Networks and cities' news

Focus on Circular Economies and Governance

The 4th meeting of the international partners within "Green Place, Let's Do It Together" network, took place in Bucharest, on June 18th and 19th. It was focused on integrated sustainable urban development strategies and emphasizing the pivotal role of circular economies in contemporary urban planning and development. This Core Network Meeting was also aimed at gathering feedback and drawing on the visiting partners’ relevant experience. The meeting was also followed by an insightful study visit on June 20th, focused on exploring the most relevant urban regeneration projects of formal industrial infrastructures in Bucharest.

Overall, these activity packed days have provided a much needed and robust platform for knowledge exchange and debate among the international project partners and local stakeholders. 

From a comprehensive blue and green infrastructure strategy to action plans supporting urban biodiversity specifically

BiodiverCity case study inspired by Limerick (Ireland)

Limerick, the Green Leaf City 

Preparing for the 2020 Green Leaf Award (the city’s commitment to better environmental outcomes was awarded by the competition aimed at cities and towns across Europe, with populations between 20,000 and 100,000 inhabitants) inspired Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) to make a Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy (GBI, 2023). It includes a range of actions to work with communities to contribute towards opportunities to conserve and enhance biodiversity and inform policy. This comprehensive GBI strategy was analysed in detail by the BiodiverCity partnership in June 2024, and they have found that a comprehensive strategy on green and blue infrastructure is key, simply because it sets the scene for several new policies targeting green infrastructure (e.g. on trees) and biodiversity. Let’s see how Limerick works in this field!  

First intergenerational BiodiverCity festival

The first intergenerational BiodiverCity festival in Poljcane was organised on 6 th June 2024 together with the local elderly association, kindergarten and primary school. The location of the festival was carefully selected; thus, it was carried out under the hayrack near the Dravinja River.

Mapping mobility: GIS for designing smarter mobility plans

The Skoufas Association: A Pillar of Cultural Heritage and Innovation in Arta

Founded in 1896, the Skoufas Association has long been a cornerstone of cultural and intellectual life in Arta and the broader Epirus region of Greece. For over a century, this venerable institution has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the area, fostering a deep sense of identity and unity among its residents. In a recent interview, Mrs. Spyridoula Chouliara, a member of the board of directors, offered an insightful look into the association’s history, its ongoing educational initiatives, and its forward-thinking efforts in digitizing and modernizing its extensive collections.

Sport Urbanism: A New Paradigm for Urban Regeneration and Sustainable, Beautiful Cities for All

Sport urbanism is emerging as a powerful concept in the transformation of our cities. This approach advocates for integrating sports into urban design as a green, inclusive solution that enhances the beauty and functionality of public spaces. Sport-based solutions doesn't just make cities more attractive; they also turn public areas into vibrant hubs that promote well-being, public health, and environmental sustainability. By placing sports at the heart of urban regeneration, we can create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and serve as collective spaces for communities, fostering social connections and improving the quality of life for all residents.