Naturescapes Collaboratory: Meeting #7

(Un)Learning as we go: Lessons from Nature-based solutions mainstreaming in Africa and beyond

Integrating NbS into mainstream practices is important for the long-term success of sustainability initiatives. The Urban Natural Assets (UNA) and INTERACT-Bio (Integrated Action on Biodiversity) are two large urban projects in Africa led by ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) that focus on integrating NbS into the core actions of local governments. As these projects come to a close, this session will reflect on some of the key lessons learned about mainstreaming NbS, especially within their main themes of justice, human rights and transformative knowledge and action in urban spaces.

With presentations from ICLEI followed by a short panel session, the goal of this Collaboratory is to bring into conversation a range perspectives on mainstreaming NbS to foster dialogue, support, and learning across developing and developed contexts.

This session will be hosted in collaboration with Bongiwe Simka and Dr Ernita van Wyk from ICLEI, whose work focuses on sustainability, social justice, and the mainstreaming of nature-based benefits in urban environments through planning and implementation. We will also be joined by a panel of 3 experts (TBD soon!) who will discuss current and future conceptual and practical frontiers when it comes to mainstreaming NbS in government actions.

As always, we want the Collaboratory to be a space for shared learning and collaboration amongst the Naturescapes network(www.naturescapes-project.com). If you have any questions, please reach out to JJ Blackwatters at j.e.blackwatters@uu.nl.

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What is NATURESCAPES?

The focus of the NATURESCAPES project is nature-based solutions from a landscape perspective. We are exploring how this is happening and adding up on the ground, and what it means for nature and society.

Can we work with multiple nature-based solutions to create outcomes that address long-standing socio-economic challenges, enhance biodiversity and respond to climate change? Or do we face trade-offs between different places, people and outcomes?

Working in a transdisciplinary consortium involving universities, consultants and NGOs, we hope to identify how new kinds of NATURESCAPES can generate transformative change for the future.