Inclusive Participatory Process for Urban Ecosystem Restoration

Guidance on Gender, Cultural, and Ethics-related Considerations

Publication: Document
Citation: Øian H., Martinez G., Salmon N., Yepez G. (2021). Inclusive participatory process for urban ecosystem restoration - Guidance on gender, cultural, and ethics-related considerations. Interim report. Deliverable 1.6. INTERLACE Project.

The "Guidance on Gender, Cultural, and Ethical Considerations (D1.6)" serves as a key resource for project partners and stakeholders engaged in nature-based solutions and urban regeneration efforts. It provides practical guidance on fostering inclusive, transparent, and fair participation while integrating gender, cultural, and ethical considerations throughout project activities.

A commitment to equity, diversity, and ethical integrity

In addition to outlining fundamental principles, the guidance includes clear, actionable recommendations and a set of measurable indicators to help assess and monitor these critical aspects. This ensures that INTERLACE remains committed to equity, diversity, and ethical integrity in its approach. By embedding these considerations into project implementation, we aim to create more inclusive, sustainable, and socially just solutions for cities and communities.

The guidance was published as part of the INTERLACE project, coordinated by Ecologic Institute. It is available in both English and Spanish.

The guidance provides practical recommendations and measurable indicators to ensure inclusive, transparent, and ethical stakeholder participation by integrating gender, cultural, and ethical considerations into project activities.

Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Policy and Planning

Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities

Year 2024

Publication:Document

The Transversal City Impulse Paper (D2.5) presents nine key findings derived from research and insights gained through the experiences of INTERLACE partner cities. This brief serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, decision-makers, and administrative staff, offering guidance on enhancing policy coherence in urban ecosystem restoration, rehabilitation, and green space planning.

Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Policy and Planning: Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities

Impulse Paper

Year 2024

Publication:Article

The INTERLACE project, funded by Horizon 2020, exemplifies innovative transdisciplinary approaches to tackling urban challenges through nature-based solutions (NBS). By fostering stakeholder engagement, developing practical tools, and supporting ecosystem restoration, the project empowers cities across Europe and Latin America to implement sustainable NBS. McKenna Davis and Benedict Buebfrom Ecologic Institute provided key insights into the project's progress and outcomes.

Nature-based Solutions to Urban Challenges

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Der Bericht "Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities" (dt.: Erkenntnisse und Lektionen aus den INTERLACE-Städten), fasst die Erfahrungen der sieben Partnerstädte in Europa und Lateinamerika zusammen. Er richtet sich an politische Entscheidungsträger:innen und Stadtplaner:innen, die naturbasierte Lösungen (NbS) systematisch in ihre städtischen Planungs- und Governance-Strukturen einbinden möchten. Dabei betont die Publikation die Bedeutung inklusiver Beteiligungsprozesse sowie den Einsatz moderner Daten- und Finanzierungsinstrumente, um NbS auf eine breitere Ebene zu skalieren.

Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Policy and Planning

Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities

Year 2024

Publication:Report

The report ‘From Ideas to Action’ presents the strategy papers of the seven INTERLACE partner cities, which were developed in close cooperation with local stakeholders in Europe and Latin America. These papers highlight tailor-made strategies for nature-based solutions (NbS), including the revitalisation of urban parks in Chemnitz and the development of a search engine for green infrastructure projects in Kraków. The aim is to effectively address the unique challenges of each city, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality.

From Ideas to Action

INTERLACE impulses for successfully implementing NbS in cities

Year 2024

Presentation:Speech

On 25 and 26 September 2024, McKenna Davis and Natalia Burgos of Ecologic Institute contributed to two landmark nature-based solutions (NbS) events in Brussels, focusing on advancing NbS through collaborative efforts.

Ecologic Team Active at the Network Nature Annual Events in Brussels

25 - 26 September 2024
McKenna Davis

Event:Digital Event

Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges, including urban sprawl, pollution, and the increasing impacts of climate change. To help address these pressing issues, the INTERLACE project is pleased to announce the launch of a new, free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled: "Nature-based solutions: How nature restoration can make more livable, biodiverse, and climate resilient neighbourhoods". The course was introduced in a launch webinar on 8 October 2024.

Creating More Livable, Biodiverse and Climate Resilient Cities with Nature-based Solutions

MOOC Launch Event

8 October 2024
online

Publication:Web Application

Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges – pollution, climate change, urban sprawl – and traditional solutions are falling short. Join the Interlace project's free online course to discover how nature-based solutions offer a promising approach to help create resilient, sustainable cities.

Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change

MOOC

Year 2024

Publication:Article

Nature-based solutions (NbS) hold immense potential to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss – but how can ambitious goals finally be translated into action? This article provides valuable insights into 250 practical policy instruments from 41 countries that successfully promote NbS. For the first time, a systematic evaluation of good practice examples is presented, aimed at helping cities and communities implement NbS effectively. From innovative approaches to long-term sustainable solutions, the authors highlight how policy design around NbS can be optimized globally. The article provides concrete recommendations and inspiring success stories to advance the implementation of NbS in your region!

Transforming Ambition into Action to Catalyse Nature-based Solutions

Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments

Year 2024

Languages: Spanish

English
Authorship: Dr. Grit Martinez

Hogne Øian (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research)

Nicolas Salmon (YES Innovation)

Grace Yepez (YES Innovation)

Liesa Lammens (INBO-Instituut Natuur-en Bosonderzoek)
Funding: European Commission, Directorate-General Research & Innovation (DG Research & Innovation), International
Year: 2021
Dimension: 55 pp.
Project: International Cooperation to Restore and Connect Urban Environments in Latin America and Europe (INTERLACE)
Project ID: 33001
Table of contents: Click to show full table of contents

Executive Summary
Introduction
INTERLACE TASKS WHERE CULTURAL GENDER AND ETHICS CONSIDERATIONS ARE RELEVANT
Theoretical background and relevant concepts for awareness
PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH
ETHICS AND JUSTICE IN PARTICIPATORY NBS RESEARCH
Social hierarchies
Principles of equity inclusion and justice
CONFLICTS WITH RESEARCH PARTNERS
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL DIFFERENCE IN PARTICIPATORY NBS RESEARCH
DIFFERENCES IN HOW NATURE AND NBS ARE PERCEIVED VALUED AND BENEFITED FROM
INEQUALITY AND POWER FORMAL AND INFORMAL
Uneven distribution of urban nature
INTERSECTIONALITY
Intersectionality and perceptions of nature
GENDER AND SEXUALITY
Gender and nature environments
Gender in Latin America
Gender in Europe
LGBTQ+
AGE GROUPS
DISABLED PERSONS
ETHNIC GROUPS
Afro-descendants
Ethnic conflicts and violence
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Indigenous People and the nation-state
Indigenous people nature and ecosystems
Urban indigenous people in Latin America
PEOPLE WITH A MIGRATION BACKGROUND IN EUROPE AND LATIN AMERICA
Labour participation and education
Gender inequalities
Individuals groups with a migration background and urban nature
Nicaraguan migrants and refugees in Costa Rica
RACIAL ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION
Recommendations on methods for diversity inclusiveness opportunities and challenges
Representativity
Trust
Interviews focus groups and surveys
Workshops
Communication information channels knowledge
Monitoring
Tools for an inclusive participatory process
Indicators
Abbreviations
References
Keywords: Adaptation

Biodiversity

Cities

International Development

Nature-based Solutions and Green Infrastructure

inclusive participation, stakeholder engagement, ethical considerations, gender inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, transparent decision-making, diversity and inclusion, equitable project management, social equity, ethical project implementation, monitoring indicators, best practices, inclusive governance, gender equity, cultural awareness, fairness in projects, sustainable development, ethical guidelines, participatory approaches, community engagement, Nature-based solutions, NBS, International Development, cities, urban restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, urban ecosystem restoration, sustainable urban development, co-production of knowledge, ecosystem services

Latin America, Europe, Granollers, Spain, Envigado, Colombia, Portoviejo, Ecuador, Chemnitz, Germany, Metropolia Krakowska, Poland, Corredor Biológico Interurbano Río María Aguilar-San José, Costa Rica

Participatory research, co-creation and collaborative knowledge production, inclusion of local knowledge and values, qualitative research methods, interviews, focus groups, surveys, workshops, justice-oriented approaches, distributive justice, procedural justice, recognitional justice, trust building, communication strategies, engaging knowledge brokers and local leaders, transparent communication, mobile technologies and digital platforms, diversity-inclusive monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder interest mapping, conflict mapping, self-assessment, continuous adaptation, tools for inclusive participation, initial surveys on cultural perceptions, social description mapping, interrelationship mapping, urban socio-environmental diagnosis.

Further Links

ProjectHorizon 2020International Cooperation to Restore and Connect Urban Environments in Latin America and Europe (INTERLACE)

Photo: Ewa Iwaszuk

Cities and their peripheries are constantly confronted with challenges such as urban sprawl, climate change and pollution. These processes can exacerbate the degradation of natural ecosystems, and jeopardize ecosystem service provisioning with negative consequences for... Read more

International Cooperation to Restore and Connect Urban Environments in Latin America and Europe (INTERLACE)

Duration: Sep 2020 - Feb 2025
Funding: European Commission, Directorate-General Research & Innovation (DG Research & Innovation), International