alchemia-nova research & innovation gemeinnützige GmbH - Nature-Based Solutions for Demonstrating Climate-Resilient Critical Infrastructure

alchemia-nova research & innovation gemeinnützige GmbH (ANRI) is a research and innovation institute dedicated to spreading nature-based solutions and circular economy principles to transition towards climate-smart and sustainable societies. We conduct research and provide a range of services and products that enable our partners to take a holistic approach in sectors such as water management, resilient cities and infrastructure, agriculture and food, and industrial production. Our team continues to expand our collective knowledge by participating in various research and innovation projects. We also focus on developing sustainable practices and technologies through collaboration with global partners. Our aim is to drive positive change and create resilient and circular communities, businesses, and regions. We supported conceptualisation and project development of projects worth more than 50 Million Euros. Currently engaged in several Horizon 2020 projects such as CARDIMED, GEORGIA, ATRIUM or SYMBIO.

Role in project

WP1 lead, covering the following main responsibilities: development of a catalogue of NbS for climate resilient infrastructure; definition of the selection and design requirements for the NbS to act as a framework for site-specific decision support system; support in co-development of tools, test of methodologies, and definition of the multi-criteria optimisation for NbS.

ANRI will lead WP1 and contribute to the planning of the NbS demos, and the integration of NbS into project tools.

alchemia-nova research & innovation gemeinnützige GmbH (ANRI) conducts research and development of nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, and circular economy, combining them where possible for greater sustainable impact. ANRI implements EU, national subnational public funded, and industry commissioned projects ranging from strategic and policy-oriented studies to basic research at lab-scale, to on-the-ground demonstrations of innovative technologies at full scale. While leading WP1, ANRI will contribute to the planning of the NbS demos, and the integration of NbS into project tools, support dissemination of the outcomes and exploitation of the products generated through the project tasks.

Alchemia-nova works on developing a site-specific nature-based solutions design framework that supports critical infrastructure protection against climate hazards, and its integration into an advanced digitally-enabled methodology. ANRI has developed a comprehensive portfolio of NbS types factsheets and a decision-making methodology, all assembled in a practical guide that will be publicly available for stakeholders. Detailed application, replication and upscaling guidance will be disseminated while engaging with local communities for effective knowledge transfer.

Moreover, the methodology application through validation workshops in the 5 pilot demonstrations is helping to gather robust evidence on the practical performance of this framework across different European contexts.

Carme Machi Castaner

Current Position: Ecological Engineer Consultant and Senior Researcher at Alchemia-Nova Research and Innovation
Educational Background: Environmental Science (NbS for sustainable water management) (Ph.D), Sustainable Territorial Planning (MSc.), Architecture & Urban Planning (MSc.), Classical Music & Piano (Professional Degree)
Rrelevant work experience: Currently, Ecological Engineer at alchemia-nova, involved in NbS against climate change disruptions, river basin, lakes and aquatic ecosystems restoration. +14 years' experience in engineering and research institutions in Brasil, Peru, Morocco, United States and Europe, to support actions aligned with systemic approach for restoration, protection & preservation of freshwater ecosystems; natural water treatment solutions; digital web-platforms interfacing with hydrological modelling and Geo-Spatial Data Analysis and multi-level stakeholders’ exchange, training and capacity-building on urban water sensitive design and river basin restoration. PhD Fellow at Cornell University, Post-Graduate Masters from IUAV Venice, KU Leuven and UPC Barcelona.
Responsibilities in this project: Leading WP1 while assisting in other WPs projects’ activities, including methodological frameworks co-development and implementation, exploitation of outcomes, demonstrator sites’ assistance and internal communication with NATURE DEMO partners.

Maria Wirth

Current Position: Managing Director, Senior Expert
Educational Background: Environmental Technology & International Affairs (MSc.)
Relevant work experience: 10 years’ work experience in governance, stakeholder management, and strategic decision support for implementing nature-based solutions and circular economy principles to address climate adaptation challenges.
Responsibilities in this project: Providing technical expertise and developing frameworks for mainstreaming NbS into infrastructure resilience planning.

Gaetano Bertino

Current Position: Senior expert, Senior Project Manager
Educational Background: Doctor in Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Dr.nat.techn.), Post-Master’s Specialization in Forensic Engineering, licensed Civil Engineer (MSc.) and Architect (MSc.).
Relevant work experience: 10 years’ international work experience in research institutes, municipalities, architectural firms, construction and consulting companies, with specialised expertise in circular construction, applying circular economy principles to enhance sustainability in the built environment, and project management.
Responsibilities in this project: Project management, assisting in WP1.

NATURE-DEMO Newsletter no. 9
31st August 2026 31st August 2026
Stay updated on how NATURE-DEMO is strengthening European infrastructure resilience against climate hazards. Explore our latest quarterly newsletters to discover key project milestones, field implementation updates across our demo sites, newly published scientific research, and upcoming events.
NATURE-DEMO insights on NbS compatibility shared at ESREL 2026
18th June 2026 7th July 2026
The NATURE-DEMO project was included in the technical program of the European Safety and Reliability Conference (ESREL 2026), held in Braga, Portugal.
NATURE-DEMO Newsletter no. 8
30th May 2026 7th July 2026
Our May 2026 newsletter is packed with updates on our efforts to advance nature-based solutions (NbS) for critical infrastructure. As the NATURE-DEMO project reaches its two-year milestone, we reflect on a period of intense collaboration and scientific innovation. With the successful completion of the first three Work Packages (WPs) on April 30th, the project has transitioned from a phase of digital and conceptual framework development into the real-world deployment phase.