International Conference
“Nature for Sustainable Cities: Planning Cost-Effective and Just Solutions for Urban Issues"
26–27 February 2026
Department of Architecture
University of Naples Federico II
Palazzo Gravina, Via Monteoliveto 3, Naples (Italy)
The International Conference “Nature for Sustainable Cities: Planning Cost-Effective and Just Solutions for Urban Issues (NATSOLIS)” will explore the complex relationship between Nature-based Solutions (NBS) and urban and regional planning, addressing both their transformative potential and the challenges that arise when they are implemented in different territorial and socio-economic contexts. Building on recent international debates, the conference will examine how NBS contribute to urban regeneration, climate adaptation, risk mitigation, biodiversity enhancement, and improved environmental quality. At the same time, it will critically assess emerging concerns related to spatial justice, unequal access to NBS, green gentrification, and potential enhancement of existing socio-spatial inequalities.
A key focus will be placed on the assessment of positive and negative impacts of NBS, including the need for robust, spatially sensitive, and context-specific methodologies for evaluating ecological, social, and economic outcomes. Contributions addressing innovative approaches for mapping, modelling, and analysing the spatial distribution of NBS benefits – as well as identifying trade-offs, externalities, and unintended consequences – are strongly encouraged.
The conference also aims to explore governance models, participatory processes, and co-creation practices that can support equitable and effective NBS-oriented planning. By integrating theoretical insights, methodological advancements, and practical applications, NATSOLIS intends to foster a deeper understanding of how NBS can be designed, evaluated, and implemented to support inclusive and resilient urban regeneration. Trans-disciplinary contributions highlighting successful (and/or unsuccessful) cases are particularly welcome, helping to advance NBS as tools for context-aware, evidence-based, and problem-solving approaches.
The event constitutes the final conference of the PRIN 2022 Project “Nature for sustainable cities: planning cost-effective and just solutions for urban issues (NATSOLIS)”, funded by the Italian Ministry of Research, and is jointly organized by Universities of Catania, Naples “Federico II”, and Salerno.
DOWNLOAD THE CALL FOR PAPERS
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Authors are invited to submit an abstract (no more than 200 words) by 15 January 2026 to the following address: natsolis2026@gmail.com
REGISTRATION FEES
60 € for participants under 35
120 € for participants over 35
Further information on payment methods and registration will be available soon
CONFERENCE TOPICS
Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
NBS for urban regeneration
Strategies, frameworks, and projects aimed at improving environmental quality, mitigating risks, and enhancing urban liveability through nature-based approaches.
Spatial justice, equity, and inclusion in NBS planning
Inter- and intragenerational equity, social vulnerability, just access to urban services and green spaces, gender-sensitive and inclusive perspectives, and the risks of inequitable effects of NBS.
Impact assessment of NBS in regeneration processes
Multidimensional evaluation of ecological, social, and economic impacts; cost–benefit analyses; indicators and metrics; identification of trade-offs and unintended consequences.
Successful and unsuccessful NBS implementations
Case studies highlighting effective or ineffective NBS projects and policies; context-specific barriers, governance failures, conflicts, and lessons learned.
Spatial analysis and mapping of NBS benefits
GIS-based approaches, spatial indicators, analytical models, and other tools for understanding and quantifying NBS performances and effects.
Governance, policy innovation, and stakeholder engagement
Participatory processes, co-design and co-creation practices, collaborative governance structures, and community involvement in NBS-oriented planning.
Climate adaptation and ecological resilience
NBS addressing heatwaves, flooding and stormwater management, biodiversity loss, and other environmental risks in urban contexts.
Economic sustainability and cost-effectiveness of NBS
Financial evaluation, maintenance strategies, long-term sustainability, and investment models for nature-based interventions.
PUBLICATIONS
After the conference, authors will be invited to submit a full paper for publication in a Springer edited volume indexed in Scopus. Additional Special Issues in peer-reviewed ISI/Scopus journals may be announced.