New Strategy for Re-Naturing Cities through Nature-Based Solutions

Project Information

URBAN GreenUP

Grant agreement ID: 730426

DOI

10.3030/730426

Project closed

EC signature date 5 May 2017

Start date 1 June 2017

End date 31 May 2023

Funded under

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

Total cost

€ 14 802 476,25

EU contribution

€ 13 970 642,25

Coordinated by

FUNDACION CARTIF
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 4 - URBAN GreenUP (New Strategy for Re-Naturing Cities through Nature-Based Solutions)

Reporting period: 2022-06-01 to 2023-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In recent decades, urbanization and climate change have led to severe environmental issues such as poor air quality, floods, and heatwaves. The URBAN GreenUP Project, funded by the EU, addresses these challenges through Renaturing Urban Planning (RUP). This innovative approach integrates city planning with nature, employing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
The project successfully applied RUP in Front-runner cities like Liverpool, Valladolid, and Izmir. Over 100 actions, including 74 NBS and 28 non-technical interventions, were implemented. Renaturing urbanization actions, like green cycle lanes and street trees, contributed to urban carbon sinks. NBS, such as noise barriers and green roofs, improved water management and air quality. Cities also engaged in non-technical activities for citizen awareness.
To achieve large-scale impact, URBAN GreenUP developed a replicable RUP methodology. Follower cities like Mantova, Ludwigsburg, QuyNhon, and Medellin adapted this methodology, forming a global network. The project contributed to a global EU-driven NBS market by defining business models and financial formulas.
The project's experience and results are documented in a comprehensive library, including deliverables, guides, and tools. A final event and a lessons-learned handbook serve as a lasting legacy for stakeholders.

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

Activities carried out by URBAN GreenUP project can be grouped as follows:
- The project partners have contributed to work on the development of a methodology for Renaturing urban Plans including (experts and cities) and that is useful for the stakeholders. Throughout the development of several outputs such as City and area diagnosis and baseline calculation procedure, NBS scenarios generation, City zoning and evaluation and scaling up guidelines experts partners, Front-runner cities and Followers have contributed to the final composition of the methodology. The final composition of the Methodology has been achieved and successfully validated with the feedback of the Followers.
- The Front-runner cities have deployed the re-naturing Plans that have performed an intensive transformation of the 3 cities. The focus on the last months of the project has been intensive in the monitorization and evaluation of their impacts.
- URBAN GreenUP has defined a methodology to help Follower cities implement local, long-term RUPs based on lesson learned by Front-runner Cities. Follower cities have successfully developed their RUPs following this methodology.
- The methodologies to evaluate the social and economic impacts of NBS have been developed, as well as the design of innovative financial mechanisms and business models to foster the implementations of NBS.
- Regarding Communication & Dissemination (C&D) plan was delivered at the beginning of the project. It presents the lines of actions followed for the project’s communication and dissemination aspects. This progress has included the Visual identity, Website and social media of the project. Partners continue working in this line, updating and performing the content of the Plan. At the end of the project, partners have set the lines to transfer the knowledge and lessons learnt beyond the project.
In total, the project has delivered a total of 58 key exploitable results, 24 of them non-commercial, 16 with commercial Marketability and 18 with both approaches.

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)

The URBAN GreenUP project has pioneered innovative approaches to enhance urban sustainability and resilience through Renaturing Urban Planning (RUP) and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Key achievements include:
- Integrated NBS into Urban Resilience Strategy: URBAN GreenUP demonstrated effective NBS integration into urban planning through RUPs, surpassing traditional approaches.
- Diverse NBS Deployment: The project applied a wide range of NBS, combining green and blue infrastructure with non-technical actions. These solutions effectively addressed urban challenges like air and water quality, heat island effects, and biodiversity.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy: A comprehensive monitoring program in Front-runner cities generated an extensive database. Data, accessible via Zenodo, is stored for at least 50 years. The analysis produced a detailed catalog of KPIs and NBS, evaluating the project's impact on cities.
- Replicability and Scalability: The RUP methodology proved replicable and scalable. Knowledge transfer to follower cities and a global network showcases its innovative impact.
- Experience and Lessons Learned: Valuable lessons from project implementation provide insights into challenges and successes, informing future urban development initiatives. Unforeseen events, such as the COVID-19 challenge, offer crucial information for future actions.
In the long term, the project leaves a lasting legacy:
- Sustainability of NBS: While the project has concluded, NBS remain, providing lasting benefits to environmental quality, public health, and community well-being.
- Growth of the Global NBS Market: Efforts to define NBS business models contribute to a global EU-driven NBS market, advancing environmental and economic sustainability.
- Socio-economic Impact: Expectations include continued positive impacts on job creation, economic activity, and residents' quality of life in project cities. The RUP methodology application in developments further extends these benefits.
- Potential impacts on socio-economic factors are substantial:
- Socio-economic Impact: Measurable during the project, with employment opportunities and economic activity growth. Continued integration of NBS into urban development is expected to increase this impact.
- Public Health and Well-being: Anticipated improvements in environmental quality, including cleaner air and green spaces, are likely to positively affect public health in the long term.
- Social Inclusion and Equity: The project contributes to ecosystem services for the entire population. Renaturalization at the urban scale enhances accessibility, and citizen participation efforts promote inclusivity.
- Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building: The project's influence on knowledge transfer and capacity building is expected to expand globally, fostering a community committed to sustainable urban development.
In conclusion, the URBAN GreenUP project has achieved significant advancements, surpassing the current state of the art. Its innovative approaches have positioned cities, experts, and businesses for a shift towards a more sustainable urban model through NBS, setting a new standard in urban sustainability.

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