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Last Week, CLEVER Cities visited Quinta do Pisão as part of a EURESFO site visit.This visit provided a firsthand look at the impressive ecological restoration activities and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in action. Quinta do Pisão, a remarkable nature park rejuvenated by the Municipality of Cascais, stands as a prime testament to the power of nature restoration and NbS, offering visitors a rich tapestry of experiences intertwined with the land's ancestral traditions through environmental education. How can we boost resilience within our communities, and what societal changes can we implement to enhance resilience? These were the main questions discussed.

In this vibrant dialogue, featuring participants from cities like Zagreb, Paris, Aarhus, Madrid, and insights from the Ecologic Institute, we could delve into the world of NbS. Doris Knoblauch, representative of the Ecologic Institute Berlin, and Luis Tejero Encinas, representative of the City of Madrid, shared some of their key findings - using inspiring examples from CLEVER Cities.

Luis Tejero Encinas emphatically underscored the imperative of seamlessly integrating nature into urban landscapes, treating them as living ecosystems. He pointed up that the biodiversity crisis must be addressed together with the climate crisis. Despite the inherent challenges of attracting attention to these issues, he emphasized that collective learning and collaborative action are the cornerstones of our success.

Doris Knoblauch's essential insights: She emphasised the importance of understanding local values when implementing NbS. It is not only about planning, but also about connecting to what is really important to the community. Doris Knoblauch also raised thought-provoking questions: How can we build public trust and ensure that these investments are given the priority they deserve in our policies? Participation is important - but at the right time, only then can projects successfully reach their goal.