Urban Nature Exchange in Paris - site visits: Two days, two perspectives - how cities can be greened inclusively and sustainably
As part of UNP+, our UNP+ cities met for a first in-person Urban Nature Exchange in Paris - an inspiring opportunity to experience first-hand how urban nature not only strengthens climate resilience, but also focuses on social and cultural issues. In two impressive site visits, it became clear that urban greenery is far more than just design - it is a tool for fairer, more liveable cities.
As part of UNP+, our UNP+ cities met for a first in-person Urban Nature Exchange in Paris - an inspiring opportunity to experience first-hand how urban nature not only strengthens climate resilience, but also focuses on social and cultural issues. In two impressive site visits, it became clear that urban greenery is far more than just design - it is a tool for fairer, more liveable cities.
Green infrastructure against social exclusion
Rue de la Chapelle in the north of Paris is an impressive example of how strategic greening in a low-income neighbourhood contributes to improving the quality of life - without displacement. Parks, community gardens and a newly designed public space around the Adidas Arena (built for Paris 2024) symbolise bold, socially just urban development. The visit inspired discussions about fair urban greening, inclusion and the prevention of gentrification.
From historic parks to high-tech eco-neighbourhoods
On the second day, the tour took us through two parks - from the charming 19th century Square des Batignolles to the forward-looking Parc Martin Luther King, a centrepiece of the Clichy-Batignolles eco-neighbourhood. This is where ecological and social urban planning met technical innovation. The park impresses with its biodiversity, urban cooling and communal design - and at the same time teaches us that not every ambitious technical solution, such as a complex water and waste system, is sustainable in the long term.
The exchange in Paris makes it clear that urban nature can overcome complex challenges - if it is conceived integratively, anchored locally and implemented courageously. Other cities can learn from these experiences in order to find their own paths to greater resilience, quality of life and social justice.
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