1st Meeting of the ᴇNᴀBʟS Greek Living Lab

Written by: Ephy Kouzi, FOCUS STC

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Exploring Nature-Based Solutions: Highlights from the 1st Greek Living Lab Meeting

The first meeting of the Greek Living Lab (LL) of the ᴇNᴀBʟS project was held on 12th December 2024 under the auspices of the Region of Central Macedonia and hosted in the premises of the Technical Chamber of Greece/Section of Central Macedonia. It brought together experts, educators, professionals, community members, policymakers, and innovators to explore ways to integrate Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) into our everyday lives, education, and policies. The event, led by Dr. Banias from the Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (iBO-CERTH) and assisted by the ᴇNᴀBʟS project partner entities in Greece (FOCUS STC and IDEA Training), set the stage for a dynamic discussion on sustainability, biodiversity, and the power of collaboration.

Dr. Banias introduced the concept of Living Labs as interactive platforms where different stakeholders can come together to develop practical, nature-inspired solutions. His key message? NBS needs to become a core part of education and professional training if we want to build resilient cities and cohesive communities. He also highlighted the importance of open educational platforms and policy guides to promote sustainability at national and European levels.

A Plan for Thessaloniki’s Coastal Zone

One of the meeting’s key highlights was the Action Plan presented by Dr. Malamakis (iBO-CERTH). This plan focuses on the coastal front of Thessaloniki, addressing environmental challenges like degradation, climate change, and social inequality through the power of Nature-Based Solutions. The vision is to create a model that combines urban resilience with the restoration of Thessaloniki’s coastline.

Through networking, transdisciplinary dialogue, best-practice exchange, workshops, and on-the-field activities, the plan aims to promote NBS integration into vocational education, pilot-test hands-on training modules, enhance professional skills, and promote practical applications. The goal? To strengthen the city’s resilience, foster a sense of shared responsibility, and spread innovative practices far and wide.

Nature-Based Solutions in Action

Adding a broader perspective, Dr. Stefanakis from the Technical University of Crete, a Constructed Wetlands & Nature-Based solutions expert and President of the International Ecological Engineering Society, linked NBS with the principles of the circular economy. He tackled urban challenges such as aging infrastructure, climate change, and the dreaded urban heat islands. The solution? Reduce resource use, improve efficiency, and turn to nature for inspiration.

Dr. Stefanakis shared real-world examples of NBS in action:

Green roofs and vertical gardens that cool buildings and enhance biodiversity.
Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, successfully used in countries like Mexico, Greece, and Saudi Arabia.
Cutting-edge technologies like solar desalination and moisture harvesting, which offer sustainable ways to produce clean water.

Collaboration and the Path Forward

The meeting wrapped up with a lively discussion on how to push NBS forward in Greece. Participants stressed the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration, and highlighted the need to raise awareness among both policymakers and local communities. Ideas flowed, from incorporating NBS into school programs to fostering partnerships with local organisations and encouraging volunteerism.

Experts from the Region of Central Macedonia, Technical Chamber of Greece/Section of Central Macedonia, N.E.C.C.A. (Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency), the Greek Biotope-Wetland Centre (Goulandris Natural History Museum), and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki shared invaluable insights on ecosystem management and education. Representatives from local development and environmental protection organisations (Major Development Agency of Thessaloniki, iSea, Echedoros Nature), underscored the critical role of community engagement and collective action in driving sustainable change. The participation of Stimmuli for Social Change representing the NBS Academy project (Erasmus+ Teacher Academies) highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts and resource-sharing to achieve shared sustainability goals.

This first meeting was a promising start — a step toward making NBS a natural part of how we design, build, and live. The Greek Living Lab is ready to drive these ideas forward, blending technology, education, and nature to create a more sustainable future.