The Research Innovation Unit’s team participated in the 4th Project Meeting held from 12th to 14th September 2023 in Tallinn, Estonia.

Day 1

The project meeting kicked off with Professor Tadhg Macintyre, the Project Coordinator, delivering an introductory address, followed by remarks from Joosep Vimm, the Deputy Mayor of Tallinn.

The Nature-based Solutions Expert, Shreya Utkarsh, representing ICLEI Europe, spearheaded a significant session in Tallinn, delving into the ramifications of gentrification in the context of nature-based solution implementation. Those present collectively emphasised the need for proactive engagement to pre-empt and alleviate potential gentrification issues. This case is just one illustration of how integrating a Gender and Inclusivity Dimension (GID) perspective elevates the standards of such interventions, ensuring fairness and equity.

We have been given the exciting opportunity to try the VR Participation Showcase, which allows us to witness nature reclaiming the city through our immersive VR experience. This innovative digital initiative is part of the GoGreen Routes project, which aims to reconnect citizens with urban nature.

“The GoGreenRoutes 360-Health approach integrates multiple health domains and encompasses perceptions, attitudes and behaviours related to each of them. GoGreenRoutes has a specific focus on mental health and well-being, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, cognition and performance, social health, human-nature interaction and sustainability in relation to urban nature.”

Day 2

During our project meeting on day 2, the newly appointed Advisory Board member, Professor Craig Mahoney, aptly emphasised that knowledge finds its highest value when it’s disseminated broadly. In keeping with this principle, we had a well-organised workshop on effectively communicating research findings online, which was a highlight for many attendees.

The meeting progressed with the cities of Burgas, Lahti, Versailles, Tallinn, Limerick, and Umea showcasing their locally implemented nature-based solutions during their presentations.

Day 3

Day 3 featured a speech from Urban Design Group, Academy of Urbanism, Tallinn, who presented us with an insightful overview of these remarkable green installations as an inspiration and a means of promoting connections between people and nature.

We had the chance to walk through Tallinn’s stunning parks and recreational areas and explore the old city.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Innovation action programme under grant agreement no. 869764