Category: GreenInCities

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Network Nature Annual Event

Posted on by Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo

NetworkNature Annual Event 2024 | Busting myths: People with nature

24-25 of September, 2024 | Brussels, Belgium

The NeuroLandscape team just returned from an incredible few days at the NetworkNature EU Annual Event in Brussels! What a wonderful blend of insightful discussions, knowledge-rich myth-busting panels, and interactive hands-on workshops, all reinforcing the key message of the event: Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are not a luxury but a necessity to tackle global challenges.

A Breakdown of the Event: Tuesday, 24th of September (Task Force Cluster Meeting)

On the 24th of September, 2024, our team was welcomed to Network Nature's Task Force Cluster meetings at the historic Flemish Theatre. We were joined by leading academics, experts, and activists , EU-funded Horizon project representatives (not to mention from our own GreenME Project and GreenInCities projects), MEPs, EU Commission officers, and other key players from across the world in the Nature-based Solutions community. That morning our team joined the AI and Digital Solutions and the NbS Assessment Indicators tables as part of our Cluster talks. We are confident that the discussion and the ideas developed based on these exchanges could lead to further funding for future initiatives 🌍! The day wrapped up with a summary of the next steps for each Task Force, setting the stage for upcoming collaborations.

A Breakdown of the Event: Wednesday, 25th of September (Network Nature's Annual Conference)

This year, the Network Nature's Annual Conference took place on the 25th of September, 2024 at the Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles. The theme was "Busting Myths," featuring brilliant keynote speakers and thought-provoking panels. The panel topics included Regenerating nature :  Soil & Water, Nature governance : Nature for people, and Economy for and with nature. Here are some key takeaways from the talks:
➙ "If we try to give nature a monetary value, do we value nature, or do we value money?”
➙"As individuals, do we have the power to bring about change?"
➙"We cannot debunk the myths. Only the myth carriers can, and this process will be painful. We can, however, have our arguments and evidence ready.”                                                                        ➙"Are we too comfortable preaching to the converted?"

We’re proud to share that our poster on the Contemplative Landscape Model was exhibited alongside other NbS case studies during the "Busting Myths" sessions.

The event was a fantastic opportunity for collaboration, providing valuable insights on how we can push NbS forward through collective effort and innovation. We would like to extend our thanks to NetworkNature EU and all the participants for creating a wholesome and knowledge-inspiring experience!

We’re excited to keep driving efforts to help communities embrace Nature-based Solutions for a more sustainable future!

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How Urban Design Can Impact Mental Health & Well-being

Posted on by Annetta Benzar

Our cities are often designed with function in mind. We build parks for exercise, wider sidewalks for pedestrians, and bike lanes for commuters. While we have made progress towards building healthier bodies, we have overlooked the equally important mental well-being.

Urban design has a powerful influence on the quality of its citizens’ life, especially mental health. It shapes the spaces where we live, work, and interact with others. From the soothing presence of green spaces to the efficiency of street layouts, the built environment affects our daily mood and overall well-being. Well-designed urban areas can foster a sense of community and belonging, providing places for people to connect, be active, and recharge. However, poorly planned environments can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation. By understanding the relationship between urban design and mental health, we can create cities that not only meet our physical health needs but also nourish our mental health.

How Urban Space Can Deteriorate Mental Health

Several factors in urban environments can negatively impact mental health, such as:

  Disconnection from Nature

Urban environments often disconnect residents from nature, which is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Humans have evolved in natural environments, and the lack of green spaces and natural ecosystems in cities can lead to residents developing what is referred to as “nature deficit disorder.”[i] Urban residents lack access to nature’s psychological benefits, such as reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function [ii], [iii]. Research on anxiety disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder, distress, anger, and paranoia) and the risk for developing schizophrenia showed higher rates in urban versus rural areas [iv]. In fact, epidemiological studies concluded that the more time spent in an urban environment as a child, the higher the risk for developing schizophrenia as an adult [v].

