From Data to Dialogue – Communicating Water Quality Assessments of the Swedish Great lakes

Sweden´s four largest lakes, Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren and Hjälmaren, are facing major challenges.

Eutrophication, invasive species, and environmental toxins threaten ecosystems, outdoor life and drinking water supplies – all amplified by climate change.

To address these challenges, more knowledge of the environmental conditions of the lakes is needed.The Water Boards of the four lakes contribute with environmental monitoring, research projects and a large amount of data. This information forms a basis for action programs, follow-up and research.

Yet, relating to this basis is difficult for the broader public as it requires strong background knowledge and expertise in interpreting the statistics and data sets.

There is a great need to share existing knowledge and to create conditions for the public to participate in efforts to preserve waters and ecosystems.In the project “From data to dialogue” we will, through meetings and dialogue, learn about different interest groups´ perspectives on their lakes.

The project wants to develop the communication of environmental data based on the needs of the interest groups.The objective is to develop new ways to communicate environmental data.

We may for example use accessible illustrations instead of complicated diagrams to explain the state of the water quality of the lakes.

The purpose is to provide the target groups with knowledge, capacity, and motivation to enable them to help protect and conserve the ecosystems of the lakes.