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.
