GreenScape CE: Advancing Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Cities
The European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB) is pleased to highlight the outcomes of the GreenScape CE project, a transnational initiative funded under the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme. Running from March 2023 to February 2026, the project brought together 12 project partners and 33 organisations across Central Europe to address one of the most pressing urban challenges: the increasing vulnerability of cities to climate change.
Across Central Europe, urban areas – despite their diverse geographical contexts – face remarkably similar environmental pressures. Rapid urbanisation continues to transform green spaces into grey infrastructure, intensifying:
- Urban heat island effects
- Flood risks from extreme weather events
- Air pollution and public health challenges
- Biodiversity loss
- Rising energy demand
GreenScape CE directly responds to these challenges by promoting the integration of nature-based solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure (GI) into urban planning and development.
The project focused on five urban areas particularly affected by heat stress:
- Milan Metropolitan Area (Italy)
- Ptuj (Slovenia)
- Szeged (Hungary)
- Warsaw (Poland)
- Zagreb (Croatia)
Through peer-to-peer learning, capacity building, and participatory decision-making, GreenScape CE strengthened cooperation between public authorities, experts, and local stakeholders.
Key achievements include:
- Development of 5 NBS/GI Action Plans tailored to local contexts
- Implementation of 3 pilot actions demonstrating practical solutions
- Creation of 2 Central Europe-wide strategies to support replication and policy uptake
- Strengthening multi-level governance and stakeholder engagement
As part of its commitment to disseminating and upscaling project results, EFB highlights the following core outputs developed within GreenScape CE:
- Technical Handbook for the Implementation of NBS/GI in Urban Environments
A practical guide supporting planners, municipalities, and practitioners in integrating green infrastructure into urban systems. - Handbook on Financing NBS/GI for Public Project Developers
A comprehensive resource addressing funding mechanisms, financial models, and investment strategies for nature-based projects. - Guidelines on Co-Creation of Urban NBS/GI Projects with Citizens
A participatory framework enabling inclusive planning processes and stronger community engagement.
These tools provide essential support for cities aiming to transition from grey to green infrastructure systems in a structured and scalable way.
GreenScape CE demonstrates that transnational collaboration is essential for accelerating climate resilience in urban environments. By fostering knowledge exchange and developing transferable methodologies, the project lays the groundwork for:
- Mainstreaming nature-based solutions in urban planning
- Scaling implementation beyond pilot cities
- Supporting policy learning across Central Europe
- Enhancing urban resilience, biodiversity, and quality of life
The primary beneficiaries – local governments and citizens – gain access to practical tools, improved governance frameworks, and tested solutions that contribute directly to more sustainable and inclusive cities.
Learn more about the project:
https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/greenscape-ce/