Research into the health benefits of nature captured Sunniva Holmelid’s interest and led to an internship with the Municipality of Hamar, where she worked to promote greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.
Sunniva Holmelid is a qualified nurse and teacher of physical education and outdoor recreation. She has always had a strong connection to nature and chose to pursue a master's degree in Urban Agriculture because she is fascinated by the relationship between nature, health, and sustainability.
For her, urban agriculture is about much more than food production in cities.
“Urban agriculture is about creating cities where people have access to both green spaces and local food production, which I believe is essential for public health and the cities of the future. In the face of the climate crisis, we need cities that are both sustainable and livable.”
She was particularly inspired by research demonstrating the positive effects of nature on human health.
“For example, studies show that children who play in nature tend to be healthier, and patients with views of green spaces often have shorter hospital stays. This is not only academically interesting, it also highlights the importance of preserving and developing nature in our cities.”
Starting in autumn 2026, the specialization Circular Urban Agriculture will be included in the master's program Sustainable Food Systems.
Contributing to Her Hometown
During the summer of 2025, Holmelid completed an internship with the Municipality of Hamar, her hometown. An internship is a short-term professional placement that gives students practical experience and skills within their field of study.
“Hamar is already implementing concrete projects related to urban agriculture and pollinator-friendly urban development. I wanted to learn more about how this actually happens in practice, through municipal processes and collaboration with various stakeholders,” says Holmelid.
At the Climate and Environment Department of the Municipality of Hamar, she had the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of this work.
StoryMaps to Inform, Engage, and Inspire
The municipality wanted to map and showcase its efforts related to urban agriculture and pollinator conservation in Hamar, and StoryMaps proved to be an effective way to visualize this work.
The StoryMaps are digital maps that illustrate where and how urban agriculture and pollinator initiatives are being carried out throughout the municipality.
“For residents, it can create a sense of pride to see what is happening in their own municipality. I think it is motivating both for local citizens and for other municipalities to see the work Hamar has accomplished.”
Holmelid created two StoryMaps for the municipality:
(In Norwegian)
Urbant landbruk i Hamar kommune: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8cd87deb11924ad4b264637bb9380371
Pollinatortiltak i Hamar kommune: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7f5b035d596848a589b54c7e671a885f
These StoryMaps can serve as examples of how municipalities can work with these themes in practice, making it easier to share knowledge and experiences across communities.
A Cross-Disciplinary Force in the Green Transition
What the future holds for Holmelid after completing her studies remains open, but the direction is clear.
“I know that I am passionate about the connections between nature and public health, between local food production and sustainability, and between policy and practice.”
She is particularly interested in systems and how they can be improved.
“I am open to many different career paths. Perhaps as an advisor in a municipality, in project management, or within an advocacy organization. I am open to letting my studies and experiences guide me.”
With one foot in healthcare, another in nature, and her eyes fixed on the cities of the future, Holmelid exemplifies how interdisciplinary expertise can play an important role in the green transition.
Holmelid created two StoryMaps for the municipality. (In Norwegian)
Pursue a Master's Degree in Sustainable Food Systems and the Circular Urban Agriculture specialization.