The JUSTNATURE project aims the activation of nature-based solutions (NbS) by ensuring a just transition to low-carbon cities, based on the principle of the right to ecological space. We a four year and a half project that started in 2021, working together with seven City Practice Labs (CiPels) and 13 organisations across Europe to discuss how to involve citizens in implementing green and sustainable spaces to achieve high air quality and low carbon neighbourhoods, as it is the right of every citizen. City Practice Labs (CiPels) constitute the backbone of the project’s activities by delivering community-engaged, co-explored and co-decided innovation to implement Nature Based Solutions to tackle down the environmental challenges in all these cities.
In the JustNature project, Each project city has the opportunity to participate in cross-learning activities with their own ‘twin city’. Through periodic workshops, twin cities participate in intensive knowledge exchange on the topic of promoting and upscaling Nature-based Solutions. The City Practice Labs (CiPeLs) will involve and collaborate with additional cities in order to engage in cross-learning activities with intradepartmental teams. While most of the project cities have been paired with their selected cities, the city of Gzira, Malta, is currently looking for its own twin city with which to exchange common challenges, barriers and experiences.
The cross-learning workshops aim to identify issues covering:
- Engagement
- Governance
- Business replication
- IT solutions
- Gender and other relevant aspects of the project
Additional bi-annual exchanges through on-line meetings will be facilitated to ensure a constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange. The cross-learning workshops and online meetings will be moderated by members of the City of Gzira who will also be responsible for producing the relevant reports and minutes. This process will enable a wide scale replication of effective Low carbon | High Air Quality NbS.