On October 9, 2024, the vibrant setting of the Ecomuseo Mare Memoria Viva in Palermo, a restored former locomotive depot, hosted a significant event in the realm of urban planning and public health—the euPOLIS project expert training session titled: “NBS (Soluzioni Basate sulla Natura) e resilienza dell’ambiente urbano ai cambiamenti climatici” (“NBS (Nature Based Solutions) and urban resilience to climate change”), created by the City of Palermo in collaboration with the scientific partner CDP. This initiative aligns with urgent global calls to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change through innovative and sustainable practices, particularly by implementing nature-based solutions (NBS).

The afternoon training featured a lineup of prominent experts who delved into the theoretical and practical aspects of nature-based interventions, starting with an introductory speech by Councilor Dr. Pietro Alongi and by the Head of the Environmental Policies, Environmental Redevelopment and Green Regeneration Area, Arch. Giuseppina Liuzzo.

The speeches were given by euPOLIS partners and members of the euPOLIS team in Palermo. Among them:

  • Dr. Arch. Stanislava Bošković from Imperial College London, who discussed how NBS can facilitate urban regeneration.
  • Prof. Anja Ranđelović of the University of Belgrade, sharing insights on the implementation and monitoring of NBS applying methodologies from the euPOLIS framework.
  • Prof. Nerantzia Tzortzi from Politecnico di Milano, providing examples of NBS within the municipality of Piraeus.
  • Arch. Giuseppina Liuzzo, the head of Environmental Policies and Ecological Transition in Palermo, presented regulations integrating NBS into urban planning.

Participants also had the opportunity to engage in an interactive coffee break and poster session, focusing on the current state of the Villa Turrisi park project—an exciting case study in the evolution of urban green spaces. The designers were available to citizens who asked about the Villa Turrisi project, answering questions, exchanging opinions and collecting advice. New connections were established with some of the event participants.

Feedback received on the post-its:

“A beautiful conference, whose nature-based solutions should be applied starting now in the management of greenery. Congratulations to Dr. Drago and Arch. Liuzzo.”

“ The educational idea of ​​involving future generations is beautiful. I eagerly await the invitation to local schools. Good work!”

“Has the installation of video cameras been planned to protect the park?”.

The event emphasized the philosophy of citizen participation, integral to the euPOLIS approach. Attendees were invited to provide inputs on the technical-economic feasibility project for the future Villa Turrisi park, ensuring that community voices shape the redevelopment process.

Additionally, experts like Dott. Giovanni Lupo discussed the use of web GIS tools and the publication of environmental data, respectively, to enhance the project’s impact and transparency in urban planning.

Followed other two presentations by Dr. Afroditi Mathioudaki of CDP Europe (Senior Advisor) on “Coastal environmental redevelopment projects (OCEANIDS project)” and by Dr. Marta Vescovi of CDP Europe Cities, States and Regions (Senior Manager) on “Reporting and publication of environmental data of the Municipality of Palermo”.

The training offered also included application cases to demonstrate how nature can come to our aid to improve and protect biodiversity and promote urban regeneration thanks to BLUE (water) and GREEN (plant life) solutions in urban spaces, promoting people’s well-being in terms of improving climatic, ecological and socio-economic conditions.

The event was attended by 50 people (exactly as it was intended!) plus the speakers, 35 of whom were employees of the Municipality of Palermo and other stakeholders. Four people asked to stay in touch with the Palermo team for future events or developments of the euPOLIS project.

As urban crises continue to evolve, the euPOLIS expert training is a timely intervention aimed at equipping city-planning professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement innovative, nature-based strategies in their communities. Interest in this initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable progress, and those passionate about urban development are encouraged to participate.

Palermo faces significant environmental challenges, including low air and water quality, urban heat islands, and a lack of green spaces. These issues contribute to health problems among residents, such as respiratory diseases and mental health concerns. The city’s historical architecture and dense urban fabric exacerbate these challenges by limiting natural ventilation and increasing heat retention. To address these issues, the euPOLIS project aims to enhance the health and well-being of Palermo’s residents through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Being the follower city in the euPOLIS, our Palermo team focuses on learning, adjusting and potentially  integrating natural systems into urban planning to create resilient urban ecosystems that provide both environmental and social benefits.

Key Objectives of euPOLIS in Palermo would be:

  • Improving Urban Resilience: The project seeks to regenerate urban spaces by enhancing biodiversity and environmental quality, which can mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve overall livability.
  • Promoting Public Health: By incorporating green spaces, such as parks and urban gardens, euPOLIS aims to improve air quality and provide areas for physical activity, which are essential for mental and physical health.
  • Community Engagement: A core principle of euPOLIS is active participation from local communities. The project emphasizes co-creation processes where residents’ insights and needs shape urban interventions. This participatory approach not only empowers citizens but also ensures that solutions are tailored to their specific contexts.
  • Innovative Technologies: The project employs advanced technologies for monitoring environmental conditions and assessing the impact of NBS on public health. This includes tools for data collection and analysis that support informed decision-making in urban planning.

Potential Benefits for Residents:

  • Enhanced Quality of Life: By increasing green spaces and improving air quality, residents are likely to experience better physical health outcomes, reduced stress levels, and improved mental health.
  • Social Cohesion: Creating inclusive public spaces can foster community interactions and social ties, contributing to a sense of belonging among residents.
  • Sustainable Urban Development: Implementing NBS can lead to cost-effective solutions that reduce reliance on traditional engineering approaches while providing long-term ecological benefits.

In summary, the euPOLIS project represents a strategic initiative to tackle the environmental challenges faced by Palermo while simultaneously enhancing the health and well-being of its residents through innovative, nature-based urban planning solutions.

Aleksandra Malušev & Elenia Drago