We at DigInnoCent (DIC) are excited to announce the successful kick-off of the NATURE-DEMO project, a groundbreaking initiative to demonstrate the power of nature-based solutions (NbS) in protecting Europe's critical infrastructure from escalating climate risks.

On May 14th, 2024 and over three days, partners from across Europe gathered in Liberec, Czech Republic for the official launch of this ambitious 4-year Horizon Europe project. The energy in the room was profound as experts from industry, academia, research institutions, NGOs and government came together, united by a shared commitment to pioneering a greener, more resilient future.

As the proud coordinator of NATURE-DEMO, DIC opened the meeting with a warm welcome and a powerful vision - to create a sustainable, nature-integrated and climate-proof built environment. Mohamed Eldessouki, the Coordinator of the Project, sets the stage, highlighting the urgency of the climate resilience challenge and the transformative potential of harnessing nature's innate protective abilities.

Over the course of the dynamic 3-day meeting, the consortium delved into the technical intricacies of the project, from the comprehensive NbS catalogue to be developed, to the state-of-the-art resilience modeling platform, to the large-scale demonstrators planned across 5 diverse infrastructure sites in the Alpine region.

But beyond the technical discussions, what truly stood out was the spirit of collaboration and co-creation that permeated every session. Partners actively engaged in shaping workplans, identifying synergies, and brainstorming innovative approaches to engage stakeholders and drive NbS mainstreaming. The diversity of perspectives and the depth of expertise around the table was truly inspiring.

As we wrapped up intensive days of strategizing and team-building, the air was filled with a tangible sense of excitement and purpose. Partners departed energized and equipped with a clear roadmap for the journey ahead.

For DIC, the successful kick-off reinforced our confidence in the power of this consortium and the importance of our role as the Coordinator. We are honored to lead such an exceptional team and are committed to providing strategic guidance, technical oversight and collaborative platform to ensure NATURE-DEMO achieves its full potential.

The kick-off may be over, but the real work is just beginning. In the coming months, expect to hear regular updates as we catalogue promising NbS, refine our modelling tools, engage local communities, and lay the groundwork for our demonstrators. We invite you to follow our journey and join the conversation on how we can work with nature to build a more resilient future.

At DIC, we've always believed in the power of innovation to tackle society's greatest challenges. With NATURE-DEMO, we have an unprecedented opportunity to put that belief into practice on a grand scale. We're ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.