Connecting Communities: Insights into Life on Swedish Islands from the Swedish Archipelago Association
12th November 2024
In a recent Islanders Network webinar co-funded by Erasmus+, we had the opportunity to hear from Anetté Larm Johansson, the founder of the Swedish Archipelago Association (SRF). Anetté’s work has been pivotal in bringing together Sweden’s island communities to ensure that island life remains sustainable, resilient, and connected to the wider world. The session covered just about everything about island living is like in Sweden, from isolations during winter to schools and healthcare on remote islands. Young participants from European islands joined the discussion, giving insights into their own perspectives and answering questions about life on their own islands.
Challenges of Island Life in Winter
Anetté explained how the Swedish islands change dramatically between seasons, particularly in winter. She described the isolation challenges faced when ferries can no longer operate due to ice that is too thick for boats yet not sturdy enough to cross. For some residents, especially those on smaller islands with only a handful of inhabitants, winter means days without access to the mainland, relying instead on occasional helicopter services for essential travel.
The participants were, indeed, intrigued by the rest of the challenges, and one of the listeners even mentioned that on her island severe storms occasionally isolate the community, though not to the extent of icy Swedish winters. A participant from the Azores in Portugal shared his admiration for resilience among the islanders of Sweden and said this is quite different from his home island.
One of the focuses of SRF is ensuring island children’s access to education. Annette described the association network that connects teachers and students across Swedish islands, helping young people feel part of a larger community. The result of this has been collaborative projects, including students publishing two books about life on the islands. Participants from other islands expressed interest in this approach, with several students commenting on how connecting digitally could help isolated island schools share resources and knowledge. A participant from Milos in Greece remarked that many students on her island leave for the mainland after high school due to limited local opportunities, a sentiment echoed by others.
Youth Viewpoints on Island Sustainability
One of the key topics of the webinar was sustainability. Anetté shared SRF’s vision of creating a future where residents can live on Swedish islands every month of the year, supported by sustainable infrastructure and services. Participants voiced concerns about environmental challenges in their regions. Some highlighted initiatives, such as one in Italy, to revive depopulated villages by offering vacant houses for symbolic prices, sparking ideas for similar efforts in Sweden. Annette agreed and emphasised that resilient infrastructure should go along with healthcare and education in order to provide sustainability for island life.
Nurturing Connection and Cultural Exchange
The workshop once outlined the need for cultural exchange among European islands in connecting young islanders with shared experiences despite geographical boundaries. Supported by Erasmus+, the Islanders Network has been established for the purpose of collaboration toward a sustainable future, thus encouraging youth in the creation of new possibilities within their communities.
Another great session with powerful collaboration between generations in the shaping of resilient island communities. More to follow on the initiatives which keep our European islands connected, vibrant, and sustainable!
