Research Program 'Urban Nature'

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Details

Flanders is a highly urbanized region, and as cities expand, so does the demand for “nature.” Knowledge about urban habitats is lacking or highly fragmented. This knowledge is crucial to understand spatial issues from a social-ecological perspective. The link between policy and knowledge about basic nature quality, distribution of nature benefits between population groups, and the impact of urbanization on nature quality is still missing. We want to translate existing and new knowledge into a better urban and regional nature policy. Current policies, such as the Nature Restoration Law, the Flanders Spatial Policy Plan and the building shift, make these questions urgent.

The research program Urban Nature aims to translate scientific insights at the interface between climate, biodiversity and urban green space into usable tools and policy.

• Mapping and monitoring of urban nature quality: determining basic quality of urban nature (urban nature targets), the role of urban nature in realizing a robust nature network, measuring urban nature (e.g. Biological valuation map of Ghent)
• Investigate equity and social distribution of nature benefits: who decides where what type of nature comes and what benefits and ecosystem services this provides for different social groups? (e.g. FairNature project)
• Underpin policy instruments and strategies scientifically to increase livability and biodiversity in cities: Nature-based solutions (e.g. INTERLACE project), Nature fabric planning (NWP), new green standards “3+30+300 rule”, interpretation of the Nature Restoration Law.
• Support practical cases and build networks: developing urban nature and Nature-based solutions in practice (e.g. Nature fabric planning pilots, Atlas Green Blue Solutions), in order to better investigate effectiveness (cooling, water buffering, nature corridors), cost-effectiveness and financing aspects, among others.

By mapping urban nature, determining its diverse values and examining policy instruments, we aim to develop nuanced targets for urban nature that contribute to biodiverse, socially just and livable cities.

Our research helps to apply international to local policy goals in cities and supports regional and local governments and administrations to develop new tools around urban nature and climate. We support local coalitions to self-identify multiple values of urban nature and achieve a supported, equitable and biodiverse urban environment.

For more information on urban nature, please contact Sander Jacobs and Julie Callebaut.

Teams

• Nature & Society
• Management Team
• Biotope Diversity
• Datamanagement
• Own Capital INBO
• Environment and Climate
• Nature Report and Advice Coordination
• Wildlife Management and Invasive Species
• Species Diversity
• Estuaries

INBO Research theme(s)

• Nature & society