Evolution and evaluation of Stormwater Parks in Sweden

This study addresses the challenge of balancing ecosystem needs with rapid urban expansion by evaluating the relatively new phenomenon in Sweden of Stormwater Parks. These blue-green infrastructure parks are proposed as solutions for flooding and water pollution by enhancing ecosystem services and creating green recreational spaces. However, it is crucial to assess the potential and pitfalls of any new type of infrastructure, as well as to evaluate the effects from a multispecies justice perspective. This study presents a novel mixed methods approach to critically assess the multifunctionality of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. The methods include data collection from implemented Stormwater Parks across Sweden, analysis of past and present aerial photos, field visits, and policy analysis. The study demonstrates the potential of using Carole Bacchi’s “What’s the problem represented to be?” approach to deconstruct nature-based solutions. The findings from the review highlight the importance of problematizing which issues and whose challenges a nature-based solution overlook or address.