Sessions 2025 - TerraEnVision

Sessions

AN1: Soil and water conservation for sustainable land management

Conveners

Manuel Seeger

Description

Viable measures for sustainable land management in agricultural and forest areas can only be designed and implemented if the ecological and productive roles are well understood simultaneously with land degradation processes. This is only possible when the major processes regulating these three spheres are, measured, described and their interactions properly evaluated and modeled. Land degradation, in particular soil erosion due to water and wind, occurs in many parts of the world and it is usually associated to cropping, grazing or forest areas. Soil and water conservation measures are only viable and sustainable if local environmental and socio-economic conditions are taken into account. In this challenge, harmonizing need for increasing land productivity with soil conservation seem key, and with most of the world degraded lands in arid and semiarid areas both are bounded to water conservation. Land degradation is increasingly associated to accelerated changes in land use, and farming systems in a context of rapid environmental and socio-economic changes. L. In broader perspective, soil and water conservation must be improved if food security and environmental stability is to be achieved locally and globally. This session is aimed to bring together specialist from different background with interest in sharing their experiences, expertise and challenges on optimizing yield, water and soil use in a changing world. Since land degradation affects least developed countries most, we especially encourage people from developing countries to submit their abstract to this session. The EGU has travel bursaries available to support some applicants (requires an early abstract submission) for whom we can also try to get funding for travel and registration costs. We are especially encouraging researchers working on the following topics to submit their abstract to our session:

- Systemic approaches to improve soil and water conservation in crop (rainfed or deficitly irrigated), grazing and forest areas.
- Basic and applied studies on land degradation on a variety of scales; from the field and farm level to the watershed and village level.
- Development of tools to predict or monitor impact of land degradation on yield and other ecosystem goods and services.
- Incentives/barriers to changes related to SLM by farmers and other stakeholders under changing social or environmental conditions.
- Land conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, especially in areas of high natural values.
- Bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and its successful implementation by stakeholders and decision makers (e.g. government).
- Tools to identify priority hot spots for SLM adaptation practices.

AN1: Soil and water conservation for sustainable land management

Conveners

Manuel Seeger

Description

- Systemic approaches to improve soil and water conservation in crop (rainfed or deficitly irrigated), grazing and forest areas.
- Basic and applied studies on land degradation on a variety of scales; from the field and farm level to the watershed and village level.
- Development of tools to predict or monitor impact of land degradation on yield and other ecosystem goods and services.
- Incentives/barriers to changes related to SLM by farmers and other stakeholders under changing social or environmental conditions.
- Land conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, especially in areas of high natural values.
- Bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and its successful implementation by stakeholders and decision makers (e.g. government).
- Tools to identify priority hot spots for SLM adaptation practices.

AN1: Soil and water conservation for sustainable land management

Conveners

Manuel Seeger

Description

- Systemic approaches to improve soil and water conservation in crop (rainfed or deficitly irrigated), grazing and forest areas.
- Basic and applied studies on land degradation on a variety of scales; from the field and farm level to the watershed and village level.
- Development of tools to predict or monitor impact of land degradation on yield and other ecosystem goods and services.
- Incentives/barriers to changes related to SLM by farmers and other stakeholders under changing social or environmental conditions.
- Land conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, especially in areas of high natural values.
- Bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and its successful implementation by stakeholders and decision makers (e.g. government).
- Tools to identify priority hot spots for SLM adaptation practices.

AN1: Soil and water conservation for sustainable land management

Conveners

Manuel Seeger

Description

- Systemic approaches to improve soil and water conservation in crop (rainfed or deficitly irrigated), grazing and forest areas.
- Basic and applied studies on land degradation on a variety of scales; from the field and farm level to the watershed and village level.
- Development of tools to predict or monitor impact of land degradation on yield and other ecosystem goods and services.
- Incentives/barriers to changes related to SLM by farmers and other stakeholders under changing social or environmental conditions.
- Land conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, especially in areas of high natural values.
- Bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and its successful implementation by stakeholders and decision makers (e.g. government).
- Tools to identify priority hot spots for SLM adaptation practices.

