The “Green Energy Meets Blue Food – Sustainable Coexistence in Nordic Seas” project has shown that the expansion of offshore wind energy and the sustainable development of Nordic blue food systems are not inherently conflicting goals. However, achieving long-term coexistence requires deliberate, coordinated and adaptive governance. Across the Nordic Region, experiences demonstrate that technical solutions alone are insufficient. Success depends on structured and continuous dialogue, early and inclusive stakeholder engagement, robust knowledge foundations, and institutional mechanisms that bridge fragmented marine and maritime spatial planning and permitting processes.
Our research – encompassing literature reviews, six case studies conducted across the Nordic Sea basins in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Scotland, a cross-sectoral workshop, the development of a policy brief, and input gained from engagement in Nordic and international events – underscores that sustainable coexistence is fundamentally a governance challenge. Key insights reveal that early and continuous collaboration, transparent decision-making and mechanisms for balancing trade-offs and synergies are central to reconciling sectoral priorities while protecting marine ecosystems and supporting coastal communities.
The project’s outputs provide actionable guidance for policymakers, planners and industry actors. They emphasise that long-term coexistence requires not only national-level alignment but also cross-Nordic learning and coordination. By fostering shared understanding, trust and adaptive management, the Nordic Region can advance towards a resilient marine economy in which green energy ambitions and blue food security reinforce rather than undermine each other.
Ultimately, this report serves as both a record of the project’s journey and as a foundation for ongoing efforts, offering a practical knowledge base to inform sustainable policy, planning and collaborative practices across the Nordic seas for the benefit of current and future generations.