Connecting Nature is a five year project with €12 million funding from the European Commission's Horizon 2020 Innovation Action Programme.
Three cities from across Europe have been selected to take part in the Connecting Nature project as 'Front Runner Cities'. The purpose of a front runner city is to lead on large scale nature based solution projects and share the learning with other cities which have been designated as 'fast follower cities'.
Glasgow's project has a policy focus and therefore was chosen for its uniqueness. Through the Connecting Nature project the Glasgow team is required to assist in the development and delivery of the Open Space Strategy (OSS).
The Connecting Nature team will be working collaboratively with the City Development Plan Team over the course of the project to begin to implement the 15 actions that the OSS has identified.
The aim of the project is to position Europe as a global leader in the innovation and implementation of nature-based solutions.
Some of the objectives are listed below:
For a more extensive list of the objectives please click here.
The European Commission defines nature-based solutions as solutions that are "inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience."
Nature-based solutions protect, sustainably manager and restore natural or modified ecosystems, which address challenges facing humanity (e.g. climate change, food and water security or natural disasters). At the same time nature-based solutions bestow wider benefits to human well-being and biodiversity.
For more information on nature based solutions please click here.
Some of the cities and partners involved are listed below:
Cities:
Academics:
Industry:
For a more comprehensive list of all partners please visit the official Connecting Nature website.
Over the three days in March the Innovation Summit will bring together an international audience to explore how we shift to sustainable, greener cities that deliver for their citizens using nature-based solutions. It will share the learning from the community of cities involved in Connecting Nature and introduce the innovative tools and methods being developed through the project.
The Summit will showcase exemplar projects from across Europe with a focus on Glasgow and Scotland. It will demonstrate methods being developed collaboratively by Connecting Nature partners to realise the co-benefits of nature in cities.
Join us on-line as we explore the challenges and opportunities and hear more about innovations emerging to support the design, implementation and stewardship of nature-based solutions in cities.
Hosted on a virtual platform with panel discussions, presentations, workshops and opportunities to connect with other delegates. The Programme Outline lets you see what is on offer. Further details and speakers will be added throughout February and March.
If you are interested in taking part please Pre Register here.