Cross-fertilisation among other initiatives under the topic of nature-based solutions_v1

Abstract

This report outlines the NATURELAB project’s strategic efforts to foster cross-fertilisation with other initiatives under the theme of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), with a specific emphasis on enhancing health, well-being, and community resilience. As part of Work Package 5 - Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation, this deliverable highlights collaborations, synergies, and stakeholder awareness raising activities developed over the first 24 months of the project. NATURELAB aims to increase the visibility and integration of Nature-Based Therapies (NBT) within urban and social contexts by demonstrating their health and well-being benefits across fifteen experimental sites in Europe and Latin America. The report elaborates on the project's multidimensional approach that aligns environmental sustainability with public health through forests, urban parks, and horticultural spaces. The document details NATURELAB’s coordinated actions with key Horizon Europe projects - GreenME, RESONATE, UP2030, and OneAquaHealth - alongside broader networking via platforms like NetworkNature. These collaborations encompass joint communication strategies, shared data initiatives, event participation, and co-development of policy briefs and educational resources. A central innovation is the launch of the NATURELAB Social Innovation Hub (SIH) - an interactive platform that fosters stakeholders’ dialogue, resource sharing, and cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange. The SIH exemplifies the project’s commitment to co-creation and long-term stakeholder engagement. The report concludes with reflections on achievements to date and outlines upcoming actions, including an international workshop aimed at consolidating NBS and NBT integration strategies. These efforts are designed to reinforce NATURELAB’s legacy, promote the adoption of nature-based interventions, and catalyse systemic change at policy and practice levels.