Letter to the Editor This is a debate piece, written by an external contributor. The piece expresses the author’s opinions.
The Green Party (MDG) is concerned about Lake Mjøsa. That’s great. Through a petition in regional newspapers recently, they are strongly advocating for a new Mjøsa action.
The Watercourse Association for Mjøsa and its tributaries (Vassdragsforbundet) believes it is more important to press the green button and let the red one wait.
The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) annually monitors the environmental condition of the country’s largest and proudest lake on behalf of the Watercourse Association. They have systematically gathered data on biological, chemical, and physical conditions since the early 1970s. There is therefore a solid knowledge base indicating the development and the current state of Mjøsa.
The overall trends for Mjøsa are positive, and we should take note of that. The concentration of phosphorus has been significantly reduced since the crisis years of the 1970s. The amount of algae has decreased in line with phosphorus levels, and the composition of algae species has changed positively. The water clarity has also improved significantly.
Even after the extreme weather “Hans,” with all its negative effects and nutrient and organic material inputs, Mjøsa was assessed in 2023 as being in good ecological condition according to the water regulations classification system and target parameters. The exception was Kise, where the water clarity was low.
Though Mjøsa has seen a welcome development since the Mjøsa actions, we cannot sit back. The influencing factors are still present, and the challenges must be addressed.
The issue of environmental toxins needs increased attention and action, both internationally and nationally, but also locally. Therefore, the Watercourse Association, in collaboration with the Oppland Women’s Agricultural Association and the Swan Label, has launched a consumer campaign focusing on how we as consumers around Mjøsa can make wise choices in our daily lives.
Climate challenges are already resulting in increased water temperatures with negative ecological effects, and not least, climate change will lead to wetter and wilder weather. The white round bales that floated in Mjøsa during last year’s August flood were a sad sight for all who care about Mjøsa. And we must mention that while the phosphorus concentration in Mjøsa has improved, we see a tendency for increased nitrogen transport through the lake.
In the Oslo Fjord, nitrogen concentrations are now so high that it is flashing dangerously red. Cleanup efforts have started here, and both the municipalities and the County Governor in Innlandet are closely involved.
The values and qualities of Mjøsa must be in our consciousness every single day. We must press that somewhat tedious green everyday button. We should seize every opportunity to reinforce the small and large Mjøsa actions that have been ongoing for a long time, where everyone takes responsibility for what they can address.
Following up on the regional water management plan is important and must be prioritized, and municipalities and sector authorities must seek collaboration and prioritize actions even when it costs money. Municipalities must expedite the upgrading of municipal pipelines, prevent pumping stations from being put out of operation by flooding, and improve private sewage systems where this is a real problem. Municipalities must plan for a new future and consequently avoid further construction in flood-prone areas.
Agriculture has good subsidy schemes for effective measures, but here too, actions must be adapted to a changing climate, and financial incentives must be significantly strengthened. Only with the will and ability to make sound political decisions locally, regionally, and nationally, where the large climate issues are discussed, can we properly take care of Mjøsa for future generations.
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