Public pArticipatory Co-creation Tools for Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based solutions (NBS) have gained traction over the past decades as a urban design philosophy that reduces pressures of climate change by creating sustainable and resilient urban spaces.

With an investment of over €240 million, EU proves that NBS is “essential component” in its sustainable development strategy.

However, the use of blue-green infrastructure, a core component of NBS is often too technical, excluding a primary user and beneficiary, general public, from giving input into NBS planning. This further leads to the lack of public acceptance of NBS projects and poor socially-responsible design.

Hence, there is a need for better tools and processes to facilitate co-creation of NBS projects between public and planning professionals.

The aim of Public pArticipatory Co-creation Tools for NBS (PACT-NBS) project is to create a framework for facilitation of urban NBS co-design by using public value frameworks integrated within serious games to aid decision making.

This will be achieved by: (1) using systematic approach to establish public values metrics relevant to diverse European communities; (2) developing and testing serious gaming tool integrated with environmental and social objectives for urban design; and (3) providing holistic co-creation framework for serious game application in NBS planning, based on the results of public and professionals testing across Europe.

PACT-NBS goes beyond the state-of-the-art by addressing critical gaps in NBS public planning, but also captures EU's policy objectives and sustainability agendas through European Green Deal and SDGs 6 and 11.

Utilising researchers extensive background on NBS development and social engineering, together with cross-European collaboration and professional networks through hosting institution and non-academic placement, the project will not only deliver the highest benefits to research, industry and general public, but form international network to advance EU's climate and social resilience.