How can cities determine how much green infrastructure is enough and where it’s needed most? And how can they meet the ambitious targets of the EU Nature Restoration Law? This interactive workshop introduces a new methodology developed by the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Greening Cities, under the ESPON-GILL project, to help cities quantify local demand for green infrastructure. Participants will explore insights from European case studies and test practical tools that support data-informed urban nature plans, funding proposals and local climate action. Join us to co-design the next generation of resilient, evidence-based urban greening and ecosystem restoration strategies.
- Climate and environment | Digital and ICT | EU/ European | Governance and Public administration | Health | Local and regional | National | Sustainable | Territorial | Urban
- Code: 15WS252348
- Square Brussels, 313-315
Speakers
Moderator
Practical information
- When
-
Wed 15/10/2025, 11:30 - 12:30 CET
- Where
- Square Brussels, 313-315
- Type of partnership
- Partnership
- Format
- Workshop
- Theme
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Cities building tomorrow
- Language
- English
Partners
Urban Agenda for the EU Greening Cities Partnership
Ministry of Development Public Works and Administration MDPWA
TECNALIA
ICLEI European Secretariat
European Urban Initiative
Reporting
Session summary
The session explored how cities can translate data and evidence into practical urban greening actions aligned with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation.
Presenting an early version of the ESPON–GILL methodology, experts illustrated a new, data-driven approach to quantifying the demand for green infrastructure (GI) — helping cities determine where nature is most needed and for which ecosystem services.
The discussion emphasised that standardised metrics and accessible datasets are essential to move from observation to implementation.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of local-level data integration, the economic justification for nature-based investments, and the need to bridge evidence and finance through cross-sectoral collaboration.
The session concluded that data must drive investment decisions, while political will and adequate funding remain critical to scaling nature-based solutions in cities.
Quotes
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The financing gap remains vast — and local governments must have a seat at the table when shaping future EU funding frameworks.
By combining local and EU-level datasets such as Copernicus and Urban Atlas, we can help cities identify where nature is most needed and harmonise data collection across Europe.
Maintaining current resilience levels in Roeselare requires about €2 million annually, avoiding nearly €10 million in future climate damages — data is the strongest argument for action.
Additional links
