Improve water quality

VALLADOLID (SPAIN) – RE-NATURING URBAN PLAN WITH NbS

The urban dominant model in Spain, which is characterized by the diversification of activities and population increase, has aggravated the urban risks and environmental problems that already existed, such as the high consumption of soil, energy, water, and air pollution. It is also important to highlight the significant difficulties caused by the increase in distances, and the permanent requirement of the use of the car. The strategic line of Valladolid is situated within the frame of the urban city model. Its objectives are to develop an innovative and entrepreneurial culture, and to...

LIVERPOOL (UK) – RE-NATURING URBAN PLAN WITH NbS

Liverpool, as with many major urban areas in the UK and globally, is facing significant challenges in managing its urban form to pursue economic growth agendas, whilst also providing an attractive city for its residents and visitors. Unfortunately, the social, ecological, and economic dimensions of these political mandates are frequently at odds, creating conflicting visions for how urban areas should be being developed and managed. With further densification of urban form, the re-development or conversion of green space into urban land, and a continuing growth spatially of urban...

Improve hydraulic capacity of canal system

The Fosetto (left) and Fossacio (right) canals before (upper) and after (lower) modification. (Photos: ADBS)

The main problem to solve with the implemented NbS measures is the runoff of soil and pollutants from the farmland to irrigation canals and from there to the nearby Lake Massaciuccoli on the Tuscan coast.

Through the H2020 project PHUSICOS two canals (canals Fossetto and Fossaccio) have been modified to improve the hydraulic capacity

Retention/sedimentation basin

The sedimentation basin after completion (Photo: ADBS)

Through the H2020 project PHUSICOS sedimentation basin have been implemented to prevent runoff of soil and pollutants from farmlands.

Buffer strips along canals in the area of Lake Massaciuccoli

Through the H2020 project PHUSICOS buffer strips have been implemented to prevent runoff of pollutants from farmlands. The strips will also prevent runoff of sediments, which also serve as a flood mitigation measure.

To Ally Technology, Nature and Society for integrated urban water management: ATENAS

AteNas is built around 3 demonstration sites, covering urban and periurban zones of Łódź, Lyon and Vantaa/Helsinki and sharing the challenge of enabling water to citizens and nature, both in terms of quality and quantity.

Utilize of cities water resources to secure regulating ecosystem services, enable Nature-Based Solutions, and enhance adaptive capacity to global changes.

UNaLab - Biofilter, Vuores, Tampere, Finland

A biofilter was implemented in Vuores to treat urban runoff and runoff from a nearby dog park. The biofilter uses sand as filtering media and the vegetation planted on top of the filter includes plants that tolerate changing moisture conditions. The biofilter is equipped with the information sign explaining the nature-based solution and its functions.

UNaLab - Arctic Green wall, Viinikanlahti, Tampere, Finland

The main purpose of the arctic green wall is to manage water flows (storage) and water quality, with particular focus on understanding its performance during cold seasons. Arctic green wall will also produce new knowledge related to suitable plant species for sub-arctic climate with variable freeze-thaw cycle and snow load.

Integrating the ‘sponge city’ concept in Manchester: West Gorton Community Park

To demonstrate the potential of nature-based solutions to reduce heat stress, manage water and improve wellbeing and social cohesion
To engage local people in designing nature-based solutions that meet their needs
To develop an effective strategy for nature-based solutions across the city

Firth of Forth: restoring a stream and its floodplain

Introducing woody debris into the Forth river

This case study aims at a comprehensive restoration of a river and its adajcents land, including developing sustainable businesses, tourism and transport whilst not increasing carbon emissions or negatively impacting on biodiversity of the area. River connectivity and water quality are to be improved for migratory fish (eel and Atlantic salmon) and to reduce flood risk in downstream urban areas Additionally, upland raised bog habitats (peatlands) shall be restored.

This case study is one of 17 that are part of the EU Horizon2020 project MERLIN - Mainstreaming Ecological...