Networks and cities' news

BiodiverCity Project hosts final IAP conference in Veszprém, Showcasing nature-based urban development

Veszprém hosted the final Integrated Action Plan (IAP) conference of the URBACT IV BiodiverCity project on 18 November 2025, bringing together around fifty participants from local government, academia, civil society and professional organisations. The event provided a comprehensive overview of the city’s ongoing transition from traditional urban planning towards an ecological, nature-based approach to development, reflecting the core mission of BiodiverCity.

The conference was opened by Áron Kovács, municipal councillor and Sustainability Commissioner, followed by a welcome address from Dr Endre Domokos of the University of Pannonia. In the keynote lecture, behavioural ecologist Prof. András Liker presented the latest insights from urban biodiversity research and highlighted the role of ecological evidence in maintaining resilient green spaces

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the newly published booklet “Welcome to the Biodiversity Office”, our Network Result Product, accompanied by strong representation from the lead partner and several members of the URBACT Local Group.

Residents of the Future PODCAST - Welcome to Saint-Quentin

In the latest episode of the Residence of the Future podcast, Saint-Quentin in northern France emerges as a clear example of how a medium-sized industrial city can respond to long-term depopulation while maintaining – and even improving – quality of life. Through the voices of Barbara Domont, member of the URBACT Local Group, and Nicolas Gibbe from the city administration, the episode traces a trajectory from industrial decline to cautious but concrete renewal.

"Grad od riječi" Festival - Testing Action Implemented in Dubrovnik!

As part of the literary and cultural festival “Grad od riječi” (“City of word/s”), held in Dubrovnik from 2 to 4 October in the creative space of ex-factory TUP Gruž, the Dubrovnik Development Agency (DURA) implemented a testing action within the RECUP project.

WELDI Journal Number 6 (11-2025)

Eating the innovation elephant

How do cities transfer large complex urban innovations? The answer is the same as the response to an old joke: How do you eat an elephant? Answer - one bite at a time!

A Rain Garden for Veszprém – BiodiverCity’s Latest Test Action Completed

Co-created with the Local Group

The test action was carried out with the active involvement of the URBACT Local Group (ULG). Members contributed through joint planning, site visits and hands-on support. The activity will conclude with a community planting event, giving residents the opportunity to help establish the rain garden’s vegetation themselves. This not only enhances long-term sustainability but also deepens local engagement.

Visibility and Local Interest 

The initiative has attracted considerable attention in the city. A film crew from Veszprém TV visited the site and produced a report on the creation and purpose of the rain garden. This media coverage helps raise awareness of how BiodiverCity promotes nature-based solutions and strengthens urban resilience in practice.