Connecting Nature (2017-2022)

Connecting Nature was a €12m 5 year innovation action focussed on the large scale implementation of nature-based solutions in cities using an open innovation approach - the Connecting Nature Framework. Connecting Nature has had a major impact on our partner cities with nature-based solutions now embedded in the climate action and adaptation plans of most cities. The Connecting Nature framework to guide cities in the planning, delivery and stewardship of nature-based solutions has led to national awards, leveraged new funding for NBS and introduced cities to many other international support networks. For example, the Urban Gardens network developed by the city of A Coruña using the Connecting Nature Framework has received a national award for excellence in NBS. The city of Nicosia successfully applied the information gathered through their Connecting Nature process to secure €8m in funding for their NBS exemplar, with Ioannina also securing €10m for scaling up of NBS in their city.

Five Connecting Nature cities (Ioannina, Thessaloniki (Pavlos Melas), Bologna, Sarajevo and Glasgow) were selected to participate in EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. The Mayors of three Connecting Nature cities (Burgas, A Coruna and Malaga) are signatories of the Green City Accord and three cities are signatories to CitiesWithNature (Burgas, Malaga, Glasgow).