INTERnational cooperation to restore and connect urban environments in Latin AmeriCa and Europe

Project Information

INTERLACE

Grant agreement ID: 869324

DOI

10.3030/869324

Project closed

EC signature date 22 April 2020

Start date 1 September 2020

End date 28 February 2025

Funded under

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

Total cost

€ 5 476 165,00

EU contribution

€ 5 476 165,00

Coordinated by

ECOLOGIC INSTITUT GEMEINNUTZIGE GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - INTERLACE (INTERnational cooperation to restore and connect urban environments in Latin AmeriCa and Europe)

Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Immense strain is being placed on the social-ecological systems of cities and their peripheries due to urban sprawl and the conversion of open spaces, coupled with environmental pressures such as climate change and pollution. These processes can in turn exacerbate the degradation and destruction of natural habitats, fragment ecosystems, and jeopardize ecosystem service provisioning as well as have consequences for human health and well-being, biodiversity, social cohesion and equity, and city resilience. Such challenges are particularly relevant for small and medium-sized cities (SMCs), whose administrations often lack resources and tools to address the problem of ecosystem degradation while considering the needs of all social groups and ensuring that negative effect do not disproportionately affect already vulnerable populations. At the same time, healthy (peri)urban ecosystems are critical for human well-being, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Because SMCs are home to the majority of the population in both the EU and the CELAC regions, they play a pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and broader environmental targets.

The EU-funded INTERLACE project thus set out to empower particularly small and medium sized cities in Europe and the CELAC region to restore degraded urban ecosystems through nature-based solutions (NbS). These solutions offer a powerful way to utilize nature and natural processes to address diverse environmental and social issues simultaneously while also protecting biodiversity. Together with six EU and CELAC city partners, the INTERLACE consortium aimed to achieve the following six core objectives:

1) Strengthen cooperation between European and CELAC communities on (peri)urban ecological restoration.
2) Foster participatory engagement to co-produce inclusive, cost-effective NbS guidance and tools.
3) Build on existing knowledge and good practices in both regions.
4) Increase the capacity of local governments to plan and govern urban restoration effectively.
5) Mobilise city and regional networks for sustained learning and exchange on NbS.
6) Raise awareness of the multiple benefits of healthy urban ecosystems.

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

Over four years, INTERLACE brought together six diverse EU and CELAC cities — Chemnitz, Granollers, Metropolia Krakowska, Envigado, CBIMA and Portoviejo — along with academic institutions, local networks, communications experts, and NGOs, to co-create transformative tools, governance mechanisms, and engagement processes. These efforts were grounded in mutual learning across both regions and in close cooperation with city governments, communities, and practitioners.

Throughout the project, INTERLACE produced a rich legacy of practical outcomes and collaborative models. Among its most impactful achievements was the co-creation of 19 governance instruments and a series of city-specific and transversal “impulse papers” to support the integration of NbS into urban policy and planning. A key highlight was the launch of the Urban Governance Atlas, showcasing over 250 global examples of successful NbS policy instruments — a resource now used by policymakers and researchers alike. INTERLACE also created practical tools to support cities after the project’s end, such as the Urban Nature Gateway, which offers challenge-based guidance for municipalities, and a bilingual Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on implementing restorative NbS. In Latin America, the Naturaleza Transformativa repository was developed and launched as a CELAC counterpart to OPPLA to facilitate knowledge exchange within and beyond the CELAC region.

Strong emphasis was placed on participatory engagement in the project, ensuring that diverse voices shaped the development of tools and strategies. The project’s Impact Task Force, agile development process, and collaborative "product markets" ensured that end users were central to design and implementation. A unique stakeholder engagement strategy, supported by dedicated protocols for cultural, ethical, and gender inclusion, provided a robust framework for inclusive action.

One of INTERLACE’s defining features was its ability to facilitate meaningful exchange and cross-regional learning. The “Cities Talk Nature” initiative became a vibrant community of practice, featuring over 20 global webinars, in-person events, and regional exchanges. With over 56 cities signing on, this platform created enduring links between municipalities, offering ongoing support for NbS uptake and innovation. INTERLACE’s findings and tools were widely disseminated through scientific publications, public articles, and presentations at high-profile events such as the UN CBD COP and the 5th International Seminar on NbS in Brazil. Project partners also supported policy dialogues, including the EU-LAC Policy Dialogue on NbS, and contributed to shaping new directions for urban nature in European and global strategies.

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)

INTERLACE went beyond traditional top-down project models by embedding agile workflows and inclusive co-creation at every stage. Its Impact Task Force, product “markets,” and user-driven development processes ensured that tools and guidelines were shaped by real-world needs and experience. This integrated, cross-continental, and impact-driven approach also offers a model for other projects. The INTERLACE Assessment Framework and its implementation in all six cities led to the development of tailored evaluation systems for planning, monitoring, and designing NbS. These methodologies have been captured in an open-access handbook that supports adoption globally. Furthermore, the project’s focus on social equity, gender, and cultural values in stakeholder engagement led to new protocols and reflexive learning, offering a replicable model for future EU-LAC collaborations.

Key impacts of the project include:
- Restoration and improved ecosystem health and connectivity, enhancing biodiversity, climate adaptation, and the delivery of essential services
- Strengthened community ownership, participation, and well-being through inclusive planning, outdoor learning, citizen science, and creative engagement formats
- A clearer investment and business case for NbS, supported by workshops, a series of Business Insights webinars, and a deliverable focused on policy instruments for private sector engagement
- Mainstreaming NbS in municipal and regional governance systems, backed by validated city and network-level guidance documents, and more coherent urban planning approaches that integrate ecological and social dimensions
- Improved consideration of social equity, gender and cultural issues in restorative NbS planning for increased political participation and inclusion

By fostering inclusive governance, raising awareness, and strengthening the evidence base for NbS, the project has contributed to restoring the relationship between people and nature in cities and laid the groundwork for transformative change in how cities approach restorative NbS. With platforms like Oppla, the Naturaleza Transformativa repository, and the Cities Talk Nature community, INTERLACE has established durable channels for continued knowledge exchange and policy influence. As INTERLACE ends, it leaves behind not only a suite of powerful tools and resources but also a deeply collaborative spirit and a vibrant network committed to continuing the work.

Person biking in Portoviejo Park