Image by Photo by Aviv Cohen on Unsplash

Perspectives on Urban Nature - A collective photo essay from our Paris Urban Nature Exchange

Paris, March 2024. As part of the Urban Nature Plans+ (UNP+) project, representatives from our UNP+ cities Barcelona, Belgrade, Burgas, Mannheim and Paris gathered for the first in-person Urban Nature Exchange (UNE) in Paris. This two-day event provided an opportunity to experience greening projects on-site, exchange insights, and learn from one another – both professionally, politically, and personally. The UNE format creates the space for exactly this: combining site visits with thematic sessions, discussions, and reflections.

Paris is a prime example of a city that sees urban nature not just as an aspect of design or infrastructure – but as a social project. Urban nature goes beyond greener spaces to playing a central role in transforming cities into spaces that promote integration and justice. In a city like Paris, where the collision of history, modernity, and social challenges is ever-present, greening is a tool for justice. It reshapes the urban landscape into a place where all residentsw, regardless of their income or background, can engage with nature and experience its benefits. As Rainer Maria Rilke once said:

"The world is not a problem to be solved, it is a mystery to be lived."

Similarly, urban nature is not just a technical challenge to be overcome, but a living, evolving process. It is an intricate part of the city that invites us to observe its transformation, grow with it, and share in its mysteries.

Two days, two neighbourhoods, many insights

The first day took participants to Rue de la Chapelle, a neighbourhood marked by social and economic challenges. Here, targeted greening demonstrates its potential not only ecologically but also socially: through the enhancement of public spaces, the fostering of community, and the enabling of participation – without displacement.

Image by Ian Whitehead

Image by Benedetta Buccolini

The area surrounding the newly built Adidas Arena has become a symbol of inclusive urban development, with parks, gardens, and smaller interventions. On-site discussions focused on fairness: Who benefits from urban greenery? How can gentrification be prevented? What role does participation play?

The second day offered a contrast: from the historic charm of Square des Batignolles to the forward-thinking Parc Martin Luther King in the Clichy-Batignolles eco-neighbourhood. Here, technological innovation meets ecological planning – though not without challenges. Not every high-tech solution proves to be sustainable in practice. The key takeaway: urban nature is a complex system that requires more than just ambition.

Image by Stefanie Henkel

Image by Adrian Cabeza

Between concrete and encounter

In addition to the insightful discussions, the UNE offered something else: the opportunity to see the city with new eyes. The range of perspectives – from local government, research, and planning, as well as from civil society – enriched every discussion. A quiet moment in a park, a conversation on the go, a spontaneous exchange between sessions – these often shape the impact of an event just as much as any formal presentation. For this reason, participants were invited to take part in a simple exercise: they were asked to capture a moment visually and verbally, following the motto: One photo. One thought. One moment.

These contributions are subjective, unfiltered, and diverse. And that is precisely what makes them so meaningful. They reflect what reports and data often miss: the mood, the feeling, the unexpected. In this sense, John Muir describes the magic of nature in a way that perfectly aligns with our experience: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” His quote reminds us that the connection to nature often evokes much more within us than what we originally sought – be it inspiration, a new perspective, or a deeper sense of connection.

Through our eyes: a collective photo essay

The following contributions showcase more personal impressions from the UNE in Paris. Each photo represents a brief thought, reflection, or question – captured between workshops and walks. Together, they form an honest, multifaceted portrayal of what urban nature can be: a place of encounter. A space for change. A beginning.