In a virtual Insight Session held on 2 August 2023, 24 participants from 15 municipalities, among them Armenia, Palestinian Territories, Nepal and Ukraine delved into the transformative potential and possibilities of green urban spaces. The session provided an enriching platform for an overview of Urban Green Islands, discussing their core principles and exploring their key challenges and potential solutions. Additionally, it celebrated remarkable success stories that have yielded tangible results through this innovative approach.

Dr. Aleg Sivagrakau, a seasoned expert in Local and Regional Sustainable Development from Germany, spearheaded the session with a compelling introduction to the concept and core principles of Urban Green Islands. Dr. Sivagrakau underscored the profound link between this concept and sustainable development, elucidating the functions and far-reaching effects of Urban Green Islands. His presentation was punctuated with exemplary instances of best practices.
Further information: Urban Green Islands: from the Concept to Good Practices [pdf, 1,9 mb]

Mr. Zviad Archuadze, an expert in integrated territorial development hailing from Tbilisi, Georgia, brought a unique perspective to the discussion. He delved into the challenges posed by modern urbanization processes in Georgia and unveiled the innovative solutions devised by decision-makers and urban practitioners. Mr. Archuadze's insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of greening cities in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Dr. Alena Harbiankova, an independent expert from Warsaw, Poland, shared invaluable experiences gleaned from the development of green infrastructure in Polish cities. Her presentation was a testament to the environmental, economic, and social benefits of nature-based solutions for urban sustainability. Dr. Harbiankova illustrated her points with captivating examples from Poland, including "green corridors" created by tram lines and the flourishing trend of green roofs in Polish cities.
Further information: Experiences of Polish cities in developing green infrastructure [pdf, 2,1 mb]

The session was enriched by the contribution of Mrs. Brigitte Brosch from the Department of Open Space Development and Landscaping, Ruhr Regional Association, Germany. Mrs. Brosch drew from the rich German experience to shed light on the Industrial Nature Route. Her insights resonated with the audience, providing a well-rounded perspective on the successful integration of nature-based solutions into industrial settings.
Further information: Route Industrienatur in der Metropole Ruhr [pdf, 6,4 mb, in German]

"Green Urban Islands" offered a captivating glimpse into the innovative world of Urban Green Islands, where sustainable urban development and nature-based solutions harmonize to create social, economic, and environmental benefits. The session affirmed the remarkable progress achieved by communities worldwide in weaving green spaces into the urban fabric, emphasizing the ever-growing importance of nature-based solutions in the pursuit of sustainable urban living.