Turning the tide on marine biodiversity loss: How Swedish coastal cities are leveraging citizen interaction to improve conservation outcomes

Sammanfattning: Rapid coastal urbanization and declining marine biodiversity rates are complex problems that require broad, integrated sets of solutions. Although isolating nature from human impact prevails as the standard conservation approach, social-ecological systems require more holistic solutions. Coastal cities have the opportunity to encourage human interaction with nature – while still achieving positive biodiversity outcomes. Current literature establishes a connection between citizen interaction and conservation through causal links such as increased awareness, increased understanding, and developing a connection to the ocean. These outputs can then change mindsets and behavior, fostering stewardship and pro-environmental actions. Using a case study approach, this research explores three publicly-funded organizations and institutions in southern Sweden – Naturum Kosterhavet, Malmö’s Marine Education Center, and the municipality of Helsingborg. Each of these cases provide marine-based activities that leverage citizen interaction. Through eight interviews with five different project leaders, it is established that ocean literacy, citizen science, and direct stewardship actions are the predominant forms of marine conservation activities available to citizens in the south of Sweden. Organisations base the causal mechanisms that link activities and outcomes on assumptions that are largely confirmed through current literature, although this is not contextually verified through monitoring or measuring tools by any of the organisations. Using an adapted form of program theory, logic models are created for each case to link the activities to outputs and outcomes. The research also highlights drivers of the activities in order to assist municipalities and organisations in justifying the establishment or expansion of socially interactive marine activities. These include aligning ocean literacy programs with school curriculum requirements, pursuing collaborations with other departments, organisations, and municipalities, and positioning a champion in a leadership role. The main barrier identified through the research is the lack of funding or local municipal support. The findings support public investment in activities leveraging citizen interactions with coastal areas as a means to contribute to positive conservation outcomes.