.) LÄRJEÅNS DALGÅNG. Retrieved from https://www.goteborg.com/larjeans-dalgang/ on 15th November, 2020.
Comments and notes
Pictures of the NBS
/sites/default/files/nbs/images/largeans_dalgang_ref_1.jpg
Public Images
Nature Reserve Lärjeåns dalgång
Nature Reserve Lärjeåns dalgång
Photographer: Evelina Eriksson (2011), retrieved 07/25/2018
Nature Reserve Lärjeåns dalgång
Nature Reserve Lärjeåns dalgång
Photographer: Evelina Eriksson (2009), retrieved 07/25/2018
Nature Reserve Lärjeåns dalgång
Nature Reserve Lärjeåns dalgång
Photographer: Evelina Eriksson (2011), retrieved 07/25/2018