News

Following our exploration of coastal and urban initiatives, this second newsbit shifts the focus to the rural and community-based Peripheral EduSystems within NBS EduWORLD. These initiatives are making a significant impact by integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into rural areas, empowering local communities to adopt sustainable practices. From agricultural education to tree planting and intergenerational learning, these projects are fostering long-term environmental stewardship and creating lasting change in rural areas, demonstrating the power of NBS to promote a sustainable future for all.

Promoting environmental stewardship in Lykovrysi-Pefki through NBS

The Municipality of Lykovrysi-Pefki is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability through active community involvement, with a strong focus on education. As part of their partnership with NBS EduWORLD, they are creating engaging educational programmes for local schools and residents, aimed at fostering environmental responsibility and stewardship. A key element of this initiative is the promotion of tree planting and intergenerational learning, encouraging citizens of all ages to participate in sustainable practices.

In 2024, the Municipality of Lykovrysi-Pefki launched a campaign to enhance Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) within both formal and informal educational frameworks. This initiative aims to broaden the scope of NBS activities while fostering collaboration across municipal departments involved in environmental and inclusion matters. To kickstart the campaign, a well-attended event was held on 21 November 2024, with 50 participants, including school representatives, teachers, students, and other key stakeholders in green infrastructure. The event successfully introduced NBS concepts to the community and highlighted the importance of sustainable development. Additionally, two promotional articles reached over 1,800 users, generating significant interest and interaction.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Municipality plans to implement three NBS interventions across different schools, with the campaign slogan "Adopt your tree" at the heart of the initiative. After the interventions, each student will be invited to adopt a tree, reinforcing the idea of long-term environmental stewardship. Through these activities, the Municipality of Lykovrysi-Pefki is working to create a lasting impact on both the local community and the environment.

Building a greener future: The Technical University of Civil Engineering leads Bucharest's NBS revolution

The Technical University of Civil Engineering in Bucharest is making significant strides in promoting sustainable urban development through its involvement in NBS EduWORLD, led by Diana Lemian. The university is dedicated to raising awareness about Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in Bucharest, with a focus on addressing the city’s unique environmental challenges. Through a range of educational activities, including workshops and resources, the university is actively engaging local communities in the transition to more sustainable urban environments.

In 2024, the university developed a comprehensive booklet designed to educate citizens on the importance of NBS. This resource, aimed at a broad audience, will be distributed both within the local community and online to ensure wide accessibility. With 400 booklets and 20 posters to be printed, the university aims to reach 3,500 people with this initiative. The activities also include a competition for children, an urban game to promote NBS in a fun and interactive way, and a workshop held in an urban community garden to foster hands-on learning and community engagement.

Looking ahead to 2025, the university plans a design competition for children, where they will use digital tools to reimagine their school surroundings incorporating NBS. Additionally, a workshop for local residents will raise awareness and encourage participation in sustainable practices. An urban game will also be organised to provide a deeper, interactive understanding of NBS and their role in creating greener cities. With these initiatives, the Technical University of Civil Engineering in Bucharest is driving positive change and fostering a deeper connection between the community and sustainable urban solutions.