A new initiative aimed at harnessing nature-based solutions to address local urban planning challenges has been unveiled by the University of Malta in partnership with architecture firm AP Valletta and with the support of the HSBC Malta Foundation.
The project, Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Resilience, is spearheaded by the Inst. for Climate Change & Sustainable Development [1] – University of Malta. Its primary goal is to implement nature-based strategies to bolster Malta’s urban resilience against climate-related challenges, including flooding and urban heat islands.
The initiative will commence with a pilot at San Gorg Preca College in ?amrun, focusing on carbon sequestration and temperature regulation in urban settings. A key component of the project is the development of a toolkit designed to facilitate the replication of these solutions on a national scale.
Following the design phase of the pilot project, a partnership with Project Green will ensure the effective implementation of the strategies at the college, with a thorough assessment of the environmental impact and the level of community engagement.
The HSBC Malta Foundation said that it is proud to be supporting the project, which resonates with its commitment to promoting environmental awareness and advancing sustainable practices across society.
”This initiative marks a significant step towards the integration of nature-based solutions into Malta’s urban development strategies, establishing a model for future sustainable development projects,” it said.
Photos: HSBC Malta/AP Valletta