AN1/2/3: Climate-Resilient Soil and Water Conservation: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Land Management in Grazing Systems

AN2: Grazing as a management tool to build cultural landscapes

AN3: Climate-Resilient Land Management: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Land Use in a Changing Climate

Conveners

Oscar Higuera-Roa

Description

"In the face of accelerating climate change, land systemsspanning urban areas, agriculture, and forestsare under increasing pressure from extreme weather events, land degradation, and ecosystem shifts. Equally, unsustainable land management is a key driver of climate change and climate-related disasters. Thus, the Land-System Change and Climate Change planetary boundaries are deeply interrelated, so are the solutions. This session will explore how Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Land Management can be better planned and implemented, as well as associated benefits can be delivered more effectively, with a climate-informed approach. By integrating climate change considerations into land management, NbS can address critical issues in these two boundaries, such as soil degradation, land-use change, ecosystem shifts, and climate risks. Through real-world examples and policy insights, this session highlights the role of NbS in shaping climate-resilient landscapes. This includes showcasing innovative NbS for land management that mitigate climate-induced pressures and adapt to evolving climate risks, as well as gaining understanding of how accounting for climate change can improve the ways to restore, reduce, and avoid land degradation. Sub-topics

NbS in Land systems (forestry, agriculture, cities) mitigating climate-induced pressures, such as ecosystem health decline, changes in forest composition, heat stress, reduced crop yield, and declining soil fertility.
Climate-resilient NbS for land restoration (e.g., ecosystem restoration tailored to anticipated climate shifts, rewilding initiatives accounting for future climate scenarios, and recovery of agricultural degraded lands with climate-smart farming systems)
NbS and adaptive land management (i.e, NbS examples that adjust to evolving climate conditions such as increased flooding, prolonged droughts, accelerated soil erosion, and shifting ecosystems, through e.g. adaptive practices like dynamic conservation planning, climate-resilient forestry, and flexible agricultural systems designed to respond to changing seasonal patterns and extreme weather events).
Policy innovations integrating NbS into land use regulations for climate adaptation (e.g., incentives for farmers practicing drought-tolerant agriculture, zoning regulations that prioritize green infrastructure in urban heat hotspots, and legal frameworks that support wetland restoration for flood protection).
Using climate modeling to support planning, implementation and monitoring of NbS for Land Management (e.g., climate data helping identify areas that are most vulnerable to climate-induced degradation, use of climate projections to adjust land management practices of NbS, climate models simulating NbS effectiveness in preventing land system change or improving ecosystem resilience)

Session Format:

Duration: 60-75 minutes
Number of Talks: 6-8 speakers, each with a 5-7 minute lightning talk.
Audience Interaction: 15-20 minutes of Q&A and discussion at the end.
Associated Planetary Boundary: land-system change and climate change

Target audience: land managers, project implementers, policymakers, donors, and researchers.

AN3: Climate-Resilient Land Management: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Land Use in a Changing Climate

Conveners

Oscar Higuera-Roa

Description

NbS in Land systems (forestry, agriculture, cities) mitigating climate-induced pressures, such as ecosystem health decline, changes in forest composition, heat stress, reduced crop yield, and declining soil fertility.
Climate-resilient NbS for land restoration (e.g., ecosystem restoration tailored to anticipated climate shifts, rewilding initiatives accounting for future climate scenarios, and recovery of agricultural degraded lands with climate-smart farming systems)
NbS and adaptive land management (i.e, NbS examples that adjust to evolving climate conditions such as increased flooding, prolonged droughts, accelerated soil erosion, and shifting ecosystems, through e.g. adaptive practices like dynamic conservation planning, climate-resilient forestry, and flexible agricultural systems designed to respond to changing seasonal patterns and extreme weather events).
Policy innovations integrating NbS into land use regulations for climate adaptation (e.g., incentives for farmers practicing drought-tolerant agriculture, zoning regulations that prioritize green infrastructure in urban heat hotspots, and legal frameworks that support wetland restoration for flood protection).
Using climate modeling to support planning, implementation and monitoring of NbS for Land Management (e.g., climate data helping identify areas that are most vulnerable to climate-induced degradation, use of climate projections to adjust land management practices of NbS, climate models simulating NbS effectiveness in preventing land system change or improving ecosystem resilience)

Session Format:

Duration: 60-75 minutes
Number of Talks: 6-8 speakers, each with a 5-7 minute lightning talk.
Audience Interaction: 15-20 minutes of Q&A and discussion at the end.
Associated Planetary Boundary: land-system change and climate change

Target audience: land managers, project implementers, policymakers, donors, and researchers.

