Nature-based placemaking in high-density cities : learning outcomes arising from the ReCreate project

Abstract

Now is the time to accelerate progress towards green and climateneutral cities. This need is already recognised by policies and plans, such as the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and the recently proposed EU Nature Restoration Law which is calling for no net loss of urban green space by 2030 and an increase in total area covered by urban space by 2040 and 2050, and by citizens across the globe. Nature is a source of inspiration, education and scientific knowledge, but also a means to climate adaptation and urban quality improvement for more liveable cities. Yet, recent literature has shown how access to nature is, often, not equitably shared within communities and is driven by demographic and socio-economic conditions, such as population density and according to areas of advantage and disadvantage. At the same time, nature-based interventions which aim to improve the quality of urban areas, are in many cases not accompanied by significant engagement and empowerment of communities and are rarely followed upon through comprehensive monitoring and assessment of arising benefits, and their distribution within communities. [Excerpt from the Foreword by Dr. Mario V. Balzan]