The 27nd and 28th of September, the Nordic Conference on Nature-Based Solutions was held, bringing together politicians, experts, and stakeholders from across the region to discuss sustainable solutions to the climate and environmental challenges we face. The conference focused on addressing the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—challenges that not only threaten our ecosystems but also human well-being, economies, and local communities.
The Faroe Islands' Minister for the Environment, Ingilín Didriksen Strøm, delivered an engaging opening speech, emphasizing the necessity of collective action and locally rooted solutions. She highlighted that these three crises are not isolated problems but interconnected threats to our planet. The minister expressed it this way:
"This conference offers us a unique opportunity to learn from each other, exchange experiences, and share both our successes and the challenges we face. Nature-based solutions are something we have forgotten we once knew. Together, we can relearn and not only address the immediate environmental issues but also build a more sustainable and resilient future."
Strøm also reflected on how the triple planetary crisis can often seem abstract to many people. She gave an example from her own island nation, where most inhabitants live close to nature:
"When people hear experts say that climate change will bring more unpredictable weather, stronger storms, and increased rainfall, many Faroese respond, 'We already have so much of that, a little more probably won’t make much difference.' Many don’t take it seriously because they can’t relate to it."
She stressed the importance of making these crises more tangible and understandable to the broader public, as climate change is already impacting our lives, and we must act now to reduce its future consequences. Strøm shared her experience visiting the small island of Kalsoy, where she took part in a nature-based solutions project aimed at restoring landscapes devastated by a landslide:
"Experts worked side by side with farmers, locals, and students, creating a genuine understanding that by protecting and helping to restore nature, we can create real change."
Minister Strøm emphasized that nature-based solutions can play a crucial role in tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity, and reducing pollution—all while enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and communities. She reminded the audience that our well-being is deeply intertwined with the health of nature:
"When we defend nature, it also defends itself. We too often see ourselves as separate from nature, even though the only thing keeping us alive is the complex web of life that we are all part of."
The minister's speech also highlighted important steps taken internationally, such as the Nordic ministers' declaration on nature-based solutions in November 2022, and the progress made at COP15 and COP27, where nature-based solutions were integrated into global frameworks for biodiversity protection and climate action. Strøm stressed the need for increased collaboration across sectors and borders:
"We must promote more cross-sectoral cooperation at all levels—nationally, across the Nordic region, and globally. By doing this, we can unlock synergies that strengthen our efforts and lead us towards a more integrated and sustainable approach to conservation, climate adaptation, and ecosystem restoration."
The conference marks an important step in the Nordic effort to develop a structured approach to implementing nature-based solutions that not only protect the environment but also create a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.