AN4: Human impact on erosion and connectivity in agricultural land

AN5: Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Andalusian Agriculture: Showcasing AEI Operational Groups

AN6: General session on Nature Based Solutions for Agriculture and Natural Areas (Soil, Water And Landscape)

AN6: Nature-based solutions for Agriculture Managed Aquifer Recharge

AN6: Nature-based solutions for water quality and quantity in Agricultural land

AN7: Restoration of agricultural land. Strategies, constraints, and benefits. A scientific and stakeholder approach

Keynotes

MET1: Advances in land ecosystem restoration monitoring using remote sensing and machine learning

MET1: Climate-Resilient Land Management: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Land Use in a Changing Climate

MET1/2/4: Advances and Best Practices in Ecosystem Restoration and Environmental Remediation: Integrating Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and In Situ Technologies

MET2: Advances in land ecosystem restoration monitoring using remote sensing and machine learning

MET2: Best Practices for In Situ Remediation Technologies of Contaminated Soils, Waters & Groundwater

Conveners

Alberto Leombruni

Description

The purpose of this course is to present the current best practices for applying bioremediation and reductive technologies to treat common environmental contaminants of concern. The potential audience includes engineers and scientists who are interested in learning about fundamentals and some advanced concepts from industry experts. This short course will provide fundamental overviews by consolidating decades of experience in applying enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD), in situ chemical reduction (ISCR) and biogeochemical reduction (BGCR) technologies. The course is intended to benefit experienced practitioners but is primarily intended for those who are less experienced using in situ remediation techniques. The course will be divided into four sections each intended to last for 1 hour. At least 15 minutes will be allocated for discussion during each section. This will be accomplished by focusing on key topics of fundamental science, design considerations, application methods, and using case studies to illustrate how all of these can come together successfully. These will include a presentation of: Fundamental science including oxidative versus reductive pathways, abiotic versus biotic processes, the various types of microbes that are commonly used in bioremediation, bioaugmentation, abiotic versus biotic degradation pathways, biogeochemical chemistry, types of electron donors, contaminants commonly treated with reductive technologies and their various reduction potential. A basic understanding of site geology and hydrology will be assumed. Design considerations will discuss critical design parameters, dosage strategies for different electron donors, lessons learned of when and where to use different technologies, modifications made due to site constraints, monitoring programs, strategies to achieve various remedial goals, and process optimization. Field applications would describe the various commonly used application strategies and equipment as well as outlining the differences between a field pilot study and full-scale efforts. Case studies will be presented illustrating these thoughts and processes and how they have been successfully combined for ERD, ISCR and BGCR.

MET3: Social Innovation Labs: A Collaborative Space for Co-creation and Social Transformation

MET4: Leveraging Remote Sensing Methods for Monitoring Health Environmental Indicators

MET5: Transformative Nature-Based Solutions for building climate resilience and addressing environmental challenges

