Nature Restoration Regulation and local level implementation: How much green is enough?
26. June 14:45 - 16:30
This session will explore the impact of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation on urban areas, focusing on how cities can contribute to and benefit from its implementation. It examines the regulation's targets on green infrastructure, tree cover, and biodiversity, and how these intersect with existing local ambitions. The session will feature insights from both national and local perspectives, highlighting opportunities for enhanced cooperation, increased ambition, and practical implementation at the local level. Drawing on research and real-world experience, the session will consider how cities are planning for restoration, what challenges they face, and what support is needed. Discussions will reflect on how the Regulation can drive systemic change in urban planning, foster healthier ecosystems, and promote equitable access to green space in European cities.
The workshop is developed in three parts
- Panel discussion setting the scene from the EU level to the local level
- A round table discussion based on the introductory panel discussion
- A cities panel discussion with representatives from the local governments conveying a message from the LRGs perspective.
Speakers
Staff Member at the Department of Operational Planning and Development Programs, Municipality of Thessaloniki
Athina Chontolidou, Municipality of Thessaloniki
Athina works at the Municipality of Thessaloniki within the Department of Operational Planning and Development Programs. Her role focuses primarily on the management and coordination of National and European funding projects, including initiatives such as Horizon (UP2030), LIFE, URBACT, and CERV. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business Administration. However, it was during her postgraduate studies—an MSc in Spatial Planning for Sustainable and Resilient Development (Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)—that she discovered her professional calling and mindset. Driven by a strong commitment to sustainable urban transformation, she is deeply engaged in advancing the vision of climate-neutral and net-zero cities.
Moderator
Manager, Partnerships and Events, Resilient Cities Network
Nadine Burbar, Manager, Partnerships and Events, Resilient Cities Network
Nadine brings a wealth of experience as an urban resilience practitioner, having served as a Deputy Chief Resilience Officer with a proven track record in local governance. Currently working at the Resilient Cities Network, she specializes in managing partnerships and curating engagement events at both local and global levels to advance the urban resilience agenda. Nadine holds a Master's degree in Urban Management and Development from Erasmus University Rotterdam, and in Competitiveness and Innovation from Deusto University in Spain. She combines academic knowledge with practical expertise to contribute meaningfully to the field. In addition, Nadine has conducted research and developed expertise in digital inclusion and digital resilience, further enhancing her expertise to address modern urban challenges and make cities a better place for all.
Expert - Urban Climate Adaptation, European Environment Agency
Ine Vandecasteele, Expert - Urban Climate Adaptation, European EnviroNment Agency
Ine leads the work on urban adaptation to climate change at the European Environment Agency, including the recent publication ‘Urban Adaptation in Europe: What works?’. She has a background in both environmental and political sciences, and has 15 years of experience in providing scientific evidence for policymaking in the fields of water management, energy, climate impacts and urban sustainability.
Expert, Resilience and Climate Adaptation, ICLEI Europe
Expert, Resilience and Climate Adaptation, ICLEI Europe
Elena Petsani is an Urban Resilience & Sustainability Planner (MSc & MEng.). She has a strong professional background with seven years of experience in inclusive and climate-resilient urban development, sustainability strategies, policymaking, and academic research at the national and local government level. She has supported strategic urban planning and territorial development, climate adaptation policies, and spatial tools for multi-stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process. Elena is involved in EU funded projects focused on adaptation to climate change and Nature Based Solutions such as REGREEN, CARDIMED, RECREATE, MULTISOURCE, Pathways to Resilience and UP2030.