The innovative NATALIE project was showcased at the Danube Water Forum 2024 by the Romanian partner, Business Development Group Romania. Held in Brasov, the conference attracted over 300 guests from diverse backgrounds, making it a platform for fruitful exchange of ideas.
Highlighting Urban Nature-Based Solutions
The presentation focused on the restoration of freshwater habitats in urban ecosystems, focusing on the Văcărești Natural Park in Bucharest. This urban nature reserve, the first of its kind in Romania, covers 183 hectares and is home to over 300 species of vascular plants and more than 200 species of diverse fauna. It plays a crucial role in regulating urban heatwaves in Bucharest, highlighting the ecological importance of the park.
Altered precipitation patterns and rising temperatures re leading to the reduction and drying out of the park’s wetlands, and to street flooding and urban heatwaves in the city of Bucharest.
The innovative nature-based solution presented aims to retain rainwater from wet periods for use during drier seasons. The case study aims not only to demonstrate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in urban settings, but also to highlight the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning to increase resilience against climate change.
