VARCITIES EU Project: Visionary Nature-Based Actions for Health, Well-Being and Resilience in Cities

Abstract

In an increased urbanized world, cities face several challenges and threats, and struggle to propose credible urban futures and new opportunities for their citizens. Social services and health facilities are significantly affected in negative ways owed to the increase in urban populations (70% by 2050). Air pollution and urban heat islands are exacerbating. Nature will struggle to compensate in the future city, as rural land is predicted to shrink by 30% affecting liveability. VARCITIES is an ambitious EU research project that puts the citizens and the “human communities” at the centre of future cities’ vision, in the belief that future cities should become fully human-centred cities. The project started in September 2020. Seven Pilot Cities are testing and implementing a series of innovative nature-based actions. The vision of VARCITIES is to implement real, visionary ideas and add value by establishing sustainable models for increasing health and well-being of citizens who are exposed to diverse climatic conditions and challenges around Europe through shared public spaces that make cities liveable and welcoming. VARCITIES sets the ambitious target to advance innovation across different urban scales by fully exploiting nature-based solutions from a digital, social and cultural perspective. Public spaces are envisioned as people-centred areas that support creativity, inclusivity, health and happiness for the citizens.