Thematic Seminar: Nurturing Nature for Sustainable Cities and Regions

This Thematic Seminar, Nurturing Nature for Sustainable Cities and Regions - Implementing the Nature Directives in Cities and Regions: Nature-Based Solutions for Key Urban Challenges, aims to look into innovative solutions which help implementing the Nature Directives when addressing pressing urban and regional challenges, such as flood protection, well-being and health, and the protection of our natural capital for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.  How can Nature-based Solutions in cities and in the peri-urban areas deliver on recreation and wellbeing of the citizen, whilst enhancing the quality of the 18% of Natura 2000 areas which are located in urban areas? At the same time, the European Commission aims to gather information on the regions' R&I needs and on obstacles which may be hindering them from investing in nature-based solutions. The Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) is a concept jointly developed by the European Committee of the Regions and DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission. It is aimed at presenting new R&I solutions, innovative products and best practices in response to societal challenges facing the regions and cities of Europe. In 2018, the KEP will address the themes of Innovating cities with nature & Nature-based solutions and Cultural heritage. Please find the draft agenda attached. You can also visit the event page on the website of the European Committee of the Regions and registister here. This event is organised by the European Committee of the Regions and DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission with the support of ERRIN and ICLEI.