Dear Readers,  

Whilst NSCiti2s focuses on Green Infrastructure (GI) for building climate resilience, GI also provides us with wide range of benefits such increased biodiversity and improved human health. The current COVID-19 outbreak, has highlighted the importance of green spaces for maintaining and improving our mental health and well-being. Many Europeans have, during the last few months, found their access to the outside world restricted. Green spaces have provided and continue to provide a refuge for many, helping us to feel connected to the natural world and stay positive during such an uncertain time.

Our City Partners are working hard to implement 7 GI pilot projects to both deliver more urban greening, and test and validate our business model framework. These projects cover different GI approaches including sustainable urban drainage systems, tree canopy cover and green roofs. Find out more about each of our project pilots in the Project Updates section. In this issue the pilots of The Hague and Bruges are put in the spotlight. Wiebke Klemm and Pepijn Knops share their experiences in delivering an innovative Urban Waterbuffer for an essential green space in the City of The Hague. And Maarten Vansteenhuyse explains how the City of Bruges is working to help rediscover the Kerkebeek River.

In the next issue we will hear more about how partners are working together to bridge the gap between academic research and the practical needs of Local Authorities. Ensuring our business model framework addresses the challenges and barriers faced by Local Authorities on a daily basis.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of the Nature Smart Cities newsletter.

- Anna Oxenham, Project Lead Nature Smart Cities