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Moving Towards a Holistic Approach to Circular Cities: Obstacles and Perspectives for Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in Europe

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Listed:
  • Jelena Ristić Trajković

    (Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73/II, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Verica Krstić

    (Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73/II, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Aleksandra Milovanović

    (Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73/II, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Cristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros

    (Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal)

  • Mirjana Ćujić

    (Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, Vinča, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Milica Karanac

    (Envico Ltd., Consulting and Engineering Company, Vardarska 19/IV, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Jan K. Kazak

    (Institute of Spatial Management, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. Grunwaldzka 55, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Sara Di Lonardo

    (Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems-National Research Council (IRET-CNR), via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
    National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

  • Rocío Pineda-Martos

    (Departamento de Ingeniería Aeroespacial y Mecánica de Fluidos, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Universidad de Sevilla, Ctra. de Utrera, km. 1, 41005 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Mari Carmen Garcia Mateo

    (MCG Research & Innovation Sustainability Architecture/Urban Planning, 30004 Murcia, Spain)

  • Dragan Milošević

    (Meteorology and Air Quality Group, Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Maria Milousi

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece)

  • Mihai Răzvan Niță

    (Centre for Environmental Research and Impact Studies, University of Bucharest, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Stefania Anna Palermo

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Patrizia Piro

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Behrouz Pirouz

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Zorina Siscan

    (Faculty of International Economic Relations, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, 2005 Chisinau, Moldova)

  • Michele Turco

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Mentore Vaccari

    (Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

  • Nataša Atanasova

    (Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Hajdrihova 28, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Guenter Langergraber

    (Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria)

  • Rita Lado Ribeiro

    (LSRE-LCM—Laboratory for of Separation and Reaction Engineering—Laboratory for of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Maja Đolić

    (Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are frequently implemented without taking the system’s perspective into account and with the main focus on technical and economic issues of implementation. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis on the potential synergistic effects between circularity and NBS to holistically tackle urban challenges. The main objective is to establish preliminary insights on the obstacles and perspectives of NBS integration and implementation, through a questionnaire set up by the network of experts gathered within the COST Action CA17133 Circular City. The following research questions arise: (i) what differences exist in the level of NBS application according to the variance of engaged countries; and (ii) what are the main obstacles and perspectives for the NBS implementation in order to holistically tackle urban challenges, enhancing the sustainable connection among urban environment, nature, and human well-being. To go beyond the current state-of-the-art and reflect on the research conducted within the Circular City Action, this study aims to open a multi-geographical academic dialogue across Europe and beyond and to move towards a holistic approach to circular cities. Accordingly, this study is: (1) multi-geographical and context-based, providing input for thirty-three EU countries and four non-EU countries to give an overview of the main obstacles and perspectives of NBS implementation, and (2) approach-directed, aiming to formulate a holistic approach to deal with societal challenges. This document intends to provide qualitative and quantitative insight into the potentials and obstacles of NBS implementation in Europe, as well as to motivate further discussion and research to achieve holistic and sustainable cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jelena Ristić Trajković & Verica Krstić & Aleksandra Milovanović & Cristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros & Mirjana Ćujić & Milica Karanac & Jan K. Kazak & Sara Di Lonardo & Rocío Pineda-Martos & Mari Carm, 2024. "Moving Towards a Holistic Approach to Circular Cities: Obstacles and Perspectives for Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7085-:d:1458803
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