Revitalising urban industrial districts with Nature-based Solutions in Turin, Italy

Key Learnings

• Improving urban health: Improving the accessibility to green infrastructure for citizens can improve human wellbeing and urban health, as green spaces evidently enhance the quality of life in cities.
• Preparing the ground for new green businesses and jobs: The introduction of novel and innovative Nature-based Solutions encompasses knowledge transfer and training, which can create the right conditions for green entrepreneurship and green jobs.
• Stakeholder management and inclusive participation: Effective stakeholder engagement requires strong coordination to involve a diverse range of community members, including different ages, backgrounds, and interests, in decision-making. Inclusive participation ensures everyone’s voice is heard, building awareness, acceptance, and social cohesion. This approach also fosters lasting public-private partnerships and shared maintenance responsibilities by creating trust and a sense of ownership.

Summary

The Nature-based Solutions at Mirafiori Sud District in Turin address multiple challenges related to climate change adaptation, urban health and social issues in the district. The focus lay on preparation and organisation to ensure the inclusion of a broad and diverse group of relevant stakeholders. Establishing an effective organisational structure proved essential for planning, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and ensuring successful implementation. Addressing local challenges through Nature-based Solutions was complex but offered valuable insights into the tangible and intangible benefits Nature-based Solutions can deliver to communities.

In Mirafiori Sud, the initiative played a key role in urban regeneration and transformation by piloting green innovations, sharing best practices, raising awareness, and integrating education and expert knowledge. A strong emphasis on social cohesion helped improve stakeholder communication and supported the inclusion of disadvantaged groups. From an economic perspective, the project contributed to shaping a new, green identity for the district, laying the foundation for green entrepreneurship, job creation, and establishing enduring local networks and public-private partnerships that are expected to continue well beyond the project’s conclusion.

Contact

Organisation: Torino City Lab

E-Mail: torinocitylabcomune [dot] torino [dot] it (torinocitylab[at]comune[dot]torino[dot]it)