Wetland project worth millions in the Edefors area

As a first step in this extensive project, restoration efforts will begin on Sveaskog land within the Kvarnån catchment area. The work will start in 2025 and continue for several years.

Government grants for local nature conservation projects are co-financing the implementation of this project.

The project originated from the collaboration for regional development in the Edefors area, where a preliminary study was carried out. That study now forms the basis for the upcoming actual restoration measures.

These are priority areas in the municipality's strategic plan (the environmental goals of a good built environment, reduced climate impact, and biodiversity). The effort is further reinforced by Boden’s acceptance into the Viable Cities initiative, Climate-Neutral Cities 2030.

“The reason why wetland restoration is important and prioritized is that it fulfills so many functions and has multiple benefits. Rewetting previously drained wetlands improves water retention capacity—meaning potential climate adaptation in cases of cloudbursts and high water flows—reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promotes biodiversity, and contributes to attractive and recreational environments that also support outdoor life,” summarizes Elin Lindahl, environmental strategist and project manager for Boden’s participation in Climate-Neutral Cities 2030.

Within Climate-Neutral Cities 2030, the municipality will work in collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders to accelerate the pace of climate transition, while also prioritizing other values, such as quality of life and biodiversity. The project in the Edefors area also exemplifies the vital collaboration between the municipality and rural actors in our river valleys, and how this kind of effort is highly prioritized in Boden and the Climate-Neutral Boden initiative—not only with a focus on the city center, but also to promote a vibrant countryside.

More information about the wetland efforts in the Edefors area will be provided in the fall.