News

CLEVER Fellow City Belgrade has been featured in a recent study analysing the challenges that arise when trying to implement cohesive, inclusive and effective nature-based solutions (NBS). The article “Multi-Level Perspective on Sustainability Transition towards Nature-Based Solutions and Co-Creation in Urban Planning of Belgrade, Serbia" was published in Sustainability’s special issue on “Greening Cities Shaping Cities: Pinpointing Nature-Based Solutions in Cities between Shared Governance and Citizen Participation.”

The article is co-authored by Ana Mitić-Radulović, from Belgrade's Centre for Experiments in Urban Studies, and Ksenija Lalović, from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Belgrade.

In the Serbian capital, two ambitious urban development initiatives were introduced in 2020 – the planning of a new Linear Park and transforming the Avala Film Complex in the Košutnjack Urban Forest - that were studied to provide more insight regarding the use of a multi-level perspective framework for urban sustainability transitions. Researchers focused on elements of co-creation, underscoring the importance of collaboration, multi-stakeholder participation and an interdisciplinary framework for impactful urban greening strategies.

The planning process of the CLEVER Cities Linear Park was found to have successfully constructed a space for citizen engagement through the clear management of expectations, well-defined articulation of the project vision and a gradual building of trust. Not only do the authors agree that this project has the potential to serve as a model for future co-creative NBS, but they also believe that the CLEVER Cities Linear Park planning demonstrates a significant capacity to realise systemic change – the ultimate goal of any nature-based solution.

The study’s conclusions emphasise the importance of transparent and timely communication of project objectives and values in order to establish a constructive long-term relationship with stakeholders and citizens. The Linear Park project offers best practice strategies including direct communication via a variety of channels, including interviews, focus groups, and targeted discussions, and the empowerment of stakeholders to ensure a sustainable transition to ambitious NBS.

To read the full study and its conclusions, click here.