The 2nd Cross-Learning Workshop in Chania

On June 3rd 2024, representatives of the Municipality of Chania and Kydon SA organised the 2nd Cross-Learning Workshop with the Twin City Engomy (Cyprus). The meeting took place online and counted with the presence of Ms. Vasiliki Vassiliou (Gardens and Greenery Operator, Municipality of Engomi).

Chania representatives led the workshop by first providing updates on the main activities carried out in the CiPeL since the first CLW: from the Green Wall and Green Roof to the installation of sensors in the municipal parking building of Kydon SA. The overview included news on the definition of the concept design, development of technical studies and public tender documentation. The main challenges faced throughout the process were addressed, and the plans for the coming months were also presented, together with the main strategies to overcome the encountered challenges.

A key highlight of the meeting was the exchange between the Twinning Cities on what key results could best be exploited and replicated, learning from Chania's experience in the JUSTNature project. Among them, the co-design process and engagement of stakeholders were of particular interest. The installation of sensors and future gathering of data was also discussed as a key exploitable result.

Additionally, the JUSTNature local team presented the project's co-governance model for Nature-based Solutions, sharing the JUSTNature how-to-guide on Assessing Co-Governance of NbS with the colleagues from Engomi, and introducing the assessment protocol for co-governance in NbS and the concept of Nature-building Communities (NbC). The meeting was also the occasion to discuss an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach, and the integration of the notion of ecological justice into NbS projects.

The meeting concluded with an outline of future steps.