It has left a lasting legacy with a broad range of materials and resources that are influencing urban greening and re-naturing efforts across Europe and beyond<\/p>\n
Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are growing more and more popular as an effective and sustainable way to deal with environmental problems. However, they face several challenges during implementation. The URBAN GreenUP project developed, validated and demonstrated the effectiveness of a methodology to increase the sustainability and resilience of cities through innovative NBSs.<\/p>\n
From info packs to webinars, several key outputs developed by URBAN GreenUP have had a significant impact on end users, including city planners, environmental organisations, green infrastructure companies and policymakers.<\/p>\n
One of the most notable cases is the mini-handbook, a comprehensive guide that provides practical insights and strategies for implementing NBSs in urban environments. It summarises URBAN GreenUP results, focusing on success stories, best practices and lessons learnt. In addition, it presents the project\u2019s effect on climate change challenges and how it addressed governance, economic, social, health and environmental aspects in cities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis handbook has been widely adopted and consulted by municipalities and urban developers as a go-to resource for integrating green infrastructures into city planning,\u201d comments Ra\u00fal S\u00e1nchez of project coordinator Technology Centre CARTIF in Spain.<\/p>\n
An example of the mini-handbook\u2019s impact is seen in its uptake by the Spanish city of Valladolid, one of the project\u2019s front-runner cities. Valladolid continues to use the handbook to guide the implementation of new green corridors and green walls, expanding on the initial work done during URBAN GreenUP. This has not only improved the city\u2019s green spaces but also provided a model for other cities looking to replicate similar initiatives. Additionally, the handbook has been used in workshops and training sessions in other European cities, helping to educate and empower urban planners on the benefits and practicalities of NBSs.<\/p>\n
Nearly EUR 14 million in EU funding played a crucial role in the success of URBAN GreenUP (New Strategy for Re-Naturing Cities through Nature-Based Solutions). It was able to work on a large scale involving several cities across Europe, including Liverpool in the United Kingdom and Izmir in Turkey as front-runner cities, with additional follower cities learning from their experiences (Medell\u00edn in Colombia, Ludwigsburg in Germany and Mantova in Italy).<\/p>\n
A wide variety of innovative NBSs, such as green roofs, urban forests and sustainable urban drainage systems, were developed and deployed. They have significantly improved urban resilience to climate change and enhanced the biodiversity in these areas.<\/p>\n
The funding has ultimately helped to influence EU policy, contributing to the European Green Deal\u2019s objectives and encouraging further investment in urban greening initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe collaborative approach fostered strong partnerships between cities, research institutions and private companies, ensuring the long-term sustainability and replication of URBAN GreenUP\u2019s outcomes,\u201d concludes S\u00e1nchez.<\/p>\n
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