At the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, Visby, Gotland, Sweden.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & , E Sindhöj 2024
Visby, the historically rich capital of Gotland, Sweden, stands as a remarkable example of how heritage and sustainability can be harmoniously integrated [1]. My recent visit to attend the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024 provided an opportunity not only to engage with leading experts on regional sustainability but also to observe firsthand how Visby balances its medieval heritage with contemporary environmental practices. This reflection captures the multifaceted approaches of Visby and Gotland to managing tourism, conserving biodiversity, and addressing water resilience.
Managing Tourism with a Sustainable Approach
Tourism significantly contributes to Gotland’s economy, drawing thousands during the summer months to experience Visby’s cobblestone streets, historic walls, and rose-covered ruins. Yet, these seasonal influxes place considerable strain on local resources, including water and waste management systems [2]. At the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, projects like WaterMan [3] and ReNutriWater [4] were highlighted for their innovative use of reclaimed water for irrigation and other non-potable applications. Such measures are essential in mitigating peak-season water stress and align with research emphasizing the importance of adaptive water management practices on Gotland [5].
Visby’s sustainable tourism strategy is bolstered by educational campaigns designed to engage both residents and visitors in conservation efforts. By promoting responsible water use and biodiversity respect, these initiatives foster a culture of environmental stewardship. This educational approach aligns with studies demonstrating that informed tourists are more likely to participate in practices that benefit local ecosystems [1].
Preserving Biodiversity in a Historical Landscape
The natural beauty of Gotland, with its limestone-rich meadows and coastal habitats, is as integral to its identity as its medieval architecture. Conservation efforts on the island aim to balance human activity with the preservation of its unique ecosystems. Sustainable tourism practices encourage visitors to appreciate and engage with nature in ways that minimize ecological disruption. The work of Blue Centre Gotland, as discussed by Professor Gunilla Rosenqvist during the forum, exemplifies this balance by integrating sustainable seafood practices and biodiversity-friendly resource management [6,7].
Maintaining biodiversity is not only crucial for the environment but also enriches the visitor experience by preserving the landscapes that define Gotland’s character. This dual focus ensures that Gotland remains a compelling destination while safeguarding its ecological integrity.
Addressing Water Resilience in an Era of Change
Water scarcity remains a pressing challenge for Visby and the broader Gotland region, particularly during peak tourism periods. The forum showcased solutions from the Nursecoast II project, which employs advanced technologies such as nanobubbles and constructed wetlands to enhance water treatment capabilities and mitigate drought impacts. These cutting-edge approaches, complemented by traditional practices like rainwater harvesting, form a comprehensive strategy for ensuring water resilience [2,6].
Public engagement is a pivotal component of Gotland’s water management strategy. Campaigns that raise awareness among residents and tourists about water conservation practices have shown to foster a community that values shared responsibility. Such strategies are supported by findings that highlight how community participation and knowledge dissemination can drive effective water use and resource management [7].
A Blend of Past and Future
My experience in Visby offered a compelling narrative of how historical and modern values intersect. Walking through the centuries-old city walls, I reflected on how the past can inform and inspire sustainable practices for the future. The insights from the EUSBSR Annual Forum, paired with Visby’s ongoing efforts in sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation, and water resilience, underscore the island’s commitment to leading by example.
Visby and Gotland illustrate that with collaborative action, strategic policies, and a unified community approach, it is possible to achieve a sustainable equilibrium where heritage and progress coexist seamlessly.
References
[1] Poort, M. E., Persson-Fischier, U., Martinsson-Wallin, H., Elf Donaldson, E., & Schaub, M. (2021). “Authenticity” as a Pathway to Sustainable Cultural Tourism? The Cases of Gotland and Rapa Nui. Sustainability, 13(11), 6302. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116302
[2] IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. (2024). Gotland, Sweden: Northern area case study. RethinkAction Project. https://rethinkaction.eu/cases/gotland-sweden/ (Grant Agreement No. 101037104). Retrieved November 9, 2024.
[3] Region Kalmar County. (2024). WaterMan: Promoting water reuse in the Baltic Sea Region through capacity building at local level (EU Interreg BSR core project). Interreg Baltic Sea Region. https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/waterman/ (Accessed November 9, 2024).
[4] Chamber of Economy Polish Waterworks. (2024). ReNutriWater: Closing local water circuits by recirculating nutrients and water and using them in nature (EU Interreg BSR core project). Interreg Baltic Sea Region. https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/renutriwater/ (Accessed November 9, 2024).
[5] Foghagen, C., & Alriksson, S. (2023). Mitigation of water shortage impacts among tourism and farming companies on the islands of Öland and Gotland, Sweden. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26, 7509–7527. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03019-0
[6] Toivonen, A.-M. (2024, November 6). Annual Forum 2024: Strengthening water resilience in Baltic Sea Region tourism. EUSBSR. https://eusbsr.eu/strengthening-water-resilience-in-baltic-sea-region-tourisminsights-from-workshop-at-the-eusbsr-annual-forum-2024-in-visby/ (Accessed November 9, 2024).
[7] Eken, E., Taşcı, B., & Gustafsson, C. (2019). An evaluation of decision-making process on maintenance of built cultural heritage: The case of Visby, Sweden. Cities, 94, 24–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2019.05.015