Investing in nature: Nature-based Solutions for circular and regenerative cities

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognised as key enablers of a nature-positive and circular economy in cities and territories. By integrating ecosystem services into urban and regional systems, NbS contribute to climate adaptation, biodiversity restoration, circular resource management and improved quality of life.

Across Europe, cities and regions are implementing NbS such as green infrastructure, urban forests, nature-based water management and regenerative urban design. These initiatives demonstrate that investing in nature can generate environmental resilience, economic opportunities and social benefits, while contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

This EU Green Week partner event, organised by the University of Turin – Department of Management V. Cantino with the ICESP Thematic Working Group on Circular Cities and Territories, will explore how NbS can support the transition towards circular and regenerative urban economies. It will showcase experiences from Italian and European stakeholders - including municipalities, research institutions, businesses and civil society - to share experiences and discuss practical approaches for integrating NbS into circular economy strategies.

The event will provide a platform for dialogue among practitioners, policymakers and researchers on governance models, financing mechanisms and enabling conditions that can help scale up investments in nature across cities and regions. The discussion will also generate policy insights on how nature-based investments can support the transition towards more sustainable, circular and climate-resilient urban systems across Europe.

The event will highlight the role of Nature-based Solutions in advancing circular economy strategies in cities and territories; present best practices and case studies from Italy and Europe; foster dialogue and collaboration among public authorities, businesses, researchers and civil society; explore policy frameworks, governance approaches and funding opportunities supporting nature-positive urban development; contribute to the EU Green Week discussion on the business case for investing in nature; and identify enabling conditions for replicating and scaling up NbS in urban circular economy strategies.