The GreenScape CE project, funded by the Interreg Central Europe programme of the European Union, is dedicated to combating the negative impacts of urbanisation and climate change by revitalising green spaces within urban environments. The project addresses the pressing issue of urban heat islands and aims to restore balance by reintroducing nature into the heart of cities. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, the project focuses on enhancing planning capacities and implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) and green infrastructure (GI) approaches. These innovative approaches offer not only a means to mitigate the impacts of climate change but also promise to enhance the resilience and liveability of our urban areas. The escalating effects of climate change demand immediate action, and the significance of embracing green adaptation measures cannot be overstated. NbS and GI present a paradigm shift in approaching climate resilience, integrating natural processes and ecosystem services into urban planning and development.
Within this framework, the GreenScape CE project consortium has produced a first deliverable entitled “Typology and criteria for planning CCI/GI/NbS on the local level”, structured to provide a comprehensive overview of NbS and GI, aimed at empowering cities with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of climate change. Focused specifically on the GreenScape CE pilot cities – Zagreb, the Metropolitan area of Milan, Ptuj, Szegedin, and Warsaw – this initiative recognises the unique climate challenges each region faces and endeavours to tailor sustainable solutions accordingly.
Central to the deliverable is exploring the definition and importance of NbS and GI in addressing climate change. By leveraging natural processes, these approaches not only mitigate the adverse effects of climate change but also contribute to sustainable urban development. The deliverable underscores the imperative of integrating NbS and GI into climate action strategies through a detailed examination of their environmental, social, and economic benefits. Furthermore, the deliverable delves into the specific challenges and potentials of each GreenScape CE pilot city. By providing an in-depth analysis of their geographic characteristics, demographic dynamics, and climate challenges, the deliverable lays the groundwork for tailored adaptation strategies. Crucially, the deliverable also outlines various typologies of NbS and GI, offering comprehensive criteria to guide their implementation in the pilot cities. These typologies are designed to align with each city’s unique needs and goals by considering ecological, economic, and social aspects. Through detailed schemes and guidelines, the deliverable aims to facilitate the adoption of NbS and GI, maximising their potential benefits while minimising challenges.
Within the GreenScape CE project, the deliverable represents a milestone in the journey towards urban resilience and sustainability. By harnessing the potential of nature-based approaches, cities can adapt to climate change’s challenges and thrive in the face of adversity.
To read the full deliverable and delve deeper into the strategies outlined for each GreenScape CE pilot city, please follow this link.