A magical nature experience – a sustainable canoe trail in the Immeln, Raslången and Halen lake systems

Shared responsibility for the sustainable canoe route of the future

Immeln, Raslången and Halen have long been a popular tourist and canoeing destination. However, the increased outdoor activities have put nature and the local community under pressure. A broad collaborative project is now underway to create a long-term sustainable and jointly managed canoe route.
In line with the Leader method, the project brings together landowners, entrepreneurs, associations, municipalities and authorities to find common solutions.

A comprehensive current situation analysis is currently being carried out. So far, around fifty residents and holiday home owners have been met among the approximately 300 addresses around the lakes. Many testify to littering, fires and increased wear and tear – on average, around 20 major fires occur per year.

There is great interest in dialogue. 80 people attended the first landowner meeting. In March, Owe Lindström, chairman of DANO (Dalsland–Nordmarkens Sjösystem), will come to share experiences from their work. DANO, like Immeln–Raslången–Halen, has struggled with littering, foul burning and wear and tear, but through collaboration has built up a stable association with a clear organization, functioning financing, compensation for landowners and long-term supervision. During the evening, discussions will be held on what can inspire and how solutions can be formed based on the area's own conditions.

The goal of the project is to develop a democratic working model with clear roles and responsibilities. A newly formed canoe trail association will carry the work forward after 2027 to ensure a long-term magical nature experience where nature is protected and shared responsibility is taken.

The board's assessment

Decision date: 2025-04-29 

Total selection criteria: 815 points

The board's justification: The project meets all basic conditions and can be recommended for support. It is well-established, has a clear implementation structure and contributes to sustainable tourism within Leader Eastern Skåne.