Networks and cities' news

Biodivercity IAP interview #1 Sarajevo

Nature-based solutions as financially viable opportunities

Nature not only provides unbelievable benefits for our physical and mental health, but also offers cheap and aesthetic solutions to develop our cities and reshape our landscapes, enabling the long-desired paradigm shift across all areas of economic life. If we monetise the ecosystem services nature provides, they are, no doubt, far the best infrastructure. Yet, nature-based solutions receive very little funding. While the uptake of nature-based solutions also depends on cultural and psychological factors, money is obviously a core aspect. In this article, therefore, we showcase some stories from the BiodiverCity network and beyond, about nature-based solutions that proved financially viable. 

Green Vratsa – Together for a Cleaner and Greener City

Another initiative of the long-standing “Green Vratsa” campaign, organized by the Municipality of Vratsa, has taken place. Dozens of citizens, institutions, organizations, and volunteers joined forces for a common cause – to make the city cleaner, greener, and more welcoming.

The Hidden Garden: Nature, Culture and Art in Siena

The Hidden Garden (il Giardino Nascosto) is a peri-urban regeneration project led by the Siena Art Institute that aims to revitalize a previously abandoned wooded area, adjacent to the medieval walls of the italian city of Siena, in Tuscany, and located in a 'border' zone between the inner order of urban space and the spontaneity of nature outside. Unlike more traditional gardens, this is a living ecosystem that evolves over time, adapting to human presence and welcoming human experiences, in a relationship of continuous exchange. 

Composting Competition in Dunaújváros Kindergartens

The City of Dunaújváros has taken another step forward in the BiodiverCity URBACT project, as testing actions continue with the start of the new school year. Two local kindergartens have launched a compost collection competition, designed to encourage children to learn about waste reduction, recycling, and the value of natural resources in a playful and engaging way.

Celebrating urban biodiversity that provides great benefits for cities and citizens

Spring and the Summer was really loud in BiodiverCity partner cities as they organised BiodiverCity Festivals celebrating urban biodiversity. Tree plantations, guided tours, promotion of monumental trees, forest bathing, craft workshops, art exhibitions, cultural programmes and interactive activities promoting biodiversity were organised for all generations in 10 corners of Europe. Urban green areas are indeed great assets to engage residents and explain the benefits of nature (the so-called ecosystem services). However, while thousands of residents actively participate in tree plantations, which is great, fewer people are aware that most of these ecosystem services are provided by mature trees. And in many parts of Europe, they face serious challenges like never-before-seen droughts, increased pollution (traffic, dogs, humans) and neglect by public utility companies when earthworks are needed.

Read our Quarterly Network Report 6 summarising the learning journey of the BiodiverCity URBACT Action Planning Network between April and June 2025