Review of Nordic Nature-based Service Models : Study on the opportunities and challenges of the nature-based services in Finland, Sweden and Norway

Abstract

This report is part of a joint Nordic project, the New Nordic Nature Based Service Models (Nordic NaBS 2019-2021), with the primary objective of developing business activities and service models based on the effects of Nordic nature on health and well-being. This study was conducted to produce analysed information about characteristics and preconditions, including challenges and opportunities, for the nature-based services in the project area in Finland (Central Ostrobothnia, Northern Ostrobothnia, and Lapland) and in Sweden (Norra Västerbotten and Norrbotten) and as an external order, outside the project area for benchmarking, three regions in Norway (Nordland, Tromsö, and Finnmark). The focus in this review is on entrepreneurs and companies offering nature-based services, as well as on the relevant social, health care, and pedagogical sectors.

The methods used for collecting material were document analysis, theme interviews, and electronic surveys. Based on a diverse set of data and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, in addition to the PACO (problems, advantages, challenges, opportunities) analysis framework, the study aimed to provide an overview of the current state of nature-based services. This included demand and supply, as well as institutional structures for the services in the project area, and also uncovered future perspectives for the services.

Finding the biggest challenges and barriers for implementing and buying nature-based services allowed for the formulation of recommendations and guidelines for other actions in this project. The weaknesses and strengths related to preconditions and circumstances of implementing nature-based services, as well as recommendations concerning these factors were classified into three, partly overlapping main categories, as follows: 1) knowledge, professional skills, and qualities; 2) operational environment, and institutional structures; and 3) actors, networks, and activities. Under these three categories, specific measures for creating better preconditions and circumstances for enhancing nature-based services are presented.