The overarching vision for the UNP+ CBP is to support the design and implementation of robust and ambitious urban nature plans in cities across Europe. The UNP+ CBP will include three key parts – a micro course (with a diversity of thematic guides), interactive webinars, and a collection of short briefs that combine into a compendium.

The target audiences are 1) municipal staff working with urban nature plans, and nature-based solutions (NbS), urban nature and green infrastructure, and 2) urban actors involved or impacted by urban nature plans. In addition, the UNP+ CBP can be relevant for 3) university students studying in fields related to urban nature plans as well as teaching staff.

The UNP+ CBP focuses on four core learning objectives that build on its overall vision and purpose. These include:

• Increased knowledge on NbS, urban nature and green infrastructure, and how to design, implement and maintain urban nature plans.
• Improved critical thinking on the enablers, opportunities, barriers and challenges for urban nature plans.
• Deeper understanding of key topics behind urban nature plans, including governing and policy; planning and routines; financing and collaborations; justice and well-being; and assessment and monitoring.
• Expanded ability to navigate tensions and trade-offs facing urban nature plans through a combination of competences.

The process module in the UNP+ CBP aligns with the ten steps in urban nature plans utilising and connecting closely to existing resources. There are considerable resources available to support local authorities in the ten steps, and the process module delves into these resources and provides key lessons and insights on the design, development and implementation of urban nature plans.

State of Play Reports from UNP+ Cities 

These short briefs present five State of Play Reports for the UNP+ cities of Barcelona, Paris, Belgrade, Burgas, and Mannheim, offering a snapshot of their progress in implementing their urban nature plans. These short briefs aim to support the efforts of cities in working with urban nature plans by providing a collection of key insights, experiences and visions.

Barcelona - State of Play

Barcelona grows together as nature and the city is shaped by everyone.

Paris - State of Play

Paris is adding color, with boulevards, parks and multiple climate plans.

Belgrade - State of Play

Between the Danube and the Sava, Belgrade is on a path to urban nature.

Burgas - State of Play

Burgas is a city in transition between coast, climate challenges and a new vision.

Mannheim - State of Play

Mannheim is shaping a more natural city together by focusing on nature, urban life and community.

The “deeper dive” module in the UNP+ CBP focuses on the key topics of governing and policy, planning and routines, financing and collaborations, justice and well-being, and assessment and monitoring. The module brings together an introduction to key knowledge on the topics, case studies with key lessons and insights, and a presentation of a selection of key tools and approaches.

Financing and collaborations

This short brief introduces strategic financing for urban nature plans, highlighting practical, collaborative and scalable ways to overcome current barriers. With a strategic approach to financing, cities can unlock the full potential of nature-based solutions as drivers of resilience and inclusive growth.

Planning and routines

This short brief outlines how to nature-proof spatial planning. Spatial Planning Schemes (SPS) are support structures that can help cities and regions develop and implement urban nature plans effectively.

Assessment and monitoring

This short brief focuses on the use of indicators, including citizen science approaches, biodiversity monitoring methods, and participatory planning & governance evaluation, in urban nature plans. 

Experiences with Implementation from UNP+ Cities

By sharing insights and experiences from the UNP+ cities of Barcelona, Paris, Belgrade, Burgas, and Mannheim, these short briefs aim to help cities navigate common challenges and adopt tested solutions. These short briefs hope to contribute to advancing the creation of greener and healthier urban spaces. 

Conflicting policy agendas

This short brief addresses conflicting policy agendas when implementing urban nature plans.

Co-producing plans

This short brief addresses co-producing plans when implementing urban nature plans.

Financing models

This short brief addresses financing models when implementing urban nature plans.

Governance structures

This short brief addresses governance structures when implementing urban nature plans.

This module focuses on developing skills and competences that underpin urban nature plans based on key emerging topics during the life of the UNP+ project. There is ongoing work in the UNP+ project around the competences needed in individuals and organisations for successful and impactful urban nature plans as well as specific work on the role of citizen science in urban nature plans.

Citizen Science: Counting Butterflies

Butterflies are more than beautiful insects – they are sensitive indicators of biodiversity and environmental health. Because they respond quickly to changes in habitat quality and climate, monitoring butterflies provides valuable and timely insights into the state of urban nature.

This short brief and films are about why and how to count butterflies through citizen science.