To build resilient and sustainable cities, it is essential to understand how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can be integrated into urban planning. URWAN partners (Iridra, SVI.MED. and Medcities) visited Barcelona and Cascais, two cities that demonstrate effective governance, multidisciplinary collaboration and innovative strategies in urban nature management. Their experiences are now captured in newly published factsheets, providing accessible insights to inspire other cities.
Beyond simply showcasing best practices, these visits allowed us to explore the deeper mechanisms that drive success – how different sectors align to implement impactful solutions. Barcelona excels at integrating water-sensitive urban planning, while Cascais has pioneered wildfire prevention and landscape restoration. By sharing this knowledge, URWAN aims to stimulate dialogue and encourage others to design their own sustainability pathways.
These factsheets provide a concise overview of what caught our attention and the key lessons we took away. They serve as a resource for cities, planners and decision-makers seeking inspiration for integrating NbS into their own urban strategies.
The factsheets available here
Barcelona study visit (Spain) – URWAN study visit
Rain Garden in Barcelona (Spain) – URWAN study visit
Urban garden in Cascais (Portugal) – URWAN study visit
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