"Alone, we go faster. Together, we go further."
The European Commission (EC) aims to position the EU at the forefront of using nature-based solutions (NBS) to foster sustainability and resilience. To realize this vision, the Commission funds initiatives using nature-based solutions (NBS) to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, enhance public health, and create jobs. In February 2021, the EC adopted a EU strategy on adaptation to climate change that sets out how the EU can adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change and become climate resilient by 2050.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the Horizon Europe topic “HORIZON-MISS-2022-CLIMA-01-06: Testing and Demonstrating Transformative Solutions on Climate Resilience, Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in the Systemic Transformation.” This effort is part of the broader European Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. Nearly €140 million is allocated to seven projects, making it one of the largest investments under Horizon Europe, supporting European regions become climate resilient and prepared for extreme events.
The funded projects include:
• ARCADIA: Transformative Climate Resilience by Nature-Based Solutions in the Continental Bio-Geographical Region
• CARDIMED: Climate Adaptation and Resilience Demonstrated in the Mediterranean Region
• DesirMED: Demonstration and Mainstreaming of Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilient Transformation in the Mediterranean
• LAND4CLIMATE: Utilization of Private Land for Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in the Systemic Transformation Towards a Climate-Resilient Europe
• MountResilience: Accelerating Transformative Climate Adaptation for Higher Resilience in European Mountain Regions
• NATALIE: Accelerating and Mainstreaming Transformative Nature-Based Solutions to Enhance Resilience to Climate Change for Diverse Bio-Geographical European Regions
• NBRACER: Nature-Based Solutions for Atlantic Regional Climate Resilience
Recognizing the diverse climate risks across different regions, each project focuses on specific biogeographical areas in Europe, developing localized solutions that address unique regional challenges.
Enhancing Collaboration and Synergy
The 7 sister projects engage around 70 regions and municipalities, advancing the Mission Climate’s goal of guiding 150 regions towards climate resilience by 2030. To amplify their impact, these projects initiate exchange activities, explore synergies, and identify opportunities for joint actions.
Forming a coalition, these projects enhance their collective influence, achieving outcomes unattainable independently. This collaborative network fosters robust communication for sharing best practices, innovative ideas, and successful strategies.
The Importance of Working Together
Collaboration within the NBS4EU cluster highlights the importance of teamwork. Each project contributes unique strengths, enriching the collective effort. Sharing knowledge and resources helps tackle common challenges, advancing the EU’s sustainable and climate-resilient goals.
This coalition shows the power of networking and collective action, engaging more stakeholders, attracting funding, and influencing policy. A unified approach boosts the visibility and adoption of nature-based solutions across Europe.
The ongoing clustering efforts promote a strategic approach to mainstreaming NBS. As these projects collaborate and innovate, they demonstrate the impact of united action in addressing climate change and fostering resilience.
In summary, the coalition of EU projects dedicated to advancing nature-based solutions epitomizes the adage, "Alone, we go faster. Together, we go further." Through strengthened collaboration, effective communication, and a shared vision, these projects are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient Europe.