Governance, climate change and nature-based solutions in Vitoria-Gasteiz: the naturalization of school backyards

Abstract

The increase in global temperatures, especially noticeable in urban spaces, due to the effect of the heat island, has generated a growing concern due to its impacts on the urban environment. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as a promising strategy to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. However, significant challenges for the implementation of NbS are still evident. Through the case study of the naturalization of school backyards, as an example of the integration of NbS in urban settings in Vitoria-Gasteiz, it is sought to understand how local governance influences the integration of climate change in urban planning through the assessment of three main factors: climate governance, institutional training and psychosocial involvement. After a literature review and a series of semi-structured interviews, an inclusive governance process is evidenced, facilitating collaboration among the actors involved and promoting citizen participation in decision-making. The project analysed not only contributes to adaptation climate change adaptation, but also offers many other services, especially cultural ones. However, there is also a lack of coordination between different areas and levels of government, which slows down the escalation of the pilot project; a lack of evaluation of results (due to its early stage); and insufficient funding, which is related to a lack of political commitment. The opportunity to improve the relationship of children with nature, as well as the creation of climate shelters that, open to the community, improve the social cohesion of the neighborhoods, indicate that the efforts needed to integrate this type of action in urban planning will be worthwhile.