ICLEI is pleased to have convened an EU Green Week session today (3 June), featuing ICLEI Members sharing their experiences using nature-based solutions to tackle local pollution. The event gathered local experts working across Europe to share why they are certain that nature-based solutions are by far the most beneficial tool for cities to become more sustainable.
Pekka Timonen, Mayor of ICLEI Member Lahti (Finland) opened the event. Mayor Timonen reflected on how Lahti's use of nature-based solutions has, among other things, improvedsteadily improved local air quality, helped the hilly city with storm water management, and cleaned up the formerly polluter lake Vesijärvi, which is now clean enough to swim and even fish in. Mayor Timonen explained that the question "How can we help nature to help us to create more sustainable urban lifestyles?" is at the heart of Lahti’s approach.
Next, Iva Bedenko, Architect at Office of Strategic Planning at ICLEI Member Zagreb (Croatia), described their use of nature for urban renewal in post-industrial districts. She pointed out that successful nature-based solutions need to address several challenges – they need to be socially inclusive and provide economic benefits. Zagreb is doing just that, including in the context of the proGIreg project. Bedenko explained that it is crucial to involve citizens to achieve lasting solutions, and to educate them about the effects of nature-based solutions, such as pollution mitigation and improved health. Zagreb has been able to design nature-based solutions together with local associations and citizens, as highlighted by the recently opened therapeutic garden, which provides green spaces for everyone with special consideration to engaging disabled groups.
Duarte Mata, Climate & Green Infrastructure Advisor at ICLEI Member Lisbon (Portugal) echoed Bedenko’s statement, explaining how Lisbon is trying to inform citizens about nature-based solutions, as this is crucial to increase their demand and help maintain them in the long term. Lisbon is increasingly implementing urban gardens, with locals showing great interest in getting an allotment. Lisbon is also introducing green corridors in the city to help foster biodiversity and address pollution. Mata agreed that vulnerable populations need to be taken into account and prioritised when implementing solutions. Lisbon has for example, prioritised vulnerable communities as they have addressed heatwaves, which impact elderly people and those with illnesses the most. "This is where green infrastructure can truly come in and help save lives", Mata stated. He concluded his contribution with a call to action, duscussing how the time for aesthetic 'boutique' green spaces is over, and there is a need to choose solutions that are useful, productive, address pollution, and conserve resources.
The final speaker, Fabio Masi, Environmental Chemist and Managing Director of Iridra – an innovative engineering firm specialised in sustainable water management with green infrastructure and nature-based solutions – discussed water pollution. He echoed Mata, saying that there is a need for multipurpose solutions where aesthetics are not the primary consideration.
A lively discussion ensued about how to mainstream solutions. The overarching message was summed up well by Mayor Timonen: "Whatever you do in environmental projects in general – this idea for togetherness is vital – together you can do more and get further".
Bringing people on board is crucial, but can be challenging. People like nature and biodiversity as a concept, but when it comes down to not watering greens in the summer or having more bees at your picnic, then efforts are often met with resistance. To this end, Bedenko reminded participants that there is a need to involve citizens as early as possible to foster understanding.
The session clearly highlighted the enthusiasm European cities have to utilise nature-based solutions and how they are eager to gather and learn from one another. Nature-based solutions are inclusive, engage locals, produce multiple benefits, are cost-effective, and provide returns on investment – their implementation is truly a path for a more sustainable future.
Read more about ICLEI Europe’s work on nature-based solutions and biodiversity here and watch the session recording here.