28 June 2026
Written by Artemis Larkou, HUB-CR
The Myth
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are too small-scale to matter for Ostrava’s industrial pollution.
The Reality
NBS are sometimes dismissed in industrial cities like Ostrava as being too small or symbolic to have any real relevance. This assumption usually stems from comparing individual, visible nature-based actions – such as a small green space or a biodiversity initiative – with the scale of industrial infrastructure. However, NBS are clearly framed as complementary actions that work alongside existing systems. They are not presented as a replacement for industrial emission controls, but as ways to support ecosystem functions, biodiversity, and environmental awareness at the local level, in line with the project’s transparent and evidence-based scope1,2.
Activities from the Czech Living Lab in Ostrava provide a concrete example of how small-scale NBS can still be meaningful in an industrial context. During the Art & Science festival at VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava, a live bumblebee colony was used to demonstrate how natural processes support essential ecosystem functions such as pollination, plant reproduction, and habitat stability. Research shows that urban environments—including densely built and industrial cities—can serve as important refuges for insect pollinators when suitable habitats and resources are present3. These demonstrations helped participants understand how everyday, nature-inspired actions — like creating small habitats or supporting pollinators — can strengthen local biodiversity and contribute to healthier urban environments, even within a heavily industrialised city4.
Seen this way, NBS are not “too small to matter,” but part of a cumulative and educational approach that builds resilience, awareness, and engagement over time. Evidence from Central and Eastern European cities shows that small, site-specific nature-based measures can deliver meaningful biodiversity and environmental benefits when implemented as part of wider green infrastructure networks rather than as isolated actions5. Addressing this misconception is important because underestimating small-scale NBS risks overlooking their role in supporting biodiversity and fostering long-term environmental understanding. For this reason, it is emphasised that NBS are most effective when applied as practical, accessible measures that work with nature and contribute to local environmental quality — without overstating their role or claiming to solve industrial pollution on their own2.
Why this misconception matters
If NBS are perceived as irrelevant in industrial regions, communities may disengage from practical, nature-based actions altogether. This can limit opportunities for environmental learning, biodiversity support, and long-term resilience building. Clarifying the realistic role and scope of NBS helps maintain trust, supports informed dialogue, and aligns with evidence-based approaches to urban and regional environmental management.
References
28 June 2026
23 September 2026
