EWRC 2025 Workshop | How Much Nature Do We Need in our Cities? Turning Data into Urban Greening Action
This interactive workshop introduces a new methodology developed by the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Greening Cities, under the ESPON-GILL project, to help cities quantify local demand for green infrastructure. Participants will explore insights from European case studies and test practical tools that support data-informed urban nature plans, funding proposals and local climate action.
Developing a Common Methodology
Organised by the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Greening Cities, under the framework of the ESPON-GILL project, this workshop builds on one of the core Actions of the Partnership’s Action Plan: the development of a standardised methodology for quantifying the demand for green infrastructure at local level.
This methodology responds to a long-standing challenge: without robust and comparable methods, cities struggle to define how much green infrastructure is needed, where it should be prioritised, and how it can best support climate adaptation, biodiversity, and public well-being. The ESPON-GILL Targeted Analysis aims to fill this gap with a practical, evidence-based approach that can be applied across different urban contexts.
From Evidence to Action
The session will walk participants through the new methodology, explaining how it combines local data with European datasets to support more effective planning and financing of urban greening measures. A case study from the City of Roeselare will show how data-driven approaches can be applied in practice, while insights from ICLEI will connect these experiences to broader European and global trends in urban greening.
Interactive Exchange
This workshop is designed to be highly interactive. Participants will be invited to reflect on the biggest barriers their cities face for data-driven planning and implementation of green infrastructure, and to exchange with peers and experts on how these challenges can be overcome. Moderated questions and open-floor contributions will ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and captured, feeding into the refinement of the methodology and its practical guidance.
The session will conclude with key takeaways that will directly inform the next steps of the Greening Cities Partnership and ESPON-GILL project, including forthcoming outputs
Why Join?
This session is designed to provide hands-on insights, peer-to-peer learning, and tools that cities can immediately apply in their own contexts. If you are working to green your city, this is the moment to see how evidence can translate into action and investment. Join us to connect with peers, test practical tools, and help shape the next generation of urban greening strategies.
👉 Register before 30 September to secure your seat and be part of the conversation: