Check out ᴇNᴀBʟS 2nd newsletter issue for the latest project highlights, including its Living Labs.
What is ᴇNᴀBʟS?
ᴇNᴀBʟS is a Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101135035 (Jan 2024 – Dec 2026).
ᴇNᴀBʟS aims to set the basis of networking and collaboration to promote transdisciplinary dialogue and further embed concepts and approaches related to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) within universities and vocational schools, the professional sphere and society at large.
The multi-disciplinary consortium of the project consists of 11 partners across Europe, ranging from universities and research organisations to associations of universities, TVET providers, advisors and multipliers.
Get ready to join one of our 7 Living Labs!
Wishing to tackle urgent sustainability challenges and put biodiversity and climate on the path to recovery, ᴇNᴀBʟS is actively setting up Living Labs in Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Austria, Lithuania, Greece and the Czech Republic. We hope to give “a voice to all” and welcome a plurality of values and knowledge to enable the necessary transformative change of communities, business models and lifestyles.
Main highlights of the ᴇNᴀBʟS initial phase
Kick-off meeting in Stuttgart, Germany
In January 2024, the ᴇNᴀBʟS partners assembled in Stuttgart, Germany, to elaborate on their shared vision and detail the steps planned for the following months of the project. Representatives from all consortium entities had the opportunity to meet face to face and exchange views on the different realities of each country.
Establishment of a distinctive project identity
All ᴇNᴀBʟS communication, dissemination and promotion channels & material were created and made available for use in the very early stages of the project, providing it with a distinctive and easily recognisable identity. Take a look!
Mapping awareness, perceptions and education on biodiversity and NBS in Europe
The ᴇNᴀBʟS consortium has started its common journey by taking a close look at the European landscape of biodiversity and NBS, especially in higher education. Coming to the first conclusions of a thorough mapping exercise, our goal is to pave the way for the future activities of the project. Find out more in our dedicated article.
ᴇNᴀBʟS ‘Living Lab Operational Framework’
The project is committed to accelerating the socio-ecological transition towards a more sustainable, nature-inclusive future. To bring this vision to life at the local level, we have developed practical guidelines to support our research and education institutes in establishing and managing the eNaBlS Living Labs.
Living Labs are popular and effective, yet the way of working in an open, co-creative social learning environment can be quite challenging for organisations accustomed to more top-down, linear approaches. Including education in a living lab context can be very fruitful to both the students and the learning process in the lab. The ᴇNᴀBʟS Living Lab Operational Framework offers useful perspectives and tools to help institutions navigate this approach. It guides them in identifying opportunities, setting boundaries, and making ideas operational in practice.
Spreading the word about ᴇNᴀBʟS
Over the past nine months, our partners have been exceptionally active, organising a series of impactful events to promote the project and raise awareness of its significance. From open days to networking meetings, seminars, and summer schools, these efforts have highlighted the importance of our vision and generate interest in upcoming activities across Europe, laying a strong foundation for future progress. Read more.
What’s coming next for ᴇNᴀBʟS?
Interesting news from similar projects
NBS Academy Resource Hub
NBS Academy’s online Resource Hub, to be launched in early autumn, will operate as a repository of useful material and existing resources inspired by other NBS educational initiatives or projects (e.g. case studies, existing lesson plans focused on NBS, educational games, online apps, papers, etc.). Stay tuned, as more info will follow soon on the project’s website.
NATURANCE’s webinar on wetlands restoration
NATURANCE and Wetlands International will organise a webinar to underscore the role of wetlands in disaster risk reduction to emphasise the need for investment in their restoration. The session will explore the role the insurance sector can play, through innovative financial tools, in supporting wetlands ecosystem restoration for a more resilient, sustainable, and biodiverse future. Learn more.
Check out ᴇNᴀBʟS 2nd newsletter issue for the latest project highlights, including its Living Labs.
