URWAN’s Second Living Lab Set to Take Place in Cuba, Portugal
The URWAN project is thrilled to announce its 2nd Living Lab, which will take place in Cuba (Alentejo region), Portugal, from Tuesday 1st July to Thursday, July 2nd, 2025, hosted by the local partner Make It Better!.
This multi-day event will bring together project partners, local stakeholders, and international guests to collaboratively explore the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in water management, urban resilience, and territorial regeneration.
After discussing barriers and problems during the first Living Labs held in Ptuj (Slovenia) last December 2024, partners and stakeholders will share and discuss in Cuba solutions on technical, governance, participation and communication levels to promote a wider implementation of NbS at urban level. The URWAN NbS Catalogue, the Start Park co-design methodology for involving citizens in the decision-making process, the technical solutions tested in the demonstration sites and the IDSS Kassandra are some examples of the solutions provided by URWAN partners to open the debate.
Bridge in Cuba (PT) Source: Visit Cuba Alentejo (www.visitcubaalentejo.pt).
Three days of collaboration, exploration, and co-creation.
The two-day Living Lab will unfold through dynamic sessions, field visits and group discussions, while the final days will be dedicated to the partnership meeting and bilateral exchanges.
Key activities include:
- Opening session and project overview.
- Presentation of URWAN findings and pilot site challenges.
- Group dynamics and thematic workshops.
- Partner meetings to address administrative, technical, and financial matters.
- Regional field visits focusing on NBS and water solutions.
- A guided tour of Cuba, exploring its cultural and natural assets.
The week will also offer valuable networking moments, such as a welcome cocktail, a sunset party by the lake, and shared meals to foster connections among participants.
A shared experience across borders
This second Living Lab builds on the success of the first, reinforcing the URWAN commitment to transnational cooperation and place-based innovation. The City of Cuba, with its rich landscape and engaged community, provides the perfect setting for this immersive experience.
Interested participants can contact the Lead partner (ANCI LAZIO project@ancilazio.it). Further information — including logistics, venues, and accommodation — will be provided in the Welcome Pack, which will be shared with all participants.
We look forward to welcoming all URWAN partners and guests to Portugal for an inspiring and fruitful Living Lab!
Register here below to join us in Cuba (mandatory)
Typical architecture in Cuba (PT) - Source: Visit Cuba Alentejo (www.visitcubaalentejo.pt).
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
30
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
