NETWORK NATURE’S ANNUAL EVENT “BUSTING MYTHS: PEOPLE WITH NATURE”
On 24 and 25 September, our colleagues Viktor Bukovszki and Derique Casio attended Network Nature’s annual event, titled “Busting Myths: People and Nature. The event was especially productive, as they represented two RDI projects focusing on nature-based solutions (NbS): JUSTNature and GreenInCities. Here’s our summary of the event.
On the first day (24 September) our team was invited to the Network Nature NbS Task Forces Cluster Meeting at the Royal Flemish Theatre in Brussels. The day started with an opening session of a conversation between different Task Force leaders and the present representatives of NbS Hubs (country specific organisations that connect experts with local practitioners). Then a plenary session was held to discuss partnership and standardisation issues with some activities on collaboration within the group. During the event we had the opportunity to meet our partners from both projects, JUSTNature and GreenInCities.
During the afternoon session, the Network Nature Lab concept was presented and the Networking Tables began. The idea leaders discussed their proposals with the Task Force members in a closed session. Previously, three ideas had been accepted by ABUD as part of the Network Nature Lab process, two of which had the opportunity to be presented in person at the meeting:
Networking table 1 – Publications and methodologies on NbS co-creation and co-governance
- Handbook on NbS (co-) governance – Viktor Bukovszki, TF6, JUSTNature, GreenInCities
Networking Table 9 – Citizen Science for NbS
- Open Tool for Urban Ecosystem Valuation through Citizen Science – Derique Mikhail Casio, TF3, JUSTNature
Each Idea Leader presented their concept, followed by a discussion rich in insights and practical advice. The group provided feedback, challenging and refining the ideas, which were mostly in early stages. Afterward, task forces met to share progress, and networking tables allowed for further idea development with task force members.
On the second day (25 September), our colleagues took part in Network Nature’s annual event, titled “Busting Myths: People or with nature”, in the Theatre National de Wallonie of Brussels. The very enlightening event focused on debunking the myths surrounding ecosystem management, restoration and the vital link between people and nature.
On the second day (25 September), our colleagues took part in Network Nature’s annual event entitled “Busting myths: Man or Nature” at the Theatre National de Wallonie in Brussels. The very enlightening event focused on debunking the myths surrounding ecosystem management, restoration and the vital link between people and nature.
The main message of the event was that nature restoration is not a luxury, but a necessity and an opportunity that brings many benefits, including economic ones. As expressed by the panel, nature-based solutions (NbS) have the potential to identify, capture and build on the synergistic relationships between nature and people.
The morning discussions explored various NbS myths, ranging from forest and wetland restoration to soil health, biodiversity and the paradox of green gentrification. It was an interesting and exemplary session, with speakers either directly involved in European nature-based solutions projects or offering NbS business or organisational models as their practice.
In addition, during the breaks, participants were able to view posters of best practice examples from EU-funded RDI projects and learn about the Green In Cities project, which was presented by our colleagues and other consortium members. Green in Cities is a project under the umbrella of the EU Cities Mission that aims to fuse data-driven innovation with neuroscience to co-create a sustainable future for humans and animals alike. The project aims to develop and test cutting-edge methods for urban planning, focusing on climate mitigation, adaptation and innovative ‘greening’ solutions.
The two days of events were packed with thought-provoking discussions, informative myth-busting panels and opportunities for networking and collaboration to promote the case for NbS and focus on the importance of their uptake in addressing global challenges. We are extremely grateful to NetworkNature EU and all participants for such an inspiring and productive meeting!