Conveners

Elisa Furlan

Mindert de Vries

Tadej Stepisnik-Perdih

Description

Climate change is exerting profound and far-reaching effects on socioecological systems worldwide. This global phenomenon affects various ecosystems, from terrestrial to aquatic, with significant consequences for biodiversity, natural resource availability, and the well-being of human societies. The challenges posed by climate change are multifaceted. They include rising global temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, more frequent and severe weather events (such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, wildfires), shifts in species distributions, and disruptions to ecosystem services. These changes not only jeopardize the ecological integrity of natural systems but also have cascading effects on societies that rely on these systems for food, water, and livelihoods. Moreover, current risks are on a trajectory of escalation, with projections indicating not only a further increase in intensity and frequency, but also the emergence of new ones. In this evolving landscape, a systemic transition to increase climate resilience is imperative. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) offer innovative and holistic approaches for mitigating and adapting to climate change, fostering sustainable socio-ecological systems, and enhancing the well-being of different communities. In this context, we explore the transformative potential and enabling conditions for NBS in building climate resilience and simultaneously benefiting the society, environment and economy. In this setting, this session invites presentations that explore innovative approaches and applications highlighting the integration of NBS in pathways towards climate resilience. By leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and models to evaluate and predict the multi-hazard risk mitigation role and effectiveness of NBS across scales, this session embraces a holistic perspective that considers both the natural and societal dimensions of the analysed environments. This session is looking for examples to foster discussions that advance our collective understanding on effective and sustainable adaptation practices in socio-ecological systems.

MET5/6: Nature-based solutions for transformation journeys

MET6: Nature-based solutions for transformation journeys

NH1: Innovative solutions for increasing resilience to water-related hazards and soil erosion in agricultural areas

Conveners

Valerio Vivaldi

Valentina Vaglia

Chiara Toffanin

Fabio Dell'Acqua

Description

Natural hazards, such as slope instabilities, floods and droughts continue to pose significant threats to communities worldwide, especially in agro-ecosystems. These processes, exacerbated by the current soil management practices, are particularly relevant in semi-arid zones such as the agricultural areas (e.g. olive groves and vineyards) under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Since climate changes are increasing the frequency and intensity of these events, it becomes necessary to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to mitigate their impact on the environment. This proposed session is under the frame of the PNRR-NODES project (funded from the Italian MUR) and aims to shed light on the fundamental role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in mitigating the impact of water-related hazards in agroecosystems. The session invites contributions in the context of agronomical, geological, engineering and hydrogeological topics. Furthermore, any contribution about the different applications of NbS and sustainable practices to water-related hazard and soil erosions reduction with multidisciplinary approaches is welcome: a) proximal and remote sensing for measurement and monitoring the effects of NbS in agro-ecosystem (e.g. satellite observation, in-situ meteorological, hydrological, agronomical measurements, geophysical surveys, laboratory samples-test); b) numerical and physical (e.g. machine learning models) simulation of the effects of NbS and climate changes in different agro-ecosystems. Scientific applications include earth and environmental sciences topics such as climate changes, landslide hazards, soil water content measurements, water management, early warning systems and atmospheric circulation, as well as the influences of agricultural management on slope instabilities and plant health (e.g. NDVI correlations). By the end of this session, farmers and policymakers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential of nature-based solutions in building resilience against water-related hazards agro-ecosystems.The session will conclude by discussing the implications of integrating nature-based solutions into water-related disaster risk reduction strategies e.g. the use of innovative management strategies of ground covers or cover crops in vineyards to avoid soil erosion.This conference session proposal is part of the project NODES which has received funding from the MUR M4C2 1.5 of PNRR funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU (Grant agreement no. ECS00000036).

NH1: Innovative solutions for increasing resilience to water-related hazards and soil erosion in agricultural areas

Conveners

Valerio Vivaldi

Valentina Vaglia

Chiara Toffanin

Fabio Dell'Acqua

Description

NH1: Nature based solution for increasing resilience to water-related hazards.

NH2: Forest fires: Their impact on land and their restoration strategies. A scientific and stakeholder approach

NH3: Human impact on erosion and connectivity in agricultural land

NH3: Scaling Up Nature-Based Adaptation Solutions: Frameworks for Classification and Prioritization

NH3/4: Scaling and Integrating Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Action: Frameworks for Classification

NH4: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) into Climate Action: Strategies for Mitigation and Resilience

NH4: NBS and Biodiversity for climate change adaptation

SB1: Harnessing Awareness and Partnerships for Sustainable Nature-Based Solutions

