The riverside rural conference: We live where others dream of being
For two days, participants and speakers from across northern Sweden gathered to shine a spotlight on rural communities in the north — sharing knowledge, experiences, challenges, and success stories.
The rural conference, held in September, served as an arena for inspiration, collaboration, and confidence in the future. It combined networking, practical advice, and cultural experiences. Local and visiting speakers highlighted topics such as housing, service points, place attractiveness, research, local food, sparsely populated areas, energy supply, the green transition, Sámi vitality, and the role of civil society.
“It is through collaboration that we are strongest, and that is the feeling we take with us moving forward.”
Household preparedness
Kalle Zackari Wahlström (known from the TV programme Help, We Bought a Farm!) and Patrick Sellman, former military officer during the Cold War, educator, and crisis expert, shared thought-provoking advice and hard facts on how individuals and society can become safer through good household preparedness. Among other things, they spoke about the memory rule HEMSKT VIS.
The conference is part of a three-year project funded by Region Norrbotten. The event was organised by Boden Municipality’s three service and safety points — EDEK, UNEK and RÅEK — in collaboration with Boden Business Park, Boden Municipality, Bodens Energi, Gällivare Municipality, Luleå Municipality, and Utveckla Norrbotten, part of Region Norrbotten.
This news article was also published in Boden Bild issue 2–2025. Curious about more news from Boden Bild? Explore the full collection.
HEMSKT VIS
Who do you want to be in a crisis? Your level of household preparedness can make all the difference.
Health: First aid, wound care, medication, hygiene.
Energy: Batteries, power bank, alcohol or gas stove, flashlight.
Food: A supply of dry goods — pasta, oats, beans, lentils, rice, flour, canned food.
Protection: Warmth, sleeping bags, clothing.
Communication: What will you do if the network goes down? GPS, mobile chargers, etc.
Transport: If you have a car — refuel at half tank and keep a fuel can at home.
Water: At least three (preferably five) litres per household member per day.
Information: Battery-powered radio, notice board, plan.
Safety: Fire safety, carbon monoxide detector, neighbourhood cooperation.
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Text by: Municipality of Boden
Photo by: Municipality of Boden
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