Project

NatureScape project, in an ambitious initiative led by NILU aimed at transforming urban environments into sustainable and resilient spaces through the strategic integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Funded by national and European research grants under the European Biodiversity Partnership, NatureScape has secured a total budget of €2 million for its operations spanning from 2025 to 2028.

NatureScape's Vision

NatureScape seeks to address the critical post-implementation phases of NBS, enhancing not only biodiversity and climate resilience but also the health and well-being of urban populations. With a focus on creating dynamic urban spaces that respond to environmental challenges, the project underscores NILU’s commitment to leading edge research and development in environmental sciences.

Core Objectives

The primary goals of NatureScape include developing robust indicators for assessing the functionality and impact of NBS, and establishing NBS Transformation Labs (T-Labs) in key cities across Europe. These labs will serve as hubs of innovation and community engagement, fostering the co-development of sustainable urban solutions. The project will also delve into analyzing the synergies and trade-offs associated with NBS, drawing lessons to refine future strategies and creating comprehensive tools and guidelines for urban planners.

European Cities as Living Labs

Demonstrating its strategies across seven diverse cities including Oslo, Dublin, Riga, Milan, Lisbon, Lublin, and Saint-Gallen, NatureScape aims to showcase the adaptability and effectiveness of NBS in various urban settings. Each city was selected for its unique characteristics, providing a rich ground for testing and optimizing NBS approaches.

Innovative Approaches and Tools

The project will employ a mix of cutting-edge methodologies:

• Community Engagement: Utilizing citizen science and geo-based platforms to ensure inclusive stakeholder involvement.
• Environmental Governance Models: To enhance stewardship of urban NBS.
• Impact Assessment Frameworks: Sophisticated tools to enhance NBS synergies and minimize trade-offs.
• Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD): For visualizing and analyzing the complex dynamics within NBS ecosystems.
• Challenge-Based Methodologies: To foster adaptive urban planning and policy development.

A Strong Consortium

Under the coordination of NILU, NatureScape brings together a consortium of esteemed institutions including the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, University College Dublin, Politecnico di Milano, Lisboa E-Nova, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, and Nodibinajums Baltic Studies Centre. This diverse team ensures a robust multidisciplinary approach to tackling urban environmental issues.