Noise Pollution

Constant exposure to noise pollution from traffic, construction, and industrial activities can seriously impact mental health. Humans are not adapted to endure continuous loud noises, which can lead to chronic stress, sleep disturbances, depression, and increased anxiety [vi].

Air Pollution

Air pollution not only contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases but also affects mental health [vii]. Long-term exposure to polluted air has been linked to cognitive function decline and an increase risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and even dementia.[viii] The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million premature deaths per year, and a considerable percentage of these are in connection to mental health effects [ix].

Traffic

Heavy traffic and long commutes in bigger cities lead to mental exhaustion, stress and decreased life satisfaction [x]. The daily grind of tackling the morning and post-work rush hour adds to mental strain, leading to irritability and anxiety. A study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that longer commutes are associated with higher levels of stress and lower levels of life satisfaction [xi]. Not to mention that traffic also increases exposure to noise and air pollution, adding to the detrimental effects on mental health [xii]. Living close to traffic can also disturb sleep patterns and cause further irritability and potentially aggression, which then fuels mood and anxiety disorders [xiii].

Overcrowding

High population density, often associated with large-scale, closely packed buildings, can lead to feelings of claustrophobia, stress, and social isolation. Overcrowding reduces personal space and increases competition for resources. This can lead to social tensions and a higher chance of (violent) conflict [xiv]. Furthermore, urban environments with high population densities can overload residents with stimuli, leading to sensory overload, higher stress levels and an impaired cognitive function [xv]. These factors can harm mental well-being, especially since humans are not evolutionary adapted to such densely populated living environments [xvi].

Overload of Stimuli and Information

Modern cities are packed with static and dynamic elements, which are abstract in design, all connected by a complex web of infrastructure. The variety of forms, colours, and textures, in a dense environment, can overwhelm the brain. Tasks that are simple in theory such as navigating the city become mentally exhausting as the brain struggles to process the overload of information being thrown its way. Over time, the constant over-stimulation can lead to mental fatigue, which in turn may increase the risk of developing mood and anxiety disorders [xvii].

Abstract Forms

Cities are made up of forms based on Euclidean geometry, including straight lines, circles, triangles etc. But these forms are rarely found in nature. Rather, nature is filled with amorphic and asymmetrical forms. Research has shown that high exposure to abstract forms, like those in plentiful supply in modern cities, can feed feeling of unease and detachment, leading to increased stress and reduced mental well-being. On the other hand, exposure to natural elements does not have the same effect and can even reverse the strain caused by the urban structures [xviii].

Shortened Visual Outreach

A key characteristics of city environments is the large-scale, high density of buildings and other built structures, packed into limited land plots. This places even more psychological strain on citizens as it creates the impression of a smaller personal space [xix].

How Urban Spaces Can Boost Our Mental Health

Well-designed urban spaces can have a transformative impact on our mental, physical, and social well-being. Research suggests that environmental factors in our surroundings can either exacerbate or protect us from the development of diseases, depending on our genetic makeup. The good news is that by creating optimal urban environments, we can not only enhance overall well-being but also potentially reduce the impact of genetic predisposition to certain health conditions. Our efforts should not stop at the doors of prevention (of mental health deterioration), but we should be striding towards taking action to improve mental health. So, what aspects should we consider when designing our urban environments?

Green Spaces and Nature

Providing free access to parks and other green areas is essential for not only improving but also maintaining mental health. Spending time in nature helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms while boosting mood and concentration. Green spaces also promote physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction [xx]. Incorporating more green spaces such as community gardens curated with contemplative elements into city planning, we can counterbalance the negative effects of urban environments [xxi].

Healthcare Accessibility

Easy access to both mental and physical healthcare services is important for early intervention and continuous support. By reducing barriers to care, such as long travel times and exposure to elements that may negatively affect our health, we can improve overall well-being [xxii].

 

Community Centres: Community centres offer social support networks, recreational activities, and educational programs that strengthen social cohesion and reduce feelings of isolation. These centres also provide safe spaces for individuals to engage in hobbies and group activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community [xxiii].

