How can cities do more to foster positive human-nature relationships, in the interest of the health and well-being of their residents? To answer this question, the transdisciplinary consortium of the EU-funded GoGreenRoutes project will pioneer a unique approach to nature-based solutions by creating "Urban Well-being Labs" and cultivating nature connectedness across cities in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

The project’s inspirational approach shifts the focus of NBS co-benefits towards multidimensional health, termed 360-Health. The goal is to advance mental and physical health and well-being, flourish nature connectedness, increase environmental awareness, engage residents in pro-environmental behaviour and promote positive attitudes towards a sustainable environment.

GoGreenRoutes components focus on nature-based enterprises (GROW), sustainable physical activity (MOVE), digital, cultural (FEEL) and knowledge innovation (KNOW). The project will foster mental health and well-being by optimizing human-nature interactions for all citizens. These innovations will increase the uptake and acceptability of NBS across "Cultivating Cities" (Burgas, Lahti, Limerick, Tallinn, Umea & Versailles), "Seed Cities" (Munich, Murcia region & Malta) and a "Cross-Pollination Network" (Beijing, Mexico, & Tblisi).

Urban well-being labs based on the living lab methodology will couple participatory approaches and citizen science with Big Data analyses. To advance knowledge, best practices and dissemination, GoGreenRoutes will cluster with H2020 projects including those involving our partners (e.g. proGIreg, bluehealth2020, Connecting Nature).

In addition, linking all open-sourced data to the Oppla and NetworkNature Hubs, delivering online resources (e.g. Urban 360-Health Toolkit, MOOC’s) and empowering citizens in an iterative process of co-creation will ensure perpetuation beyond the end of the project. This novel approach, coupled with the high capacity of the consortium, makes GoGreenRoutes an exciting prospect.