Kristianstads Vattenrike

Kristianstads Vattenrike is the oldest of Sweden’s biosphere reserves. Established in 2005, it includes two thirds of the municipality of Kristianstad in Skåne, the southernmost of Sweden’s provinces. This rich cultural landscape is endowed with almost every type of natural habitat to be found in Sweden. The majestic River Helge å is a central feature. Fed by streams from the ridges and plains, it expands into Lakes Araslövssjön and Hammarsjön before reaching the Baltic Sea in Hanöbukten Bay. The river is fringed by wetlands and seasonally flooded grasslands, but there are also leafy forests and dry sandy arable lands within the reserve.
 
Such variety creates numerous habitats for animals, plants and fungi. The species-rich reserve, covering less than two tenths of one percent of the area of Sweden, is a refuge for some 20 percent of the nation’s red-listed species!
 
Work in Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve is predicated on broad local support and cooperation with local, regional, national and international stakeholders: associations, local authorities, government ministries, schools, entrepreneurs and landowners. A Consultation Group promotes dialogue and collaboration among landowners, authorities and organisations to support the various projects, each designed to serve as an example to inspire others.
 
The overall long-term objective of Vattenriket’s activities is to create a shift in attitude towards economic, ecological and social sustainability.

Ecological Characteristics

The Helge Å River with its lakes and wetlands is of international importance (River Helge Å Ramsar Convention Site) and flows through the centre of Kristianstads Vattenrike. Other habitats with particularly high natural values are ancient broadleaf forests, sandy grasslands with a long tradition of a rotation system of cultivation and fallow, eelgrass beds in Hanöbukten Bay and sand dune areas along the coast. Around 40 areas in the biosphere reserve are included in the EU's Natura 2000 network and there are also around 40 nature reserves. The biosphere reserve is one of the foremost areas in Sweden in terms of species richness as well as the presence of threatened species. According to the biosphere reserve's latest survey, there are 947 red-listed species in the biosphere reserve, 417 of which are threatened (CN, EN and VU). Several of these species have a particularly high conservation value as their main distribution is within the biosphere reserve.
 
The Biosphere Office works broadly and innovatively to benefit species and recreate habitats. In close dialogue with landowners and land users, we make use of local knowledge and develop new methods to conserve important natural values. We work on projects that span nature conservation measures, research, education, public activities and communication. Wetland construction is a clear example of adaptive co-management, in discussion and collaboration with landowners. By integrating biosphere expertise into planning processes, we also contribute to more sustainable development in which biodiversity, outdoor recreation and ecosystem services are taken into account.
 

Socio-Economics Characteristics

Food production is a core industry and it is said that every Sweden eats something from Kristianstad every day. Agriculture and forestry are other key sectors. The city is also northeastern Skåne’s commercial hub and the main centre for eleven surrounding municipalities. The Biosphere Office works to make nature accessible and communicate opportunities for nature tourism. The crane-feeding project at the Pulken Outdoor Museum, to minimise damage to farmers' crops, attracts a large number of visitors. Visitor sites, trails, bird towers, picnic areas and outdoor museums increase access to the area. Making it easy to experience Vattenriket’s biodiversity increases understanding for conserving and caring for it.

Naturum Vattenriket is the visitor centre and meeting place for Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve. In the heart of town and in the heart of the wetlands, its exhibition and wide range of activities attract 90,000 Kristianstad residents and visiting tourists every year. Naturum Vattenriket offers outdoor education for all ages, from playful contact with nature to research. The reserve's educational activities reach 1,500 pupils per year. Classrooms and new educational tools provide support for teachers. Our 21 visitor sites are places for learning and inspiration. We also train biosphere ambassadors, organise biosphere camps and invite scouts to become biosphere heroes. Another important task is to help to develop and share new research in, with and about the biosphere reserve.