Next week, 1,200 experts from around the world will gather in Oslo to discuss how we can create socially just and environmentally sustainable societies — without economic growth. The world is in a serious predicament. We have built an economic system on the assumption that endless growth is possible. But our planet’s resources are finite and already overexploited.

To help safeguard the future of Norway’s wild reindeer populations, researchers from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) have conducted a tunnel construction simulation in the Setesdal Ryfylke wild reindeer area. The aim is to reduce considerable barriers and reestablish access to former grazing lands for the wild reindeer.

A newly developed climate service provides information on how local societies’ vulnerability and exposure to climate change may change in future, enabling municipalities to assess the adequacy of current adaptation responses.

As spring returns to Norway, researchers are setting up this year’s insect traps across the country. Using metabarcoding to monitor insect populations, Norway is the first country in Europe to implement this methodology in a Government led program. The same methodology could be applied across Europe for cost-effective monitoring of the neglected majority of insect species.

In a study conducted in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, researchers from SEAPOP have used a nearly 40 year-long data series to assess how changes in sea ice affect the breeding distribution of common eiders (Somateria mollissima).

As global biodiversity continues to decline, a new international study published in Nature presents a powerful framework for identifying the “missing” species from ecosystems, species that could exist in a habitat but are currently absent. Known as dark diversity, these absent species form an invisible frontier of ecological potential, offering a tool to better understand habitat degradation and inform conservation priorities.

Soil carbon content decreases for up to 30 years following clear-cutting in forested areas, according to a major study from the Nordic countries and Canada.

The wild reindeer in Norway no longer use the calving grounds surrounding the public tourist cabin Pyttbua. Should the Government allow the cabin to be upgraded—or should tourism in the area rather be limited? The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) has simulated the potential consequences.

Large carnivores have returned to Europe—but the wolf protection status is being reduced. A major EU-funded project, led from Norway, aims to identify how to ensure the best possible coexistence between people and carnivores.

Since 2007, 200 Norwegian sea eagle chicks have found a new home in Ireland. This summer the final release of fledglings in Ireland marks the completion of the establishment phase of the white-tailed sea eagle project. 

The fitness app Strava provides insight into how forest clear-cutting affects Norwegians’ recreation activities. Experts argue that the value from recreation services lost due to clear-cutting exceeds the value of timber provisioning services gained, particularly in peri-urban forests.

A study of deer poo in North Wales could shed light on the conservation of woodlands in the UK.

As human activity increasingly pressures ecosystems, biodiversity offsetting—balancing losses in one area with gains elsewhere—has become a growing tool for conservation, although with significant challenges. A new paper by NINA experts explores how integrating ecosystem accounting can enhance biodiversity offsetting, offering a promising approach to make conservation efforts more effective and transparent.

BioAgora, in partnership with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), announces a funding call for capacity development initiatives under the Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI). 

As Europe strives for a sustainable energy future, the ambitious EU funded initiative ReHydro are underway to improve energy production of existing hydropower plants. By integrating new technologies and enhancing environmental conditions, the project will ensure that hydropower continues to play a key role in the region’s energy landscape.

A new handbook gives guidance and practical examples for the implementation of nature-based solutions across various ecosystems and for specific societal challenges.

A new report reveals numerous knowledge gaps concerning possible effects of seaweed harvesting on seabirds and shorebirds in Norway. Stakeholders call for stricter regulations.

1.9 billion invertebrates and 800 million seeds. That’s the number of stowaways arriving to Norway via garden plants every year. The costs could be sky high.

The first quantitative assessment of microplastics in seabird faeces in Northern Europe shows presence of microplastics in European shag (Gulosus aristotelis) chicks. This provides valuable baseline information and confirms that minimal-invasive sampling of faeces for plastic monitoring in seabirds is possible.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework headline indicator “Services Provided by Ecosystems (B.1)” has been tested using data from six countries and regions including Norway. Working on behalf of the CBD AHTEG on indicators, the results are now published.