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Policy Dialogue on Urban Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions: Prokuplje as a New Pilot City

31 January 2025 Prokuplje, Serbia
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On January 31, 2025, the City Hall of Prokuplje hosted a high-level policy dialogue on urban biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Organized as part of the CROSS-REIS project’s Work Package 7, the event brought together local decision-makers and academic experts to explore the role of biodiversity in enhancing urban resilience and sustainable development.

The meeting, held in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš (FEUN), was attended by Mayor Miroslav Antović and CROSS-REIS representatives Prof. Jelena Stanković (Project Coordinator), Prof. Sonja Jovanović, and Prof. Vesna Janković Milić. Discussions focused on integrating urban biodiversity into municipal planning, emphasizing its ecological, economic, and social benefits.

Urban Biodiversity and NbS in Prokuplje

The CROSS-REIS team introduced key NbS principles, highlighting how biodiversity mapping, ecosystem analysis, and data-driven planning can support Prokuplje’s sustainable growth. The presentation emphasized NbS as effective tools for mitigating climate change, improving public health, and enhancing the resilience of urban environments.

A key outcome of the meeting was Prokuplje’s official inclusion as a pilot city in the CROSS-REIS initiative, alongside Niš. This commitment will facilitate active participation in biodiversity research, with municipal institutions providing data and logistical support for ecosystem mapping and environmental analysis. The city’s engagement in this initiative underscores its dedication to evidence-based policymaking and sustainable urban planning.

Next Steps for Urban Biodiversity Integration

With the city’s commitment in place, CROSS-REIS researchers and municipal representatives will work together on:

  • Developing a biodiversity database to support urban green space planning and management.
  • Aligning research findings with policy frameworks to integrate NbS into local governance strategies.
  • Enhancing cooperation between academia and municipal institutions to ensure that biodiversity research translates into practical urban solutions.
  • Exploring funding opportunities for future biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.

The CROSS-REIS team looks forward to further strengthening this partnership and supporting Prokuplje in becoming a model for biodiversity-driven urban sustainability.

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