In response to the growing need for sustainable urban development, the Stakeholder
Dialogue in the framework of the REGREEN project brought together leading experts from
across Europe to explore the transformative power of NbS in addressing urban challenges and
fostering thriving, green, and healthy cities. The stakeholder dialogue was organised in the
framework of the European Resilience Forum in October 2023 in Cascais, Portugal. This report
provides an overview of the key takeaways and recommendations that emerged from this
insightful dialogue.
The dialogue shed light on the benefits of NbS for urban environments, encompassing
improved air quality, mitigation of the heat island effect, efficient stormwater management,
and enhancement of biodiversity. These solutions can be integrated into various urban
infrastructures, such as green roofs, parks offering adaptable solutions to transform urban
landscapes.
The dialogue underscored the imperative of collaborative efforts in effectively implementing
NbS. A collective approach involving urban planners, policymakers, researchers, and active
involvement of community members is crucial for the success of such initiatives.
Furthermore, the need for increased research and data on the performance of NbS across
diverse urban contexts was emphasized, emphasizing the need for a more evidence‐based
approach to implementation.
The recommendations arising from the dialogue emphasize the importance of integrating NbS
into the very fabric of urban planning and development. Advocating for the seamless
integration of NbS into urban planning frameworks, zoning regulations, and development
guidelines is essential. Additionally, strategic communication plays a vital role in promoting
NbS adoption. Increased collaboration between researchers and urban planners is crucial,
while visualization tools can effectively communicate the multifaceted benefits of NbS.
Engaging stakeholders is paramount to the successful implementation of NbS. Establishing
governance structures that facilitate active stakeholder participation, including participatory
platforms to gather diverse inputs, is crucial. Embracing innovative urban planning processes
that prioritize biodiversity and the incorporation of NbS to address complex urban challenges
is also stressed.
A holistic approach to problem‐solving is proposed with the development of comprehensive
NbS strategies that integrate multiple solutions. This approach aims to offer a more robust
and adaptable response to the intricate and evolving challenges faced by urban
environments. Continuous monitoring systems to track NbS performance and foster adaptive
strategies that can evolve over time to meet changing urban needs are also advocated.
To promote knowledge exchange and best practices, the establishment of a marketplace for
NbS solutions is recommended. This platform would facilitate the exchange of NbS solutions
and promote collaboration among cities striving for sustainable development. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on education and public awareness. Investment in educational
initiatives to enhance public awareness of NbS benefits, along with collaboration with schools
and community organisations to integrate NbS education into curriculums, is deemed
essential.
The Stakeholder Dialogue on NbS highlighted the crucial role that NbS can play in fostering
thriving, green, and healthy European cities. The recommendations outlined in this summary
provide a roadmap for cities to harness the transformative potential of NbS.