Conveners

Kristina Poto?ki

Carla Ferreira

Pavel Raka

Nejc Bezak

Description

The role of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in addressing climate, water, and land challengessuch as floods, droughts, water scarcity, land degradation, soil restoration, and pollution controlis increasingly recognized within both scientific and professional communities. Despite growing evidence of the benefits of NBS, effective implementation requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. This session will feature case studies that demonstrate how NBS can be integrated into water and land management, highlighting successful collaborations among decision-makers, civil society, researchers, academia, and the private sector, including landowners. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., Target 6.6) and supported by the IAHS ""Helping Decade"" (Working Group 2.5), this session emphasizes the critical importance of stakeholder engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and the integration of NBS principles into educational curricula to scale sustainable water and land management solutions globally. In this session, we invite:

Studies showcasing successful applications of NBS in mitigating hydrometeorological extremes, such as floods and droughts;
Studies combining NBS with cross-sectoral collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and transdisciplinary approaches that bridge academia and civil society;
Studies incorporating social science perspectives on NBS, including public perception surveys and citizen science to assess NBS effectiveness, legitimacy, and acceptance;
Studies exploring NBS concepts in (higher) education through hands-on learning approaches;
Studies examining NBS and other sustainable practices for soil and water conservation and restoration;
Discussions on integrating diverse disciplines in NBS development, addressing both challenges and benefits of this approach;
Overviews of current policies, incentives, and regulations that affect NBS implementation, including recommendations for policy changes to support NBS.

SB1/2/3: Inclusive and Collaborative Governance of Nature-Based Solutions: Advancing Awareness, Partnerships, and Socio-Environmental Justice

SB2: Inclusive Governance of Nature-Based Solutions: Environmental Justice and transectoral dimensions

Conveners

Joana Guerrin

Andrea Nóblega Carriquiry

Description

This session will discuss three interrelated aspects of NbS governance: i) transectoral governance, ii) inclusive governance and iii) environmental justice. Nature-based Solutions can produce several types of co-benefits: climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, risk management, sustainable agriculture, water quality preservation, etc. At the city scale, or at a given territory, these co-benefits are managed by distinct policy sectors, with different departments or institutions, services, agents with different working cultures and procedures, etc. This transectoral aspect of Nature-based Solutions, given the sectoral organization of territories, are usually seen as an obstacle to define, implement and maintain effectively Nature-based Solutions. This session aims at discussing this transectoral aspect of NbS: what are exactly the obstacles produced by the transectoral aspects of NbS, how are they materializing in practice? What are the trade-offs between stakeholders when designing, implementing and maintaining NbS? How are these obstacles overcome by actors on the ground? Are there governance mechanisms or innovations actors develop in practice to work together beside the so-called policy siloes? Nature-based Solutions are also supposed to enable inclusive governance, by including stakeholders that are outside the classical policy-making boundaries: associations, inhabitants, even non-humans? But in practice, are NbS really inclusive? How is this inclusiveness materializing on the ground? Who is included when defining, implementing and maintaining NbS and who is not? How is this inclusivity of governance being used by stakeholders to politicize or depoliticize NbS? Research on NbS has shown that participatory processes are essential for achieving more just and equitable outcomes. Recognizing that transfer of power occurs at higher levels of participation is crucial for understanding the role of nature and ecology, and is vital for creating more equitable and effective environmental policies and practices. In this sense, Environmental Justice (EJ) examines distributive justice (regarding where are NbS allocated), recognition justice (whose values are articulated in NbS) and procedural justice (how decision-making processes take place and who participates). Often, NbS are considered in terms of distributive justice, overlooking dimensions of procedural and recognition justice. Therefore, designing NbS for all imply integrating the equitable allocation of NbS, inclusive participation in the governance process of NbS, and the integration of values and capabilities of different silos and stakeholders in the co-production of NbS. This session will incorporate discussions on the topic including (but not excluding): how do power relations take place in negotiation processes involving NbS? Who are the winners and losers in NbS implementations? Whose values and possible benefits of NbS are considered? What are the methods for assessing EJ in NbSs framework and practices? We invite contributions from all disciplines discussing governance issues related to NbS to send a summary stating the research questions, giving their theoretical framework but also empirical aspects of the research, and presenting some highlights. Contributions should state if they wish to contribute to a specific angle of the session (Transectoral; Inclusivity; Environmental Justice).

