Unlocking potential Follower cities' NBS replication strategies for greening urban environments

This chapter explores the replication process of nature-based solutions (NBS) in proGIreg’s Follower Cities (FCs), specifically Cascais, Cluj-Napoca, Piraeus, and Zenica. Building on the experiences from the Front-Runner Cities (FRCs), which tested and refined eight NBS types over three years, the FCs aimed to adapt and implement these strategies to their unique contexts. This chapter introduces the “Roadmap toward Urban Planning for NBS,” a structured methodology guiding the FCs through a co-creation process to develop tailored urban plans. This roadmap consists of three phases—preparatory work, planning the Living Lab transformation, and co-design to co-implementation—each incorporating stakeholder engagement, scenario planning, and detailed project fiches. Key learnings emphasize the importance of adaptability, stakeholder collaboration, and the iterative nature of the process. This chapter also discusses challenges and solutions, such as the need for flexible planning and the importance of aligning with local strategic frameworks. It concludes by reflecting on the roadmap’s effectiveness, noting its potential as a valuable tool for other cities seeking to implement NBS. The results underscore the significance of community involvement and continuous adaptation in achieving successful urban regeneration through NBS.