The Greek eNaBlS Living Lab, coordinated by CERTH/iBO in collaboration with FOCUS STC and IDEA training, connects Nature-Based Solutions, biodiversity and sustainable urban water management with higher education, TVET and community learning in Thessaloniki. Its practical demonstration site at CERTH combines rainwater harvesting and reuse for irrigation with a planted demonstration garden, complemented by participatory workshops and field-based learning activities. Through eNaBlS, these activities have been brought together in a shared setting for co-design, practical learning and stakeholder collaboration, helping translate NBS knowledge into educational and institutional practice.
Supporting context and the contribution of eNaBlS
The Greek Living Lab developed progressively from stakeholder dialogue and awareness-raising towards a tangible environment for learning through practical NBS applications.
A central development was the implementation of the rainwater harvesting and management system and demonstration garden at CERTH in Thermi, Thessaloniki. The installation connects collected rainwater with irrigation and vegetation, providing a practical setting for discussing water circularity, biodiversity and climate resilience.
Its educational value lies in allowing participants to observe a functioning application, discuss its design and operation, and consider how similar approaches could be adapted to other settings. Demonstrations and participatory activities connect the physical installation with questions relevant to researchers, educators, learners, professionals and other stakeholders.
The specific contribution of eNaBlS therefore extends beyond presenting an individual installation. The project connects the demonstration with educational objectives, participatory methods, stakeholder engagement and cooperation between research and training organisations.
Educational audiences and activities
The Greek Living Lab addresses complementary audiences:
- Higher education students and researchers, through interdisciplinary discussion, practical observation and engagement with real environmental challenges.
- TVET educators, trainers and learners, through activities connecting NBS with professional practice, sustainable urban design and green competencies.
- Practitioners, public authorities and community stakeholders, through workshops, demonstrations and collaborative exploration of possible interventions.
Relevant activities include the participatory workshop on urban water collection design on 5 June 2025, the “Urban Narratives & Nature-Based Solutions” event on 27 August 2025, and the subsequent demonstration activities associated with the CERTH rainwater-management installation.
These activities provide complementary examples of learning through co-design, field observation, practical demonstration and reflection.