SB3: Socio-ecological, socio-cultural, socio-political and socio-economic aspects of NBS

SB5: Open session for Science Brokers for Transitioning to a Climate Resilient and Circular Society

Session

UR: Upscaling and effects of nature-based solutions in urban regions and metropolises

UR1: Nature-based solutions for air quality improvement and temperature reduction in urban areas

UR2: Upscaling small nature-based solutions for large scale green frameworks in urban regions and metropolises

Conveners

Rob Roggema

Nico Tillie

Description

There is an urgent need to create nature-based solutions both in rural and in urban conditions. The way we accelerate these solutions is often a weak point in policies and specifically in practice. In many cases the pilot project or experiment is also the end-point, while it should be and was supposed to be the starting point of a more fundamental change towards a nature-based development. In this session we would like to put this question on the table: how can we make it happen that small-scale nature-based solutions can be upscaled to green urban metropolises and regions? This session aims to bring together best practices from different parts of the world, and is open for a selection of presentations to be submitted by participants. To start the session we will present two case studies: one from Monterrey, Mexico and one from Randstad, the Netherlands. Both cases are very different and therefore we hope to draw common lessons about the strategic dos and donts. The case study from Mexico (presented by Tecnológico de Monterrey) will share specific context of Latin America with a strong emphasis on inequity when it comes to health implications of access to nature-based solutions and green spaces. Nature is not for everyone evenly close. The Randstad case is presented by Delft University of Technology and emphasizes the small scale urban ecology approach on its campus and how this can be scaled up to an urban level, given current problems in agriculture, biodiversity and housing and the Dutch planning doctrine. The session is open for three more short presentations, which we would kindly invite to propose by submitting an abstract for our session. We are seeking case studies and research from additional perspectives to the Mexican and Dutch one, which illustrate the connection of smaller nature-based solutions into large scale green infrastructure frameworks at regional or metropolitan scale. After these (max 5) presentation we aim to organize a discussion with the audience to distillate successful design principles for upscaling nature-based solutions in urban regions. In order to create a kick-start of the session we ask each speaker to, at least, identify their three most important or successful design principles.

UR3: Nature based solutions for restoration of urban water cycle

UR3: Upscaling small nature-based solutions for large scale green frameworks in urban regions and metropolises

UR4: Nature-based solutions for urban water-scarce environments

UR6: Nature-based solutions for urban water-scarce environments

Workshops

ANW: Planetary boundaries, circular society, soil use within nature-based solutions, high-quality use of soil and land

Conveners

Fred Mudde

Simone Houtman

Description

Soil is the most important raw material and one of the largest material flows in general and specific in civil engineering. In the coming decades, we as a government will use a lot of soil and land for social tasks, such as dike reinforcement of coastal lines an river basins, road and housing construction and nature development and restoration. Yet, we are reaching our planetary boundaries and soil scarcity is looming all over the world.

To achieve our goals of living within the planetary boundaries and achieve a circular society, we must handle the soil carefully, sensibly and prevent scarcity. This means disrupting the soil as little as possible and using the land as high-quality as possible. High-quality use of land means that we preserve and utilize the physical properties (e.g. carrying capacity), chemical properties (e.g. acidity) and biological properties (e.g. soil life) of soil as much as possible. This way we do not lose sight of the vital importance of soil and we maintain the quality of the soil, also for future generations.

Who are we?
Buyer Group Groundworks is a collaboration national and regional government organizations such as ministries, municipalities, waterboards and provinces, which work together with the market and NGOs. We as Buyer Group Groundworks want to make high-quality use of land and soil the norm. This requires broad cross-project collaboration in the chain and the timely linking of projects at local, regional, national and even international level. This requires effort from policy to implementation. To this end, we work together with chain partners to expand knowledge about the soil and land-use.

The Buyer Group Groundworks works towards a circular Netherlands in 2050 together with supply chain partners in implementing the Water and Soil steering policy letter. We encourage supply and demand of soil (within the region) to come together and develop a number of instruments together with the market. So that together we work efficiently and effectively with land and soil: high-quality, circular and cost-conscious.

