The NBS4Drought project has officially kicked off at the University of Aarhus, Denmark. Since more than half of Europe is at risk for drought, building capacity and know-how to close this gap is now more important than ever. This is where NBS4Drought’s team of 24 partners from 10 countries can help and UrbanByNature programme is proud to be a part of the tapestry of these ambitions. 

While during the kick off the consortium shared insights, visited local sites, and strengthened collaboration, what stands out most is the project’s unique approach: starting with pilots that have begun implementation and helping them grow stronger with evidence-based approaches.

Across Europe, seven showcases are already testing how wetlands can act as nature-based solutions (NbS) to increase resilience against drought. NBS4Drought will enhance these pilots through additional layers of knowledge and co-creation through four main areas:

• AI-based modelling building on wetland databases
• Ecosystem services analysis to measure benefits for people and nature
• Cost-effectiveness assessments to make NbS solutions scalable
• Stakeholder engagement to ensure solutions fit local realities

As part of the visit to the Aarhus showcase at Vilhelmsborg, where efforts focus on rewetting low-lying organic soils to create a green circular corridor around the city, around 2,000 trees will be planted as part of the site’s restoration activities. To mark the start of this journey, the consortium also planted two trees together, a symbolic gesture celebrating collaboration and the project’s shared commitment to bringing nature back to life through resilience and restoration.

From UrbanByNature we will use these results to inform the further development of a policy-informed Capacity Building Programme. This programme will help cities and regions translate scientific insights into practical steps for urban planning and governance. In parallel, we will connect the project’s findings to our wider NbS and water communities, amplifying the impact and fostering collaboration beyond the consortium.

By grounding innovation in what is already happening on the ground, NBS4Drought is showing that resilience can be built throughsmart enhancement, complementing innovation. With droughts projected to intensify across Europe, this approach offers both urgency and hope.

Stay tuned and be sure to follow NBS4Drought channels to stay up to date.