Ecosystem-based Approach to Climate Adaptation in Malmö, Sweden

Communities are beginning to apply and test out ecosystem-based approaches to climate adaptation. And then sharing the lessons learned and benefits acquired from it.

For example, in Augustenborg neighbourhood in the city of Malmö, Sweden, they have taken the ecosystem-based adaptation approach seriously for a broader and sustainable community transition.

This city has been facing flooding problems from the stormwater overflow and a socio-economic decline. Instead of building bigger pipes to address flooding, the city has chosen a sustainable urban drainage system that includes 6 km of water channels and ten retention ponds.

Rainwater from roofs, roads, and car parks flows through trenches, ponds, and wetlands, and only the surplus goes through to the conventional sewer system. The city has also constructed green roofs into the existing building to retain rainwater.

There are many benefits of Augustenborg’s ecosystem-based adaptation. Flooding has ceased, the city’s image has improved, and it has enhanced the stormwater system and the combined sewer system in the area.

To know more about Augustenborg’s ecosystem-based approach to climate adaptation and the benefits it brought to the community, we are sharing two links below:

Below is the link to the brochure about Ekostaden (Ecocity) Augustenborg. It explains how and when the process started, who were involved, and what prompted the city to take the ecosystem-based adaptation approach. It also features its people and community, how the green infrastructure projects have benefitted them, and how it has inspired other cities to do the same.

Sources citations:

Urban storm water management in Augustenborg, Malmo. (2014). Climate Adapt. Case Studies. Retrieved from https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/case-studies/urban-storm-water-management-in-augustenborg-malmo

Ekostaden Augustenborg. Climate Adapt. PDF. Retrieved from https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/case-studies/urban-storm-water-management-in-augustenborg-malmo/augustenborg-brochure.pdf