Urban Nature Plans: Cities in transition through cooperation
Urban Nature Plans (UNPs) are more than strategic documents; they are living processes that help cities integrate nature into their planning and address the challenges of climate change. During the session 'Urban Nature: From Plan to Action' at the European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns, it became clear that the successful implementation of UNPs depends on the ability to connect different actors and existing policies.
„Urban Nature Plan is more of a process than a product – a way to integrate all actions and strategies that have been developed by the City of Porto over the years and find a way to join them all together.“ – Manuel Semedo, City of Porto
Although Porto does not have a formal UNP, it demonstrates how different urban initiatives can be brought together to strengthen the city's resilience. Projects such as URBINAT, which focuses on monitoring urban watersheds, and NBRACER, which implements nature-based solutions, illustrate this integrated approach.
Barcelona is following a similar path with its Nature Plan 2030. The focus is on the creation of networked green spaces and the active involvement of citizens. Through platforms such as Decidim, city residents have the opportunity to help shape their environment. An impressive example is the transformation of Cristòbal de Moura Street into a green corridor that now serves as a community space. Mannheim shows how cross-sector cooperation can contribute to the success of the UNP. The city works closely with local businesses to implement biodiversity projects. Working with a local company to collect data on local bird species on its premises not only helps to promote biodiversity, but also raises awareness of the importance of green spaces in the city.
Long-term financing of projects was another key point of discussion. Given the scarcity of public funds and competing demands for land use, it is essential to develop innovative financing approaches. In Porto, for example, planning permission for an additional storey was linked to the creation of a public park. This model shows how public-private partnerships can help promote green infrastructure. In addition, cities such as Matosinhos and Belgrade emphasised the need for long-term strategies that go beyond political cycles. In Belgrade, it is clear that there is often not enough public land available to carry out reforestation projects. This forces the city to acquire private land, which is a long and difficult process.
Conclusion: Cooperation is the key to success
The session highlighted that urban nature plans are dynamic processes that require continuous adaptation and cooperation. The success of UNPs lies not only in planning, but also in the ability to connect local actors and develop innovative solutions. By actively involving citizens and businesses and implementing new financing models, cities are creating not only more resilient but also more liveable urban spaces.
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