Navigating (non)-binding policies across governance levels: the nitty gritty for local and regional authorities
18. June 13:30-15:15
Pitch Stage
The Nature Restoration Regulation mandates no net loss of urban green space and tree canopy cover by 2030 at the national level. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 enlists all cities with populations of 20,000 to create Urban Nature Plans. The EU Soil Monitoring Law aims to ensure healthy soils by 2050. But which of these targets are legally binding, to which levels of governance do they apply, and what are the legal obligations of local and regional authorities? Join EU policy experts and city representatives in a conversation around the opportunities and challenges these varied legal environments present cities. Learnings will be integrated in upcoming policy briefs on Urban Nature Plans and spatial planning.
This session will begin with a quick input from policy experts on 2-3 key EU level policies, with a clear summary of what is binding, voluntary, and the implications for local and regional authorities. We will then invite 4-5 LRA representatives to the stage, with an open seat for an audience member, to reflect and discuss what these policies mean for their local contexts. Learnings will be referenced in upcoming SPADES and UNP+ policy briefs.
Speakers
Postdoctoral researcher, Young Investigator Group Preparation Program Fellow, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Dr. Marufa Sultana, Postdoctoral researcher, Young Investigator Group Preparation Program Fellow, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Marufa Sultana is an urban ecologist with expertise in biodiversity conservation, wildlife biology, and nature-based solutions, with experience spanning both academic and non-academic sectors. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, where her research focuses on co-designing sustainable future cities that support both people and wildlife. Marufa earned her doctorate in natural sciences from the University of Freiburg, Germany. Previously, she contributed to several biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, climate change adaptation initiatives at IUCN Bangladesh. She also worked on different nature-based solution projects, including NBRACER, Land4Climate, and UPSURGE, at ICLEI Europe.
General, Research and Innovation Coordinator, Landscape Laboratory
Dr. Francisco Carvalho, Research and Innovation Coordinator, Landscape Laboratory
Currently General, Research and Innovation Coordinator at the Landscape Laboratory and Guest Lecturer at the University of Minho. Environmental and molecular biologist with a PhD in Molecular and Environmental Biology from the University of Minho and a Fulbright alumnus at the University of Washington. Combines strong expertise in applied research and innovative, science-based solutions for territorial management and urban sustainability. Works at the interface between science and policy, supporting European missions on climate neutrality, adaptation, and ecosystem restoration. Active contributor to international networks, including leadership roles in Eurocities working groups on biodiversity, climate resilience, and circular economy. Author of multiple peer-reviewed publications and experienced in science communication, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Project officer, Institute for Urban Excellence
Mariam Jahning, Project officer, Institute for Urban Excellence
Mariam Jahning is a project officer at the Institute for Urban Excellence, where she works on the EU project SPADES (Spatial Planning and Design with Soil), advancing soil-inclusive urban planning across Europe. Funded by Horizon Europe under the Soil Mission, the project promotes the integration of soil health into spatial planning and design, supporting the transition to healthy soils by empowering policymakers, practitioners, and communities across 10 EU countries.
She holds master’s degrees in public policy and governance and in urban and regional planning from the University of Amsterdam. With a research background in implementing no net land take policy in Germany and France, and in strengthening the better regulation pillar of the Urban Agenda for the EU, her work focuses on multilevel governance, EU policy implementation, policy transfer, and the integration of knowledge into planning practice.
Topic Lead - Climate Resilience and Risk Governance, Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP)
Topic Lead - Climate Resilience and Risk Governance, Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP)
Louis’s work is driven by a commitment to strengthening societal resilience and advancing transformative responses to climate and environmental challenges. In his current role at IEEP, he leads work on climate resilience and risk governance, shaping research agendas, guiding project delivery, and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders. His expertise spans climate change, governance, ecology, resilience, sustainability, disaster risk management, and land use planning. He specialises in qualitative research, facilitating expert discussions, workshops, and interviews, and designing robust questionnaires to explore complex issues. Louis is particularly focused on strengthening the links between research, policy, and practice to ensure his work delivers meaningful and lasting impact.
Climate Change Adaptation Manager, TECNALIA Research and Innovation
EfrÉn Feliu, Climate Change Adaptation Manager, TECNALIA Research and Innovation
Holds a Building Engineering Degree as well as different postgraduates including spatial planning and territorial development. Has a relevant professional background in consultancy and capacity building for public administrations and utilities. He is currently Climate Change Manager at the City Territory and Environment Area of Tecnalia, coordinating applied research projects for the development of Decision Support Systems in the fields of sustainable spatial development, nature-based solutions, regional-urban resilience and sectoral climate change adaptation. Worked in Central America for over 4 years and is involved in international and European initiatives for more than 25 years, including several Horizon Europe projects, ESPON and Copernicus contracts, standardisation activities at ISO and CEN, as well as the Spanish Mirror Group for the EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change.
Project Manager Urban Resilience Department, City of Milan
Dr. Simone Nardicchia, Project Manager Urban Resilience Department, City of Milan
Simone Nardicchia is a project manager at the Urban Resilience Department of the City of Milano, working on European projects that support climate adaptation, urban regeneration and local resilience. He has an academic background in International Cooperation, with a focus on development, human rights and environmental challenges, and has built his professional experience across NGOs, public authorities and private organisations involved in EU-funded programmes. His work combines project coordination, stakeholder engagement and participatory processes, with particular attention to translating strategies into actions at city and neighbourhood level. He currently coordinates Milan’s activities within Commit2Green (C2G), a Horizon Europe project promoting participatory urban greening and renaturing through nature-based solutions and community involvement.
Project Manager, Viimsi Municipality
Siim Reinla, Project Manager, Viimsi Municipality
Siim Reinla is a Project Manager at Viimsi Municipality, where he develops and manages international and national development projects focused on climate resilience, circular economy, and sustainable urban infrastructure. His work has included projects related to stormwater management in the context of climate change, green infrastructure, and innovative circular economy solutions. He has extensive experience in preparing funding applications and coordinating project implementation with local and international partners. Siim holds a Master’s degree in Geography.
Moderators
Senior Expert for Communications, Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions, ICLEI Europe
Kassia Rudd, Senior Expert for Communications, Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions, ICLEI Europe
Kassia Rudd joined ICLEI in March 2022 and leads communication for the Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions team. She directs strategic communication for multiple EU projects committed to furthering sustainability and justice via urban greening, leveraging her professional and academic experience in public health, community outreach, sustainable agriculture, and restoration ecology to render project results accessible, engaging, and meaningful to a broad audience.