CiPeLs are collaborating in the 2nd round of Cross-Learning Workshops on NbS between the Twinning Cities

The CiPeLs from the JUSTNature project started their second round of Cross-Learning Workshops (CLWs) to exchange knowledge between the twinning cities. This initiative brings the CiPeLs together with the partner cities external to the project to share best practices and innovative strategies for promoting and upscaling nature-based solutions (NbS). Participating cities are learning from each other's experiences with NbS on topics such as citizen engagement, governance, business replication IT solutions and gender inclusivity.

The first CLWs round was highly successful, strengthening ties and trust between the participating twinning cities. The second-round builds on this foundation, focusing on more advanced topics like procurement, Nature-Building Communities, engaging stakeholders, citizen awareness and ownership, air quality and traffic sensors, and co-governance. Leuven, Szombathely and Chania have already reported the results of their encounters, and share some of their highlights here.

Leuven’s network has grown beyond the project. The CLWs have become an opportunity for co-learning, integrating not only Antwerp but seven other Belgian cities such as Gent, Hasselt, Mechelen, Kortrijk, Genk, Brugges and Brussels, all struggling with the same issues but willing to share and learn from each other saving a lot of time and efforts. Their first CLW took place in person and was dedicated to the topic of how to create climate-robust public space in an inclusive way; their second CLW was a 2 hours online session focussed on how to achieve NbS greener and bigger their maintenance challenges and to involve other parties in the process.

On the other hand, Szombathely not only shared the progress of their NbS but, based on Leuven’s experience with the indoor traffic sensors, the municipality of Szombathely decided to acquire these devices for their own weather and air quality data monitoring, and Sisak became very interested in implementing the initiative. Moreover, they plan to have their first face-to-face CLW in the last week of August 2024 during the SAVARIA HISTORICAL CARNIVAL. This unique festivity in Szombathely evokes the spirit of Pannonia’s ancient past. The event commemorates the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Finally, Chania not only shared the progress of their NbS, explaining how they are starting the construction of the green wall in Kydon but also discussed in detail the co-governance dimensions in their NbS. Using the material provided by WP7, they explained the specific meanings for Kydon, their objectives and results they want to achieve, and how this can help them maintain their NbS.

This initiative underscores the growing recognition of NbS as an essential tool for creating resilient, livable cities in the face of global environmental challenges. The outcomes of these Cross-Learning activities are expected to stimulate engagement and implementation processes and inspire further collaboration between European cities.