The Conference "Reimagining Urban Spaces: Nature-Based Solutions for Inclusive Transformations in Europe and Latin America," took place in Granollers, Spain on 2 and 3 October 2024. This two-day event brought together nearly 100 experts, policymakers, and city representatives to share insights and achievements from the four-year INTERLACE project led by Ecologic Institute.

Opening Session: Setting the Stage for Nature-Based Solutions

The conference offered a diverse set of sessions, including keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, featuring diverse speakers from Latin America, Europe and beyond. The opening session set the tone for the conference, beginning with Alba Barnusell, Mayoress of Granollers, who welcomed participants on behalf of the host city. She shared how the city has benefited from its involvement in the INTERLACE project and emphasized the importance of such initiatives for promoting urban action on NbS. McKenna Davis, project coordinator from Ecologic Institute, followed by highlighting the collaborative spirit of the project, emphasizing the community-driven nature of INTERLACE, and the hope for fostering new partnerships throughout the conference.

Keynotes and Panel Discussions: Insights from Global Experts

Charles Karangwa, Global Head of Nature-based Solutions at IUCN, delivered a keynote on the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in creating resilient urban environments, emphasizing the need to integrate NbS into urban planning to improve health, reduce disaster risks, and combat climate change. Ecologic Institute's Doris Knoblauch shared practical insights from INTERLACE’s project work into using governance strategies to promote NbS, providing attendees with actionable ideas for navigating complex urban challenges. Sandra Naumann, Berlin's Chief Biodiversity Officer, discussed the importance of city leadership in biodiversity protection.

Workshops: Tackling Urban Challenges with NbS

The event's eight workshop sessions focused on crucial topics such as fostering just co-creation processes, using monitoring and assessment tools to foster greater uptake of NbS and incentivizing private sector provision of NbS. A session led by Natalia Burgos and Ewa Iwaszuk (Ecologic Institute) and Martina von Lierop and Stephan Pauleit (Technical University of Munich) titled "Adaptive Governance for Urban Nature: Lessons from Europe and Latin America" explored strategies for effective governance of urban nature-based solutions (NbS), integrating lessons from the INTERLACE and CONEXUS projects. Participants learned about adaptive governance, the role of monitoring, and how successful policy instruments can be co-created to balance ecological protection with societal benefits. A hands-on exercise allowed participants to work through real-world scenarios, designing policy frameworks and addressing challenges to their implementation using adaptive and collaborative approaches.

Open Mic: Innovative Projects in the Spotlight

The Open Mic session was a highlight of the conference, featuring ten participants presenting their projects accompanied by a live jazz duo. Attendees voted for the top contributions, with "Guardians of the River San Pedro" by Maribel Pasquel from Colectivo Rescate del Río San Pedro, winning first place, recognizing impactful work in urban water ecosystem protection in Quito, Ecuador.

Day Two: Building Collaborations and Scaling Up NbS

Day two of the conference opened with a session focusing on fostering collaboration for nature-based solutions at various scales. Speakers discussed the importance of regional cooperation, global city networks, and effective stakeholder engagement to promote urban nature initiatives. The session highlighted how different actors, from scientists to municipalities, can work together to advance NbS, underscoring the vital role of cross-sector and cross-regional collaboration in building resilient urban ecosystems.

Closing Session: Key Recommendations for the Future

The closing session titled "Looking Ahead: Key Recommendations and Next Steps for the NbS Community" started with remarks from Laura Palomo Rios from European Commission, followed by an interview session with McKenna Davis from Ecologic Institute, Xavier Romero from the Municipality of Granollers and Ellen van Bueren, a professor at TU Delft. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum gained through the INTERLACE project, ensuring that its outcomes continue to influence urban planning and ecosystem restoration initiatives. Recommendations were made on scaling up NbS implementation, improving stakeholder engagement, and continuing cross-regional collaborations beyond the project's lifespan.

Study Tour: Exploring NbS in Practice

The conference concluded with a study tour that featured a visit to the Congost River restoration project in Granollers, highlighting efforts to enhance the river's ecological health and urban integration. Participants also explored socio-ecological projects in the rural area of Palou, showcasing initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and strengthening the connection between urban and rural ecosystems. The tour provided participants with firsthand insights into practical applications of nature-based solutions within both urban and rural settings.

Conclusion: A Platform for Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

Overall, the INTERLACE Final Conference succeeded in creating a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and fostering new collaborations between Europe and Latin America. The event left participants with a clear vision of the next steps needed to advance the urban NbS agenda and a renewed commitment to creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities. The conference was planned and produced by Ewa Iwaszuk and Benedict Bueb, Ecologic Institute.