Communities > Front Runners
Lolland, Denmark
Geography & Identity
The municipality of Lolland (pop. 39,000; 886 km²) encompasses two-thirds of the low-lying island of Lolland in southern Denmark. Because its flat, coastal terrain is primarily highly productive farmland, natural wilderness is sparse, requiring southern sea dikes to protect against climate threats. Nevertheless, its long coastline and key attractions support a major local tourism industry.
Demography
Lolland is a rural, peripheral area with a steadily declining population (at least since 1970 and 3,5% decline per annum in the last 5 years on average), an ageing population, and with many socially vulnerable citizens.
Challenges
The area is associated with low attractivity in the Danish ‘mental map’. The historic towns of Nakskov (12,000 inhabitants) and Maribo (6,000 inhabitants) need renovation in the central parts and have problems with empty shops there, and the towns are losing importance as service centres. An innovative rejuvenation of these towns is called for. There is a lack of workforce, blocking new jobs. Climate change and rising sea levels are long-term challenges. In some areas the farmland is over-exploited and lacks nature elements (biodiversity and climate issues).
Innovative Actions
The planning culture is entrepreneurial, innovative, open, and includes private and civic actors in development projects. The overall aim of development is to increase the attractivity and quality of life of the area. New workplaces, including industrial business parks, tourism, and green energy are in focus. An active settlement policy, including a digital welcome shop is already decided upon, and in a long-term project (Nakskov 2030) the town centre of largest town is renovated and shops/business premises changed into housing to regenerate
urban life.
Planned Activities
An international recruitment and settlement policy is on the drawing board to solve the lack of workforce, including an international school. Local stakeholders and the municipality work on a future plan for re-activating the town centre of Maribo, the second largest town. A multi-level, multi-actor landscape based green transition project (Grøn Trepart) addressing climate change and biodiversity is likewise underway. A common goal for all innovation actions is to anchor them more firmly within the local democracy.
Region
The municipality of Lolland
Country
Denmark
Region
Lolland Kommune
