Nature-based solutions for a sustainable urban development in Europe

This project aimed to develop research-based, concrete proposals for tackling urban development challenges in Europe through nature-based solutions. Nature-based solutions involve measures that facilitate social integration, economic development and environmental protection through, for instance, green city landscapes, noise and flood protection as well as energy efficient green architecture.

In order to achieve this, the project brought together both research institutions from Durham, Budapest, Malmö, Utrecht, Barcelona and Leipzig and representatives of city administrations, interest groups, chambers, companies, financial institutions, associations etc, in collaborative “Urban-Regional-Institute-Partnerships”. The implementation of nature-based solutions was discussed in workshops and through expert interviews. Based on the challenges, obstacles and benefits reported, concrete proposals for local and regional solutions in Europe were developed.

The research was carried out over four years (2017-2021), across seven work packages: literature research and policy analyses, development of a data base of 100 relevant cities as a basis for statistical analyses, workshops and expert interviews, meetings, conferences, impact analyses and the development of guidelines, practical handouts, models and scenarios.

Results/Publications

• Snapshot report – Leipzig: Green for vibrant urban communities
• Snapshot report – Sofia: City forest
• Snapshot report – Montpellier: Parc Marianne Ecodistrict
• Case Study Working Paper – Leipzig