NATURELAB approach to nature-based solutions and resilient communities

Abstract

The NATURELAB project started in June 2023 and has a total of 54 months of duration. It proposes an integrative and innovative approach to contribute to resilient communities with a focus on health and care prevention. The project enhances and expands the green and blue area’s benefits – as resilience to climate change, the promotion of biodiversity and urban water management – and links all to Health and Societal Pillars. NATURELAB promotes the sustainable and safe management of water in cities (e.g., rainfall harvesting to irrigate the garden/horticulture; in situ disposal and treatment of stormwater; water reuse/irrigation with reclaimed water), increasing resilience to climate change, providing new sources of food, income, and well-being and contributing to urban resilience. The project will establish an innovative portfolio, rating and ranking nature characteristics according to their potential to contribute to the health and well-being of communities. It will also deliver guidelines for the sustainable design and management of healing gardens and horticulture and gardening spaces.