We hope to spread our ambitions to make high-quality use of land and soil, and spread it even internationally. International collaboration is essential to achieve our goals of living within our planetary boundaries and creating circular societies. By facilitating shared-learning experiences and collaboration amongst stakeholders, shared strategies on an international level can be formed.

What are we going to do during this session?
During this workshop session we will work together on a plan to tackle the challenges associated with high-quality land and soil use, and position this in an international context. We do this in the following steps:

1. Introduction
We start to present recent examples of good practices in the Netherlands such as form the province Fryslân and collaboration of Belgium and Netherlands.
2. Example projects and barriers:
Most important we start an active session by making a brief inventory of projects that are currently underway and provide examples of how it can be done and what problems are involved. We also discuss what barriers exist in an international context. Are there regional differences? What approaches currently exist in an international context?
3. Formulate goals and ambitions:
Together we set clear goals for a circular and sustainable approach for using soil within nature-based solutions.
4. Develop strategy:
We discuss concrete ideas and solutions with the participants for a joint purchasing strategy and approach on different levels (local, national, international).
5. Feedback:
At the end of the workshop we bundle all the input together and conclude key insights and future action steps. Opportunities to join our international movement will be discussed.

SBW1: Art-Based Research for Envisioning a Transition Toward a Safe Future Within the Planetary Boundaries

Conveners

Marco Casazza

Description

I will propose a traditional session (I think that it will be focused on environmental accounting in relation to the use of ecosystem services as natural-based solutions)
The workshop “Art-Based Research for Envisioning a Transition Toward a Safe Future Within the Planetary Boundaries” seeks to explore the innovative integration of arts within environmental sciences, centred on the use of arts (i.e., art-based research) to envision and facilitate the adoption of nature-based solutions (NbS) for triggering a transition toward a safer life within the planetary boundaries.
Starting from the discussion of original artworks, proposed by the participants, and by leveraging various artistic languages—including visual arts, performing arts, and digital multimedia—participants will examine different arts can become the key instruments for research and envisioning a sustainable living, considering, on the other side, what we currently know on the planetary boundaries and the other biophysical limits for a safe preservation of the biosphere.

This interdisciplinary session invites original contributions from artists, researchers, policymakers or stakeholders, who are interested or employ art-based research to address environmental challenges. In particular, the workshop aims to:
• Showcase diverse artworks generated through art-based research methods, that illuminate the potential of NbS in fostering sustainable transition roadmaps;
• Facilitate discussions on the role of art in shaping societal perceptions and behaviours toward environmental sustainability.
• Encourage collaborative exploration of creative approaches that integrate art and science to envision and promote living within planetary boundaries.

We welcome submissions of original artworks and papers, that demonstrate innovative art-based research related to NbS and sustainable futures. Selected contributors will present their work during the workshop, engaging with an international audience dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration for environmental sustainability. In particular, submissions should xplore the intersection of art and environmental science, particularly focusing on:
• Innovative art-based research methods applied to envisioning and promoting NbS.
• Case studies demonstrating the impact of art in facilitating sustainable transitions.
• Theoretical explorations of the role of art in environmental sustainability.
• Artistic works that engage with themes of planetary boundaries and NbS.

Workshop Programme (2.5 hours):

Introduction (10 minutes):
Welcome and overview of the workshop’s objectives and structure.

Presentations (70 minutes):
Seven selected artists/researchers (10 minutes each) showcase their artworks or projects, emphasizing the integration of artistic methods in environmental envisioning.

Interactive Breakout Sessions (30 minutes):
Participants divide into small groups to discuss specific themes:
• The impact of art on public engagement with NbS.
• Challenges and opportunities in interdisciplinary collaborations between artists and environmental scientists.
• Strategies for effectively communicating complex environmental issues through art.

Group Discussion and Q&A (30 minutes):
Reconvene for groups to share insights from breakout sessions.
Open floor for questions and broader discussion.
Conclusions (10 minutes):
Summarize key takeaways from the workshop.

