Pioneering Nature-based Solutions for climate adaptation across Europe
The ARCADIA project, an ambitious initiative aimed at advancing climate resilience through Nature-based Solutions (NBS), officially launched its journey with a successful kick-off meeting. This 54-month project, backed by the European Commission, brings together 43 partners from nine countries to revolutionize climate adaptation strategies in eight European regions. With a total budget of over €18 million, ARCADIA promises to be a game-changer in the field of sustainable and equitable climate solutions (Cordis).
Building climate resilience through Nature-based Solutions
Nature-based Solutions (NBS) have been recognized as a powerful tool to address climate change and enhance community resilience. ARCADIA seeks to accelerate the adoption of these solutions by providing regional actors with actionable, evidence-based knowledge and a suite of innovative tools and services. By focusing on localized and context-specific strategies, ARCADIA will empower communities, businesses, and public administrations to implement effective NBS that align with the unique challenges and opportunities in their regions.
The project’s focus on NBS is not just about addressing climate risks but also about promoting social and economic transformation. The ARCADIA team aims to co-design strategies that prioritize equity and justice while ensuring sustainable development and green recovery.
A network of European regions collaborating for a greener future
ARCADIA’s scope spans eight European regions, including Italy, Croatia, Austria, Denmark, and Sweden, as model regions, and Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia, as fellow replicating regions (Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia). Each region will serve as a living lab for innovation, where local stakeholders can experiment with NBS, exchange knowledge, and learn from each other’s experiences. This collaborative approach is intended to create a ripple effect, leading to the widespread adoption of NBS across Europe.
The project’s implementation includes 15 Co-Innovation Labs, which will serve as interactive platforms for communities, researchers, and policymakers to jointly develop and refine regional strategies. These labs are designed to foster a bottom-up approach, ensuring that local voices and perspectives are central to the development of climate adaptation strategies.
From local action to European impact: advancing the EU Mission on Adaptation
ARCADIA’s mission aligns with the broader goals of the European Union’s Mission Adaptation initiative, which supports regions and communities in becoming more resilient to climate change. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on a few exemplary projects, ARCADIA employs a pathway approach that emphasizes the systemic capabilities needed for transformation. This methodology not only addresses environmental resilience but also incorporates social and governance dimensions, ensuring that NBS serve as a bridge to a more just and inclusive society.
As part of this effort, ARCADIA will deploy advanced tools for risk and performance assessment, mobilize sustainable finance, and design new adaptation services tailored to the specific needs of each region. By doing so, ARCADIA aims to create a comprehensive framework that can be scaled up and adapted across Europe, ultimately contributing to the EU’s goal of supporting 150 regions and communities on their resilience journeys.
A call for engagement: join the ARCADIA community
The ARCADIA project is more than a scientific endeavor—it’s a call for communities to actively engage in shaping a sustainable future. Through festivals, workshops, and public events, the project will connect with diverse audiences, raising awareness about the benefits of NBS and encouraging active participation in climate adaptation efforts. Whether you’re a policymaker, a business leader, or a concerned citizen, ARCADIA offers opportunities to contribute to transformative change.
Together, we can build a future where nature and communities thrive in harmony, adapting to the challenges of a changing climate.