How can the quality of life be increased for marginalised user groups, by using the potential of nature and Nature-based Solutions (Nbs)? Marginalized user groups are normally perceived as having limited agency to participate, especially regarding long-term planning, management and maintenance of Nbs. The Naturo project took on the challenge of changing that notion by applying an inclusive, co-creative and experimental approach, integrated with reflection and active learning.
Between the years of 2023-2026, the NATURO project brought together user groups in local communities with local government authorities, academic researchers, social innovators and policymaking experts to develop and evaluate three Micro Urban Living Labs (MULL:s) situated in small to medium sized European cities: Velenje in Slovenia, ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands and Tyresö in Sweden.
On this website, you can learn about the three case studies, find out about the project learnings and outcomes, download the project resources and use an interactive tool designed to help municipal officers reflect on five key aspects of participation for long-term planning and management of NbS.
Results & findings of the Naturo project
Naturo showed that lasting engagement depends on on-going "relational work" across different arenas: within municipal organizations, between municipal officers and civic actors, and among civic actors themselves.
Developed through the Naturo project, the Pentagon of Participation is an interactive tool helping municipalities reflect on participation in NbS and identify where further attention is needed to support long term participation.
The user answers 15 questions divided into 5 key
dimensions: Context, Coordination, Inclusion, Influence and Continuity. The result generates a visualization that identifies where action is needed.
Behavioural mapping turns everyday observation into insight. By watching how people use and interact with green spaces, it reveals what works, what’s missing, and where improvements can make the biggest difference.
Through the active engagement of students in designing improvements to the park surrounding their school, the Micro Urban Living Lab in Velenje seeks to strengthen their sense of ownership and foster a lasting commitment to the long-term care and stewardship of their urban green space.
If you have questions or want to know more about the Naturo project, you are welcome to contact the Naturo project manager Professor Thomas Randrup at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
This project has been funded by The Swedish Research Council (Formas), The Dutch Research Council (NOW), and The Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS), under the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership, which has been co-funded by the European Commission. Project number: F-DUT-2022-0249