"Cities and towns are bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made the links between human and planetary health clearer than ever. By creating a space for in-depth reflection on the relationship between humans and the environment, and for sharing solutions to restore nature while addressing critical urban challenges, UrbanByNature allows urban practitioners across the world to cooperate in building spaces that value nature as the central source of human well-being."

Holger Robrecht, Deputy Regional Director for Sustainable Resources, Climate and Resilience, ICLEI Europe

"The ancient Chinese theory that man is an integral part of nature holds more truth than ever amid a time when COVID-19 continues to surge across the world. As the share of the population residing in cities increases in all regions, there is an increasing need for urban decision-makers and citizens to adopt policies and practices to integrate nature into daily life. The ICLEI East Asia Secretariat is excited to facilitate the knowledge and expertise exchange between China and Europe, through UrbanByNature, in mainstreaming nature-based solutions into urban development."

Shu Zhu, Regional Director & China Representative, ICLEI East Asia

“With initiatives like the launch of this Hub, A Coruña is trying to be a leader in the fight against climate change. In the past, we have been hard hit by environmental catastrophes such as the sinking of oil tankers, and we are now facing an increasingly adverse climate. Being one of the cities that lead the way for the mainstreaming of NBS in Europe and in Spain is a huge opportunity, and we want to be up to the challenge."

Esther Fontán, Third Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Environment and Sustainability in the City of A Coruña

"The Mentoring Programme delivered by UrbanByNature and Osmos in Brazil was very well structured, organised and flexible. It used practical experiences from competent European counterparts to illustrate sound approaches to the implementation of private, governmental and community-based NBS initiatives. It keeps inspiring us all months after the completion of the programme!"

Guilherme Castagna, Founding Partner - Fluxus Design Ecológico