As part of its webinar series exploring how cities can integrate nature into urban development, EFI Biocities is hosting a new session in collaboration with the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF). Bringing together leading international experts and examples from pioneering cities, the series aims to support policy makers, city administrations, urban planners and practitioners, researchers, and health professionals in creating more sustainable, resilient, and liveable cities.
This second webinar, Urban forests for climate change adaptation: nature-based solutions to reduce urban heat islands, will take place on 30 September (17:00–18:30 CET). It will explore how urban forests and green infrastructure can help cities adapt to rising temperatures, reduce the urban heat island effect, and deliver wider environmental and health benefits. Using examples from global research, local experience, and practical guidance, the session will highlight how solutions can be adjusted to fit different local realities.
The webinar features:
- Eleni Myrivili (Global Chief Heat Officer, UNEP/Cool Coalition), who will address the growing challenge of urban heat, examining its impacts and risks, the vulnerability of urban populations, and the importance of integrating urban forests and green infrastructure into climate adaptation strategies.
- Ana Sousa (Landscape Architect, Laboratório da Paisagem, Guimarães), who will present a case study on how Guimarães is building climate resilience through green infrastructure and its Green Belt strategy, reducing urban heat and delivering wider environmental and health benefits.
- Fabio Salbitano (Professor, University of Sassari), who will draw on international research and practical experience to highlight key lessons, effective approaches to urban forest planning and management, and practical recommendations for cities seeking to strengthen climate adaptation through urban forestry.
Together, the speakers will demonstrate how to move from knowledge to action at city level. The 90-minute session includes three presentations followed by a moderated panel discussion and live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers.
About EFI Biocities
EFI Biocities is a global reference in generating and communicating relevant scientific knowledge on the potential of the circular bioeconomy concept to rethink urban areas, particularly based on forest-based solutions.
Opened in Rome in 2022, EFI Biocities is a leader in developing a new and holistic conceptual framework for the use of green infrastructures and biobased solutions in urban environments, to tackle climate change and other global challenges.
