Promoting urban integration of GReen INfrastructure to improve climate governance in cities (LIFE GrIn)

The main goal of the project is to incorporate climate governance into the management of green infrastructure at the local level. This is achieved by establishing an integrated policy framework focusing on urban green areas and promoting adaptation to climate change with consideration of participatory and sustainable planning practices. Concrete actions are implemented in two Greek municipalities, Amarousion and Heraklion, and the replication of best practices is supported by dissemination of results and the engagement of other municipalities.

The project aims to:

• Establish an integrated policy framework for the management, monitoring, and evaluation of urban green areas based on cooperative planning and best practices in urban forestry, satisfying public values and promoting urban adaptation to climate change
• Integrate and promote European policies in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as sustainable urban planning and design
• Quantify and multiply the impact of urban green areas on climate problems in cities (heat waves and heat island effect, increased runoff during heavy precipitation, increased energy consumption for heating/ cooling buildings)
• Promote the incorporation of sustainable urban forest management for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the Covenant of Mayors and other EU policies
• Improve citizens’ quality of life through the mitigation of the effects of climate change and the multifunctional planning of urban green areas
• Raise awareness amongst decision-makers regarding the necessity and benefits of taking action on climate change adaptation/mitigation at the municipal level
• Raise public awareness about climate change and promote the active participation of stakeholders towards mitigating its impacts
• Conserve nature and biodiversity and improve habitats for fauna and flora species in cities

The project will improve the ecological quality of the urban green areas and reduce GHG emissions in the partner municipalities through improved planning and management practices.