Belfast Showcases Nature-Based Solutions For Climate Resilience

A three-day visit by leading European experts and academics has further solidified Belfast's reputation as a pioneer in nature-based solutions for climate resilience.

The European UPSURGE project, which aims to accelerate the adoption of nature-based solutions in cities across Europe, has established a scientific demonstrator site in Belfast's Lower Botanic Gardens. This innovative project, a collaboration between Belfast City Council and Queen's University, features a soil research testing area and an agroecological community garden.

Environmental sensors at the site are collecting data on air pollution, temperature, humidity, biodiversity, and soil contamination, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the greening interventions. These findings offer practical and innovative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change in urban areas.

During the visit, experts from across Europe discussed learnings and best practices, including the potential of raingardens developed in Budapest to inspire sustainable urban drainage solutions in other demonstrator sites.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray was delighted to welcome the European partners to the UPSURGE site: "As one of only five European cities involved in the UPSURGE project, this living lab is showcasing how Belfast is playing its part in climate resilience. By blending community action with academic research, UPSURGE is accelerating climate action through collaboration. The ongoing contribution of community groups, researchers and Belfast City Council is instrumental in testing the future of green spaces while improving the quality of life for residents." Professor Jennifer McKinley, Research Lead at the Queen's University School of Natural and Built Environment, said the meeting of European partners in Belfast represented a valuable opportunity to share findings so far and build new connections between the UPSURGE consortium, EU representatives and the city of Belfast.

"This project was co-created by all the partners – research scientists, government and community groups. We've already learned so much from the Belfast demonstrator site at Lower Botanic and have been delighted with progress over the past two years.

"It's a pleasure to be able to share these learnings with our European partners and to hear about progress in other demonstrator sites. The whole point of the project is that we can share evidence and best practice for the most successful nature-based solutions – the ones that will really make a difference to mitigating the climate crisis and providing new, more nature-friendly solutions to the environmental challenges of city dwelling."

These thoughts were echoed by the European UPSURGE Project Coordinator Darko Ferčej: "This visit to Belfast is an important milestone for the UPSURGE project. It's been an invaluable opportunity to chart our progress and share our learnings. It's wonderful to see first-hand how the Belfast model is making a difference, and it presents the city as an example of best practice to others. Belfast joins Budapest in Hungary, Katowice in Poland, Maribor in Slovenia and Breda in The Netherlands in showcasing how renaturing urban space can address challenges of air pollution and carbon footprint."

The UPSURGE project also supports the city's Sustainable Food Programme which aims to increase access to fresh, healthy and environmentally friendly food across the city. In August this year, Belfast earned a Bronze Award from Sustainable Food Places in recognition of the positive changes that sites like UPSURGE are offering the city's food system.