Upcoming UNP+ Capacity Building Programme to Strengthen Urban Nature Plans
The UNP+ project is striving to make urban nature the norm, not the exception. By working with cities, we aim to halt biodiversity loss and enhance urban ecosystems, fostering healthier and more resilient communities.
A primary goal for the UNP+ project is to develop a Capacity Building Programme (CBP) that facilitates Urban Nature Plans (UNPs) in cities across Europe in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy call for all cities over 20,000 inhabitants to do so.
The materials for the CBP will be gradually developed over March 2025 to December 2026 and build from the outcomes of the UNP+ project and existing resources. The UNP+ CBP is therefore a living programme that emerges over time.
The CBP will be available through UrbanByNature as well as integrated with the Urban Nature Platform managed by the European Commission.
Vision, target audiences and learning objectives
The overarching vision for the UNP+ CBP is to support the design and implementation of robust and ambitious UNPs in cities across Europe. The UNP+ CBP will include three key parts – a micro course (with a diversity of micro lessons), interactive webinars, and a collection of short briefs that combine into a compendium.
The target audiences are
1) Municipal staff working with UNPs, and nature-based solutions (NbS), urban nature and green infrastructure, and
2) Urban actors involved or impacted by urban nature plans. In addition, the UNP+ CBP can be relevant for
3) University students studying in fields related to UNPs.
The UNP+ CBP focuses on four core learning objectives that build on its overall vision and purpose. These include:
- Increased knowledge on NbS, urban nature and green infrastructure, and how to design, implement and maintain urban nature plans.
- Improved critical thinking on the enablers, opportunities, barriers and challenges for urban nature plans.
- Deeper understanding of key topics behind urban nature plans, including governing and policy; planning and routines; financing and collaborations; justice and well-being; and assessment and monitoring.
- Expanded ability to navigate tensions and trade-offs facing urban nature plans through a combination of competences.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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