Key Takeaways from the NATURE-DEMO Consortium Meeting, 20-22 May 2025, Zvolen Slovakia

Between 20 and 22 May 2025, a major meeting for the NATURE-DEMO project took place in Zvolen, Slovakia: "Nature-based Solutions for Demonstrating Climate-Resilient Critical Infrastructure". This was a key moment for the project partners and the Advisory Board to take stock of progress, address challenges, and strategize for the future of nature-based solutions (NbS) in critical infrastructure.

The NATURE-DEMO project, an innovation action funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme, aims to revolutionize the way we protect our critical infrastructure from the impacts of climate change. Running for four years, from May 2024 to April 2028, the project focuses on validating digital methodologies, rigorously monitoring implemented NbS, and meticulously documenting lessons learned from real-world applications.

Key discussions revolved around the following themes:

• WP1 - Nature-based solutions for infrastructure resilience: Deepening how NbS can strengthen our defenses.
• WP2 - Digital Platform for Estimating Risk Reduction: Exploring state-of-the-art digital tools developed to quantify the benefits of NbS.
• WP3 - Designing Living Labs for Testing Nature-Based Solutions: Discussing the design and implementation of real-world testbeds.
• WP4: Implementing and Demonstrating Regional Nature-Based Solutions: Progress in effectively implementing NbS in various demonstration sites
• WP6 - Information, Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation: Strategies on how to share valuable project findings with the wider world
• WP7 - Risk Management: Addressing potential obstacles and developing robust action plans to keep the project on track

The meeting was not limited to presentations; it was an active forum, with workshops, interactive discussions and critical reviews of project plans. Topics ranged from the nuanced application of NbS in various environments to sophisticated risk management strategies.

A highlight of the meeting was the focus on various demonstration sites across Europe. These real-world labs are essential for validating the project methodologies. We received updates from:

• DEMO 1 (Austria): Lattenbach Valley, Brunntal and Gschliefgraben, addressing challenges such as debris flows
• DEMO 2 (Romania): Brașov, focusing on urban heat
• DEMO 3 (Slovenia): Ljubljana, addressing urban flooding
• DEMO 4 (Slovakia): Zvolen, providing insights into wildfire prevention.
• DEMO 5 (North Macedonia): Globocica, addressing water resource management

The Zvolen Consortium meeting was a success, fostering deeper collaboration, identifying critical action plans and consolidating the project trajectory.

The enthusiasm and dedication of the participants was palpable, signaling a promising future for integrating nature-based solutions in building a more climate-resilient future for our critical infrastructure.

We look forward to the continued progress of the NATURE-DEMO project and the impactful solutions it will bring!