The project on social-ecological dynamics of ecosystem services in the Norrström basin (SEEN) explores the dynamics that contribute to the reliable production of ecosystem services in social-ecological systems. The project focuses on the Norrström drainage basin in Sweden. The drainage basin covers 22, 650 square kilometres and spans urban, agricultural, forest and wetland landscapes and includes two of Sweden’s largest lakes, Lake Mälaren and Lake Hjälmaren. The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is situated in the Norrström area, and the region as a whole is the most densely populated in the country.

 

Research within the SEEN project is broad, and has several focal issues. We have assessed the patterns of trade-offs and synergies among 6-12 key ecosystem services - including water quality - within local municipalities in the Norrström drainage basin and identified the social, ecological and geographic drivers of ecosystem service change across the study region. We are aiming to generate novel policy-and-practice relevant knowledge on ecosystem service governance in the region through a regional Resilience Assessment that involves high participatory engagement with relevant stakeholders. This will ensure the results of the project are connected to an appropriate decision making context and facilitate the operationalisation of the ecosystem service concept in the region.