Activation of NATURE-based solutions for a JUST low carbon transition

Project Information

JUSTNature

Grant agreement ID: 101003757

DOI

10.3030/101003757

Project closed

EC signature date 27 May 2021

Start date 1 September 2021

End date 28 February 2026

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

Total cost

€ 10 299 462,76

EU contribution

€ 9 649 911,50

Coordinated by

ACCADEMIA EUROPEA DI BOLZANO
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - JUSTNature (Activation of NATURE-based solutions for a JUST low carbon transition)

Reporting period: 2023-03-01 to 2024-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Cities are a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and face challenges resulting from urbanisation, pollution and climate change impacts. These contribute to growing social inequalities and environmental injustices, disproportionately affecting low-income households and the more vulnerable parts of the population, impacting their mental and physical health. The JUSTNature project seeks to promote the right to ecological space and the importance of access to clean air and indoor/outdoor thermal comfort, as well as thriving biodiversity and ecosystems. The project aims to contribute to the design of low-carbon cities of high air quality by developing a set of typical Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in six European City Practice Laboratories (CiPeLs). It will activate co-design, co-creation and co-decision processes in relation to four dimensions of innovation: 1) effective governance, 2) maintenance and operation of NbS systems, 3) innovative business models and market design, and 4) efficient technologies and applications.
More specific objectives are:
1. To develop a set of Low Carbon | High Air Quality NbS in the CiPeLs;
2. To ensure a just transition through the acquisition of a city-specific knowledge base on low carbon | high air quality nature-building potentials;
3. To promote co-design, co-creation and co-decision of NbS interventions;
4. To strengthen the place-making capacity of a wide range of actors by defining typologies of governance capacities and possible interventions tested through the CiPeLs;
5. To activate local innovation ecosystems by launching bottom-up entrepreneurial discovery processes;
6. To assess the coherence and (cost) effectiveness of the impact of interventions by developing a life-cycle monitoring & evaluation framework;
7. To support the growth of a Low Carbon | High Air Quality NbS Community of Practice at local, European and international levels;
8. To transfer, scale up and sustain best practice through the Nature Building Cities Helix.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Key achievements up the end of August 2024 include:
Low-carbon cities offering a good life: The project seeks to shape low-carbon, high air-quality cities by identifying NbS potential based on their ability to address several environmental injustices simultaneously.
Justice and NbS: The analysis of NbS showed that environmental justice is often only considered peripherally, and the project aims to integrate justice into NbS more deeply. JUSTNature moved into the development and exploration of additional maps, e.g. those highlighting spatial convergence of noise and air pollution to identify related hot spots, as well as maps to identify areas at high risk of urban conversion, building on econometric models to determine the factors driving urban expansion.
Development of a Conceptual and Action Framework resulting into the method-kit JUSTPlanT: A comprehensive framework was developed focusing on ecological justice and introducing the "right to ecological space". It has been transformed into a methodological toolkit called JUSTPlanT, based on the development and testing of 3 sets of “tokens” (coin-like objects related to injustices, group inclusiveness, NbS categories) used in local stakeholder workshops to identify NbS activation potentials, together with inspiration cards to facilitate the collaborative strategic planning for ecological (space) justice.
Co-design and Co-creation: The City Practice Labs (CiPeLs) have facilitated collaborative design and creation processes for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) through a stakeholder-driven approach. Four rounds of Local Stakeholder Workshops (LSWs) were held in CiPeLs to co-identify NbS potentials, co-design interventions, and involve stakeholders in decision-making. Collaborative CiPeL Workshops (CCWs) shared insights across cities, refining NbS designs and governance to ensure they address local needs and are inclusive.
Stakeholder Involvement: Workshops and collaborative tools were developed for ecological justice planning and NbS co-design. The Consortium developed the overall strategy for stakeholder engagement, and the individual engagement plans were developed. Events with stakeholders aimed at confirming the effectiveness of the selected NbS and their design in addressing the burning questions and needs, identifying the value of NbS interventions, discussing the masterplan and further engaging defined communities of practice.
A life-cycle approach to monitoring and evaluating the activation of NbS: The newly developed life-cycle framework integrates environmental, social, and economic indicators to assess the effectiveness of NbS over time. Related monitoring systems have been deployed in the CiPeLs, using sensors and data platforms to collect real-time information on air quality, temperature, and other key environmental metrics. The collected data will be used to support decision-making and improve NbS implementation strategies.
Effective design and implementation of NbS: Concept designs for NbS were finalized, incorporating inputs from workshops and stakeholder engagements, and assessed for feasibility, economic viability, and ecological impact. An implementation framework was developed to guide cities in executing these designs within budget and timeline. Cross-learning activities facilitated the sharing of best practices and enhanced scalability. The project will now focus on scaling NbS interventions, improving monitoring systems, and refining co-governance frameworks.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Five key impacts are expected:
1. Increased evidence and awareness for re-naturing cities.
2. Creation of 'communities of practice' of tested, well-documented, scalable and marketable NbS.
3. Increased stakeholder and citizen ownership of solutions.
4. Improved implementation of relevant policies and programmes.
5. The creation of an EU reference framework and the establishment of EU leadership in a new global market for NbS.
By the project’s end, JUSTNature aims to co-create and implement NbS in seven City Practice Labs (CiPeLs) across Europe, serving as replicable models for addressing urban challenges like air quality and heat stress. The project also plans to deliver a comprehensive NbS governance and co-design framework, supported by predictive modelling platforms, such as digital twin technology.
The project will influence policy by establishing a European reference framework for NbS implementation and culminate in a Nature-Building Cities Helix platform to transfer knowledge and best practices.
JUSTNature will have significant socio-economic impacts, particularly improving public health by reducing heat stress and enhancing air quality. The co-governance model ensures community involvement, fostering ownership and sustainability. Additionally, it stimulates local economies by creating green jobs and business models for NbS, supported by a business model framework.
The project addresses societal challenges by integrating justice into environmental governance, ensuring access to urban green spaces, and reducing inequality. By emphasizing co-creation and citizen engagement, it strengthens societal resilience, promoting shared responsibility between local governments, citizens, and businesses. Ultimately, JUSTNature will serve as a global model for cities, demonstrating how NbS can address climate challenges while promoting fairness and inclusion, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Detail of old man hands during a local stakeholder workshop

Example of activities involving children within JUSTNature