5 Nov 2025

The meeting brought together partners from across Europe to review the project’s achievements and outline the next steps as it enters its closing phase. Hosted by the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, the meeting focused on measuring the project’s impact, supporting replication of successful approaches, and integrating lessons into policy frameworks to promote fair and climate-positive urban transformation.

Each Work Package team shared progress updates, particularly around data management, evaluation, and the implementation of nature-based solutions in City Practice Labs (CiPeLs). The municipalities who are JUSTNature partners (Szombathely in Hungary, Leuven in Belgium, Gzira in Malta, Munich in Germany, Merano in Italy and Chania in Greece) showcased tangible improvements resulting from the project, including revitalised green public spaces, enhanced biodiversity, reduced pollution and heat stress, and more inclusive design of community areas. These examples demonstrated how local residents can play an active role in shaping and caring for shared urban environments.

A dedicated ethics session encouraged partners to reflect on their responsibilities in participatory research and emphasised that ethical considerations must guide every stage of the work. Discussions also highlighted advances in co-governance, showing how many cities have moved from simply consulting citizens to working collaboratively with them to shape long-term environmental policy. The forthcoming Handbook on Co-Governance Capabilities will support other municipalities in embedding justice and participation in climate action.

On the second day, partners explored digital monitoring tools, entrepreneurial strategies, and communication efforts needed to ensure the project’s legacy. The consortium will continue promoting its methods through the Europe-wide Nature-Building Cities Helix network. Preparations are also underway for the JUSTNature Final Conference, to be held in Brussels in February 2026, where the project’s outcomes and real-world impacts will be shared with policymakers, practitioners, and community representatives.

The meeting closed with reflections on the broader goals of the European Green Deal. Many partners expressed strong interest in developing a future “JUSTNature 2.0,” building on the successful collaborations, nature-based interventions, and shared knowledge generated throughout the project.

Read the full press release on the JUSTNature website.