friend resource 2.0

Lake Vänern is Europe's third largest lake and is very important for both tourism, recreational and professional fishermen. In order for Lake Vänern to continue to function with its marine and biological diversity for future generations, it is extremely important that there is coordination and continuous work for the sustainable use of Lake Vänern.

During the 2014-2020 programming period, the Lake Vänern Fishing Area was a leader association funded by the EMFF. The program was extended by two years, but then only with funds from the EAFRD. The leader areas around Lake Vänern received extra funding to continue the work of the Lake Vänern Fishing Area during the extension years. The aim was to preserve the networks built up and the knowledge acquired, and to be able to later prioritize cross-Lake Vänern projects in the strategic plan 2023-2027. Against this background, the leader areas initiated and ran the Vänern Resource cooperation project during the extension years. The project worked to secure, share and acquire new knowledge through training opportunities, dialogue meetings and a current and future analysis.

The analysis work has yielded valuable insights that underline the need for continued resources. The ambition with Vänerresurs was to find a future permanent financing model, but the steering group found that the project period was too short to secure such external financing. The process is time-consuming and difficult, especially when municipal and regional budgets are strained. The alternative is therefore not to continue with Vänerresurs or to continue under Leader. A continuation is currently the only option – partly for strategic reasons, partly because it is responsible. The need for both Leader, potential project stakeholders and key organisations is great. 18 months into the programme period, there are few project applications, but many identified initiatives and stated intentions. The interest is there, but changed conditions between programme periods require a proper effort that can only be implemented with a LAG-owned cooperation project.

Against this background, Leader wants to work for the long-term sustainability of Lake Vänern and its fish resources through a collaborative project. The issue is central because changes, such as increased fishing pressure or changes in fish harvest, can have serious consequences for the balance in the lake. Overall, we have a strong fish resource with great development potential, but it cannot be taken for granted. Proactive work, continuous monitoring, analysis, data collection and possibly other efforts are required to ensure long-term use.

The Leader areas' focus area enables the above measures and work, partly through cross-border cooperation projects, and partly through structured collaboration and dialogue with the previously mentioned key organisations, which also work directly and indirectly with fish resources. A clear division of roles opens up for linked efforts and a more cost-effective way of working with support funds.

The project is a collaboration between three leader areas around Lake Vänern, Leader Närheten
Leader Northwest Skaraborg and Future Villages Dalsland Årjäng Munkedal. 

Project purpose and goals

The purpose of the project is to promote long-term sustainable resource utilization of Lake Vänern's fisheries and freshwater environment.

The goal of the project is to
– carry out skills and network building activities
– implement interventions based on current and future analysis
– there is a clear division of roles and responsibilities
– develop a method for a simplified procedure for collaborative projects
– idea carriers have become project owners of leader projects within the focus area
Resource-rich Lake Vänern or otherwise taking its vision into action

The activities in the project are
– Information efforts
– Create networks and collaboration
– Arrange meetings and conferences
– Project management and project administration