Inclusive and Accessible Design

Designing flexible urban spaces that accommodate all ages and abilities ensures that everyone can enjoy public spaces. Inclusive design promotes social involvement and equity, which are crucial for community mental health [xxiv].

Implications for Urban Design and Directions

To take full advantage of smart urban design, we must prioritize the health of residents. Planners and policymakers have a key role in promoting mental well-being through thoughtful design. Therefore, consider the following recommendations:

  1. Integrate Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): Incorporating green spaces, urban forests, and community gardens into city planning can enhance mental health and help prevent (and treat) mental health conditions. Nature-based solutions reduce environmental stressors, encourages social interaction, and creates mentally supportive urban spaces.
  2. Implement Contemplative Landscapes: Design features that promote mindfulness and relaxation, such as depths in views, biodiversity in plant and animal species, harmonious, warm colours, shade and seating areas, water elements, can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health [xxv].
  3. Promote Social Interaction: Design public spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement, such as "walkable neighbourhoods," community hubs, and recreational areas.
  4. Ensure Accessibility and Inclusivity: Urban spaces should be accessible to all, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Inclusive design fosters a sense of community and ensures that all residents can benefit from public spaces. Inclusiveness should also be reflected in the design process, with active participation from users during development.
  5. Use Technology and Data-Driven Approaches in Design: Incorporate advanced tools like mobile Electroencephalography (mEEG) and machine learning to assess and predict the impact of urban design on mental health. This will confirm the changes that are to be implemented are indeed creating calming spaces that boost mental health and quality of life.

By prioritizing mental health in urban design, cities can become healthier, more resilient, and inclusive. When green spaces, accessible facilities, and safe, active areas are integrated from the start of the urban planning process—rather than as an afterthought—urban planner can create environments that ultimately improve the quality of life for all residents.

 

Authors: Annetta Benzar, Lara Renhe,  Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo

References

[i] Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Fogel, A., Benjumea, D., & Tahsin, N. (2021). Sustainable Solutions in Urban Health: Transdisciplinary Directions in Urban Planning for Global Public Health. In Sustainable Solutions in Urban Health: Transdisciplinary Directions in Urban Planning for Global Public Health (pp. 279-296). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86304-3_14

[ii] Olszewska-Guizzo, A. (2018). Contemplative Landscapes: Toward Healthier Built Environments. Environment and Social Psychology. 3. 10.18063/esp.v3.i2.742.

[iii] Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Fogel, A., Benjumea, D., Tahsin, N. (2022). Sustainable Solutions in Urban Health: Transdisciplinary Directions in Urban Planning for Global Public Health. In: Leal Filho, W., Vidal, D.G., Dinis, M.A.P., Dias, R.C. (eds) Sustainable Policies and Practices in Energy, Environment and Health Research. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86304-3_14.

[iv] Gruebner, O., Rapp, M. A., Adli, M., Kluge, U., Galea, S., & Heinz, A. (2017). Cities and Mental Health. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 114(8), 121–127. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2017.0121

[v] Vassos, E., Pedersen, C. B., Murray, R. M., Collier, D. A., & Lewis, C. M. (2012). Meta-analysis of the association of urbanicity with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia bulletin, 38(6), 1118–1123. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbs096

[vi] Hahad, O., Kuntic, M., Al-Kindi, S. et al. (2024). Noise and mental health: evidence, mechanisms, and consequences. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-024-00642-5

[vii] Bhui, K., Newbury, J. B., Latham, R. M., Ucci, M., Nasir, Z. A., Turner, B., … Coulon, F. (2023). Air quality and mental health: evidence, challenges and future directions. BJPsych Open, 9(4), e120. doi:10.1192/bjo.2023.507.

