Representatives from the Sustainable Development Service of the City of Sarajevo, as partners in the URWAN project, participated in the 4th project meeting held in Ptuj, Slovenia, from December 2nd to 5th, 2024. The meeting, organized by ZRS Bistra, brought together partners from across Europe to work collaboratively on advancing sustainable urban development, with a particular focus on nature-based solutions (NbS).
Through a series of training sessions, Living Lab activities, and working sessions, participants exchanged experiences and best practices in integrating NbS solutions into urban environments. As an active partner, the City of Sarajevo participated in discussions and knowledge exchange on sustainable water management, innovative approaches to greening urban spaces, and urban resilience to climate change.
The first URWAN project Living Lab, held during the three-day meetings in Ptuj, provided a platform for practical workshops and the development of strategies for applying NbS in urban areas. Participants identified key challenges in implementing these solutions, exchanging approaches to overcoming barriers and strengthening cities' resilience to climate change.
Additionally, the meeting presented concrete examples of sustainable water management approaches, such as water reuse solutions and the implementation of multifunctional green spaces. The URWAN catalog, which is part of this project, presents a collection of innovative nature-based solutions aimed at improving sustainability and the quality of life for citizens in urban environments.
The URWAN project, co-financed through the Interreg Euro-MED program, aims to enhance the resilience of urban areas to climate change, promote sustainable natural resource management, and foster the development of regenerative and inclusive communities. The project brings together partners from various European countries who work together to create sustainable, smart, and green cities of the future.
The next URWAN project meeting will be held in Cuba, Portugal, where work will continue on developing and implementing nature-based solutions within European cities.
The City of Sarajevo is committed to advancing sustainable urban development and implementing innovative solutions that contribute to environmental preservation and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Through active participation in the URWAN project, the City of Sarajevo will continue to contribute to the implementation of these solutions, further strengthening international cooperation and applying sustainable approaches to urban development.
For more about the project, read here: https://urwan.interreg-euro-med.eu/