Nature-based solutions (NbS) are widely recognized for their potential to transform urban spaces into sustainable and environmentally friendly environments. Yet open questions remain around how this can be done in practice, what role different stakeholders can play, and what key challenges and opportunities exist. These topics were explored in the science-policy symposium "Regreening Cities with Nature-based solutions in EU and China – Bridging Science, Policy, and Practice". Ecologic Institute's McKenna Davis presented insights from the INTERLACE project on a panel in the session "Enabling Transformation in Urban areas with Nature Based Solutions".

The two-day conference was organized in Brussels/online as the culmination of the EU-funded CLEARING HOUSE and REGREEN projects on 28 and 29 November 2023. Participants included experts and stakeholders exploring the topic of nature-based solutions from the science, policy, and practice perspectives. The sessions unveiled a plethora of ideas, strategies and collaborative endeavours aimed at addressing pressing challenges such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity loss and the need for opportunities to access nature for health and wellbeing. Insights underscored the valuable lessons gleaned from both academic research and through project implementation experiences on the ground.

In the session "Enabling Transformation in Urban areas with Nature Based Solutions", McKenna Davis – coordinator of the INTERLACE project – shared insights from the project and reflected on how NbS research outcomes can shape more favourable, well-informed, and tailored policies that align with local conditions. She also highlighted potential priorities for future NbS calls and funding programmes to direct resources to areas with the most significant impact and ensure the sustainable upscaling of NbS. McKenna was joined by Paola Lepori (DG Research & Innovation, European Commission), Tom Wild (University of Sheffield), Bettina Wilk (ICLEI Europe) and Ivelina Ivanova (European Schoolnet) in a lively panel discussion. During this and other sessions, the conference underscored the transformative potential of collaborative efforts, emphasising the crucial role of interdisciplinary engagement and public awareness in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for urban environments.

Explore the sessions and discussions by checking out available recordings:

• Innovations for Climate Action and EU-China Collaboration
• Re-greening Cities with Nature-based Solutions in Europe and China
• Policy, Governance & Institutional issues
• Social and Economic Values of NbS and Restoration
• Urban Living Labs: Navigating the NbS Journey through Co-Design
• Enabling Transformation in Urban Areas with NbS