On 26 and 27 June 2024, policymakers, researchers, and environmental experts gathered in Brussels for the kick-off conference of the EU-LAC Policy Dialogue on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). Organized by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, the high level-event aimed to foster collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) regions on NbS. Over 100 participants from 28 countries attended, including 15 from Latin America and 13 from Europe, representing a diverse range of stakeholders such as regional and international organizations, public authorities, diplomatic representatives, research intuitions and funding agencies.

Importance of EU-LAC Collaboration in Climate Action and Current Trends and Research on NbS

The conference began with opening remarks emphasizing the importance of EU-LAC collaboration in climate action. Keynote sessions provided insights into the state of NbS in the EU and LAC regions, focusing on research, implementation, and current trends. Presentations showcased various NbS projects and initiatives, covering urban governance solutions, collaborative projects, repositories for NbS initiatives, sustainable city platforms, and innovation observatories. These sessions highlighted the critical role of cross-continental collaboration in advancing NbS and addressing environmental and societal challenges.

Successful NbS Projects: Urban Governance and Collaborative Initiatives

On Day one, key discussions included the objectives and significance of the EU-LAC policy dialogue, as well as in-depth presentations on the state of NbS in the EU and LAC regions. The afternoon sessions featured a series of presentations, including the INTERLACE project coordinated by Ecologic Institute's McKenna Davis as well as the CONEXUS project, the CELAC NbS Repository being developed within the INTERLACE project, the Urban Transitions Mission, the Nature-Based Solutions Accelerator in Cities, and the Sustainable Cities Knowledge Platform. These presentations provided a comprehensive overview of current initiatives and set the stage for further discussions on international collaboration and good practices.

Implementing NbS in Urban Environments

On day two, participants visited Neerpede Park in Anderlecht to explore the integration of green spaces in urban and rural environments. This was followed by a brainstorming session at Place de Brouckère in Brussels, focusing on implementing NbS in urban settings. The afternoon featured expert panel discussions on various ecosystems (including urban environments as well as coastal and marine ecosystems), agriculture and forestry, water management, and societal challenges. These sessions highlighted challenges, gaps, experiences, practices, and opportunities across different sectors.

Facilitating Future Collaboration and Key Outcomes

Ecologic Institute supported both the planning and implementation of the event. Natalia Burgos Cuevas and McKenna Davis moderated key discussions on collaboration opportunities and pathways on day two. Their leadership facilitated a comprehensive exploration of potential synergies and priority themes for EU-LAC collaboration in NbS, steering the conversations towards actionable outcomes. The discussions led to the identification of key areas for future EU-LAC collaboration, with a focus on enhancing technical skills, devising innovative financing mechanisms, and improving governance frameworks. The event underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to scale up NbS to address environmental and societal needs effectively.