Denmark

Public institution

Sustainability strategy

Nature on the Municipal Agenda – Mapping Biodiversity Strategies Across Danish Municipalities

Client

Planetary Responsibility Foundation

Services

Operational Transformation & Implementation

Project Description

Denmark's green transition places municipalities at the center of nature management. This report assesses how prepared they are, and what needs to change to turn biodiversity strategies into effective action.

The Project

86 of Denmark's 98 municipalities have some form of biodiversity strategy - 28 dedicated and 58 integrated into broader plans such as climate or sustainability strategies. Twelve have none at all.

The report closes with a practical checklist for municipalities: build on existing plans, create a clear policy-strategy-action plan structure, and secure cross-departmental ownership from the start.

Key Findings

Having a strategy is not the same as being ready

96% of municipalities with dedicated strategies have set targets, but only 7% include ongoing monitoring, only 21% link their biodiversity strategy to other municipal strategies, and only 7% address biodiversity in their supply chains. Designating areas for nature is the first step; managing them effectively over time requires governance structures that most municipalities do not yet have.

Resources and political continuity are the primary barriers

the green transition was underfunded by DKK 7.3bn at launch, and many municipalities carry out biodiversity work without dedicated staff, on top of existing responsibilities. Several describe their strategy's survival as tied directly to the current council, making long-term commitments structurally fragile.

Citizens are part of the problem and the solution

39% of municipalities have had to drop or delay biodiversity projects due to local resistance, from preferences for tidy roadsides to conflicts over rewilding and free-roaming animals. Early, inclusive engagement, not just public hearings, is consistently a factor in determining whether projects survive contact with communities.

0

of Denmark's 98 municipalities have some form of biodiversity strategy

0%

of strategies include ongoing monitoring

0

municipalities with a dedicated, stand-alone biodiversity strategy

0%

of municipalities have dropped or delayed biodiversity projects due to local resistance

Report

Report

Naturen på den kommunale dagsorden

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Download

Appendix

Naturen på den kommunale dagsorden

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Download

Contact us for more information

Thilde Nørgaard Holm

Partner

+45 20 28 35 85

tnh@upstream.partners

Let's work together

Join Upstream Partners in our mission to create a sustainable, nature-positive future. By working together, we can meet international goals and protect the planet for future generations.

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Understanding dependencies. Driving transformation.

Copenhagen

(+45) 20 28 35 85
cph@upstream.partners
CVR: 45189961

New York

+1 (917) 450-5622
nyc@upstream.partners
EIN: 99-5118639

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Understanding dependencies. Driving transformation.

Copenhagen

(+45) 20 28 35 85
cph@upstream.partners
CVR: 45189961

New York

+1 (917) 450-5622
nyc@upstream.partners
EIN: 99-5118639

Stay connected

By submitting your email, you agree to receive news and updates from Upstream Partners. You can unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle your data.

© Upstream Partners 2026

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

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