The EU – Brazil Sector Dialogue on nature-based solutions

Contribution to a Brazilian roadmap on nature-based solutions for resilient cities

EU COMMISSION 

Directorate-General for Research and Innovation – Climate Action, Environment and Resource E ciency

edited by Tiago Freitas, Guilherme Wiedman and Jose na Enfedaque

Authors: Cecilia P. Herzog and Carmen Antuña Rozado

 

Luxembourg: Publications O ce of the European Union, September 2019

Print ISBN 978-92-79-97244-7 – doi: 10.2777/924816 KI-04-18-972-EN-C

PDF ISBN 978-92-79-97245-4 – doi: 10.2777/569867 KI-04-18-972-EN-N

 

25 interesting case studies of nature based projects in Brazil and different countries in Europe. 

The European Commission and the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communication started a dialogue on nature-based solutions (NBS) in 2015. In this report, European and Brazilian experts analyse the occurrence and potential of NBS in Brazil, highlight good practices in the EU for possible adaptation to the Brazilian context, and contribute to the elaboration of a NBS strategy in Brazil. This body of knowledge results in a strong case for nature as a solution to social, environmental and economic challenges.

25 case studies from both sides of the Atlantic illustrate how working with nature can have a positive impact on people’s lives. The chosen examples address many challenges: from water management, to ecosystem restoration, urban heat island effect, floods, landslides or coastal erosion. In particular, the Brazilian case studies span all regions of Brazil and the country’s most threatened biomes (the Atlantic Rainforest, the Cerrado, and the Amazon). They display how Brazil’s mega-biodiversity could be the solution to a series of issues and provide inspiration to us all.

The report concludes that nature-based solutions are not only smart investment choices but also a means to enhance quality of life and an opportunity to shift to a new economy and a new lifestyle – more connected to nature.

Contents

  1. Foreword 4

  2. Key messages 6

  3. Introduction 8

  4. Harnessing Brazilian potential 18

  5. Discussion

  6. Reference highlights 36

EU case studies

  1. Tampere, Finland 40

  2. Edinburgh, United Kingdom 42

  3. Milan, Italy 44

  4. Lisbon, Portugal 46

  5. Eindhoven, the Netherlands 48

  6. Genoa, Italy 50

  7. Freiburg, Germany 52

  8. Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain 54

  9. Berlin, Germany 56

  10. Copenhagen, Denmark 58

Brazilian case studies

  1. Campinas: ecological strategic plans for biodiversity and water protection 62

  2. Curitiba: Barigui watershed restoration 68

  3. Rio de Janeiro: reforestation collective action 72

  4. Brasília: Serrinha do Paranoá waters project 76

  5. São Paulo: Jaguaré creek restoration 80

  6. Niterói: Piratininga waterfront park 86

  7. Recife: Antonio Maria Square, restoration of an urban river 90

  8. Rio de Janeiro: Recreio green corridor 94

  9. Petrópolis: biological waste-water treatment 100

  10. Benevides: Ecopark Natura, ltration gardens 104

  11. Cabo Frio: seashore ecosystem restoration 108

  12. São Paulo: Springs Square, nurturing urban waters 112

  13. São Paulo: Araucárias Square – rain garden and pocket forest 116

  14. São Paulo: Owls’ community food garden 122

  15. Rio de Janeiro: favela green roof 126