SBW2: Outdoor painting workshop

Conveners

Stacy Levy

Description

This session seeks to discuss innovative methods to assess NBS benefits and co-benefits in the context of climate change adaptation; particularly its effectiveness in reducing air pollution and/or urban heat. To be discussed further

SBW3: Workshop Transition towards Circular Land and Soil Management; Building networks, bringing together interests and coping with friction in regulation

Conveners

Margot De Cleen

Description

In the Netherlands the executive agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat, set up a national network with local authorities, industries, farmers and knowledge institutions on circular land and soil management. Within this network partners exchange knowledge and experiences, start projects together and develop tools to communicate and understand the drivers behind collaboration or the inhibitions to collaborate. These instruments help to find pathways towards cooperation fitting all the partners. An example of such a tool is the Social Readiness Level Instrument.

Within this workshop we will share our experiences and show the working of the Social Readiness Level instrument.

We invite you to join us if you want you to learn about building a network with stakeholders, to find out about tools to share interests and prioritize joint activities. You are invited to try out some of the tools we developed and you get to know the dos and donts in match making. We want to discuss with you how to overcome differences in interests and frictions in regulation in the field of circular land and soil management.

If you have experiences in circular land and soil management yourself, we invite you to share your results or case study with us in a poster. We will share your insights and discuss your results in this workshop

URW1: Working Backwards towards a Theory of Change for a massive upscaling of NBS in cities

Conveners

Thami Croeser

Description

This workshop session aims to develop a Theory of Change for scaling up nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban areas. It begins with a five-minute introduction to the panel and workshop concept, followed by a 20-minute panel discussion where four experts present their theories of change, emphasizing 1-2 crucial steps needed to scale NBS in cities. Participants then engage in a “”Working Backwards”” exercise, using ChatGPT in teams to envision a 2050 news story celebrating a citys greening success, highlighting key initiatives from 2025-2035 that made the difference. A 10-minute feedback session follows, where teams share their news releases, exploring how these stories shape theories for scaling NBS. The session concludes with a 10-minute panel discussion on how large institutions can support NBS expansion in cities.

Workflow:

5 minutes introduction panel and workshop concept
20 minutes – panel: 4x 5-minute talks tell us your Theory of Change based on your experiences with NBS. What are 1-2 crucial things we need to do to scale up nature-based solutions in cities?
5 minute rundown: Working Backwards exercise: (teams of 6, with chatGPT)
30 minutes: write a news story (using ChatGPT) for 2050. This city just won most liveable city of the year for the third time in a row, and the selection panel specifically gave accolades to the citys iconic greening which mostly came about in the years between 2025 and 2035. The citys mayor reflects on the key changes that made the difference, highlighting a few successful initiatives. [users can even generate an image to accompany their story if they get through the release quickly].
10 minute report back read us your release
10 minute panel discussion what does this do to your theory? what does this mean for the way large institutions might support cities in scaling up NBS rollout?
10 minutes contingency we can take questions if we manage to get through on time.

URW2: Cultivating Resilience: Urban agriculture as a nature based solution

Conveners

Greg Keeffe

Description

In a world of rapid urbanisation and increasing climate challenges, urban agriculture stands out as a powerful nature-based solution. By integrating green spaces and food production into urban landscapes, cities can enhance biodiversity, reduce urban heat, improve food security, and foster community resilience. This session will explore innovative approaches to urban farming, success stories from around the globe, and strategies for scaling up these solutions to create cities in line with the green transition.

Submission
To encourage different types of creative communication, we accept a range of submissions, including illustrations, photos, video, audio, 3D models etc.

If accepted, each person will then do a pecha kucha style presentation on their chosen submission. This will be split up into 2-3 sessions with Q+A afterwards.

Session Objectives
Participants will:
1. Understand the role of urban agriculture as a nature-based solution (NbS) to address urban challenges.
2. Learn about successful models and technologies in urban agriculture, from vertical farms to community gardens.
3. Explore policy frameworks and multi-stakeholder approaches that enable sustainable urban farming.
4. Engage in a discussion about barriers, opportunities, and innovative strategies for scaling urban agriculture globally.

Target Audience
Urban planners and policymakers
Designers / Architects
Environmental and sustainability professionals
Academics and researchers
Community leaders and social entrepreneurs
Farmers, food system advocates, and urban residents