Results, reflections, and future visions for Nature-based Solutions in Bolzano

On Thursday, 29 January, the final local stakeholder workshop of the JUSTNature project took place at the Representative Hall of the Municipality of Bolzano. The event brought together 31 local stakeholders, including representatives of public administrations (the Municipality of Bolzano and the Municipality of Merano), researchers from various research institutions, and actors from the private sector and the third sector.

The objectives of the meeting were manifold: on the one hand, to celebrate the results and activities developed over the years; on the other, to critically reflect on processes and impacts; and finally, to look to the future by discussing how to enhance the project’s legacy and ensure continuity of results through shared planning.

The workshop combined several interactive formats, including a series of introductory presentations outlining the project’s main results, the Nature-based Solutions implemented in Bolzano and Merano, and the stakeholder engagement process developed over recent years. These inputs were followed by a Q&A session and a poster exhibition, which provided further opportunities to explore and assess the project’s activities and outcomes.

The event concluded with discussions held in two parallel working groups, where participants exchanged perspectives and developed a range of forward-looking insights. Key messages that emerged included the need to enhance the visibility of the project’s results through broader and more accessible dissemination of data, information, and experiences, including via non-digital channels. Participants also highlighted the importance of stronger coordination and the exchange of good practices, both within public administrations and between the public and private sectors at the provincial level. Finally, the discussions underscored the value of participatory processes initiated from the early design phases, with a genuine integration of collected inputs into the implementation of interventions.

In conclusion, the workshop highlighted the value of the JUSTNature project as a moment of reflection and exchange, opening new perspectives for strengthening and ensuring continuity of Nature-based Solutions in Bolzano and South Tyrol.