This report from the INTERLACE project examines the co-creation of governance instruments with partner cities, offering insights into the collaborative development of policies and tools that support the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS). Developed through structured exchanges with city representatives and guided by the expertise of the project task team, the report sheds light on both the challenges and practicalities of co-creating governance frameworks for urban ecosystem restoration.  

Co-Creation in Action: 19 Governance Instruments Developed 

As part of the INTERLACE project, 19 governance instruments were co-created across six cities, exceeding the initial plan of 18. Each city aimed to develop three governance instruments, but Chemnitz successfully implemented four. These instruments encompass organizational, financial, political, and legal mechanisms that structure interactions between public and private actors involved in NbS initiatives. Examples from INTERLACE cities include a regulation for pocket parks and a Green Space Design Guide, both designed to enhance urban green spaces and improve resilience.  

Lessons from Collaborative Governance  

The report systematically examines the similarities and differences in the design and co-production processes across cities in the EU and CELAC regions. It offers practical considerations for cities looking to implement collaborative governance approaches and highlights the role of project resources—such as co-creation protocols, fiches, interviews, and complementary deliverables like the Urban Governance Atlas (UGA) and city policy analyses—in shaping successful NbS governance instruments. 

In addition to outlining key takeaways from the process, the report provides essential lessons for future initiatives, helping to inform and improve governance frameworks that facilitate urban ecosystem restoration. While the primary audience for this report is the INTERLACE project team, its insights hold broader relevance for cities, policymakers, and practitioners working on sustainable urban development and participatory governance models.