Co-design of NBS with post-industrial communities

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly recognized for their capacity to simultaneously address multifaceted urban challenges, including environmental, social, and economic issues. These solutions offer a range of benefits, such as mitigating air pollution, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting social inclusion. Effective NBS implementation necessitates active community engagement throughout the entire lifecycle—from design to maintenance. This chapter examines the role of Living Labs (LLs) as experimental frameworks for the co-creation of NBS, emphasizing the integration of local knowledge and stakeholder perspectives. It delineates co-creation from traditional stakeholder engagement by highlighting differences in stakeholder involvement intensity and strategic approach. The quadruple helix model, incorporating academia, government, private sector, and civil society, is pivotal for fostering collaborative urban interventions. The chapter outlines co-creation principles, governance models, and practical insights derived from proGIreg’s LLs, underscoring the importance of transparent, inclusive, and adaptive processes for achieving sustainable urban regeneration.