The Water Matters conference in Prague gathered around ten speakers from the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Sweden, as well as approximately 120 attendees in person and several more online, all discussing stormwater management in various cities. Helen Johansson had the opportunity to share insights on how Swedish cities are implementing urban blue-green solutions. What made the most impression on the participants was how Malmö and several other cities apply the 3-30-300 rule, demonstrating an effective approach to integrating green spaces and water management into urban planning.
Water Matters 2024
Photo: Water Matters
Trees, greenery, and guided tours that leave an impression. Leca met with Helen Johansson for a conversation about why vegetation is so important in our urban environments.
A storyteller with a passion for the green.
In the interview, Helen emphasized the vital role that plants, trees, and green spaces play in enhancing the livability, sustainability, and resilience of urban areas. She shared her deep passion for integrating nature into cityscapes, creating environments where both people and nature thrive together. The discussion highlighted the importance of green infrastructure in managing stormwater, reducing urban heat islands, and improving air quality.
A group of master’s students in the course "Nature-Based Solutions" at Halmstad University had a sunny but chilly tour of Augustenborg, Grönare Möllan, and Västra Hamnen. During the tour, the students explored various urban blue-green solutions and learned about how these areas are integrating nature to address environmental challenges like stormwater management, biodiversity, and climate resilience. It was a great opportunity for the students to see real-world applications of nature-based solutions in practice.
The entire group gathered
Sunset and the Öresundsbridge
NTI Gymnasiet in Lund, along with NTI Vetenskapsgymnasiet Gävle, Roskilde Technical High School, Yuverta in the Netherlands, and Fraisoro in the Basque Country, sent a group of teachers on a study visit to Varvsstaden as part of a Small Scale Erasmus project on hydroponic farming. The main focus was learning about the green wall at Saluhallen, but the group also explored various blue-green solutions in Malmö. Despite the icy cold weather, it was still a very enjoyable and informative tour.
