Denmark’s landscapes are facing major changes. In the coming years, efforts will focus, among other things, on creating new wetlands, expanding natural areas, and improving the protection of drinking water, while also striking a new balance between agriculture, business, the climate, and nature.
These are changes that have a direct impact on everyday life in villages and local communities. But even though these decisions have a major impact locally, civil society is not always part of the conversation about what the landscapes of the future should look like. The new “Fælles om Landskabet” initiative aims to help change that.
The fund is financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and administered by Democracy x. Each year, a total of five million kroner is awarded to small-scale local projects that contribute to public awareness, dialogue, and engagement regarding land-use restructuring in Denmark. Grants ranging from 10,000 to 80,000 kroner are available, and the fund accepts applications on a rolling basis until this year’s funds have been allocated.
From community meetings to school forests
What matters is not what the activity looks like, but that it brings people together and gives more people the opportunity to get involved in local change.
These might include, for example, community meetings and workshops on upcoming land-use changes, walks and conversations out in the countryside, or collaborations between local organizations, schools, businesses, and residents.
The fund can also support more specific activities in which people themselves take part in the transition—for example, by establishing school forests or nature trails—as well as local campaigns, podcasts, videos, and other initiatives that highlight the opportunities and challenges of the green transition.
“Sharing the Landscape” aims both to deepen understanding of the changes brought about by the green tripartite partnership and to create space for the various interests and perspectives that come together as the landscape changes. The goal is not that everyone must necessarily agree. Rather, more people should have the opportunity to understand the changes, be heard, and help shape new local solutions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Organizations with a public-benefit purpose—including associations, independent institutions, and public institutions—are eligible to apply for the fund.
The application process is conducted online. If the application is approved, the entire grant is disbursed in a single payment.