[viii] Power, M. C., Kioumourtzoglou, M. A., Hart, J. E., Okereke, O. I., Laden, F., & Weisskopf, M. G. (2015). The relation between past exposure to fine particulate air pollution and prevalent anxiety: observational cohort study. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 350, h1111. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h1111

[ix] World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). Air quality, energy and health. https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/air-quality-energy-and-health

[x] Shitova, Y. Y. (2024). The impact of long-distance travel to work on the health of commuting labour migrants: A literature review. Population and Economics, 8(1), 37-51. https://doi.org/10.3897/popecon.8.e109997

[xi] Hoehner, C. M., et al. (2012). Commuting distance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic risk. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 42(6), 571-578. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2012.02.020

[xii] Scrivano, L., Tessari, A., Marcora, S., Manners, D. (2023). Active mobility and mental health: A scoping review towards a healthier world. Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health. 11. 1-44. 10.1017/gmh.2023.74.

[xiii] Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Fogel, A., Benjumea, D., Tahsin, N. (2022). Sustainable Solutions in Urban Health: Transdisciplinary Directions in Urban Planning for Global Public Health. In: Leal Filho, W., Vidal, D.G., Dinis, M.A.P., Dias, R.C. (eds) Sustainable Policies and Practices in Energy, Environment and Health Research. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86304-3_14.

[xiv] Evans, G. W., & Wener, R. E. (2007). Crowding and personal space invasion on the train: Please don't make me sit in the middle. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27(1), 90-94. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2006.10.002

[xv] Glover, V., et al. (2018). The role of overcrowding in the urban mental health crisis. Journal of Urban Health, 95(4), 487-499. doi:10.1007/s11524-018-0288-0

[xvi] Zhang, Z., Měchurová, K., Resch, B., Amegbor, P. M., Sabel, C. (2023). Assessing the association between overcrowding and human physiological stress response in different urban contexts: a case study in Salzburg, Austria. International Journal of Health Geographics. 22. 10.1186/s12942-023-00334-7.

[xvii] Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Fogel, A., Benjumea, D., Tahsin, N. (2022). Sustainable Solutions in Urban Health: Transdisciplinary Directions in Urban Planning for Global Public Health. In: Leal Filho, W., Vidal, D.G., Dinis, M.A.P., Dias, R.C. (eds) Sustainable Policies and Practices in Energy, Environment and Health Research. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86304-3_14.

[xviii] Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Fogel, A., Benjumea, D., Tahsin, N. (2022). Sustainable Solutions in Urban Health: Transdisciplinary Directions in Urban Planning for Global Public Health. In: Leal Filho, W., Vidal, D.G., Dinis, M.A.P., Dias, R.C. (eds) Sustainable Policies and Practices in Energy, Environment and Health Research. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86304-3_14.

[xix] Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Fogel, A., Benjumea, D., Tahsin, N. (2022). Sustainable Solutions in Urban Health: Transdisciplinary Directions in Urban Planning for Global Public Health. In: Leal Filho, W., Vidal, D.G., Dinis, M.A.P., Dias, R.C. (eds) Sustainable Policies and Practices in Energy, Environment and Health Research. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86304-3_14.

[xx] Kumar, P., Brander, L., Kumar, M., & Cuijpers, P. (2023). Planetary Health and Mental Health Nexus: Benefit of Environmental Management. Annals of global health, 89(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4079.

[xxi] Kabisch, N. Basu, S., Van den Bosch, M., Bratman, G., Masztalerz, O. (2023). Nature-based solutions and mental health. 10.4337/9781800376762.00019.

[xxii] Coombs, N. C., Meriwether, W. E., Caringi, J., & Newcomer, S. R. (2021). Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health challenges: A population-based study. SSM - population health, 15, 100847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100847

[xxiii] Alexander Haslam, S., et al. (2023). Connecting to Community: A Social Identity Approach to Neighborhood Mental Health. Personality and Social Psychology Review. doi.org/10.1177/10888683231216136.

[xxiv] Alexander Haslam, S., et al. (2023). Connecting to Community: A Social Identity Approach to Neighborhood Mental Health. Personality and Social Psychology Review. doi.org/10.1177/10888683231216136.

[xxv] Olszewska-Guizzo, A. (2023). Neuroscience for designing green spaces: Contemplative landscapes. Routledge.

 

 

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GreenInCities Kick-Off Meeting: NeuroLandscape in Barcelona

Posted on by Annetta Benzar
  • Day 1: Introduction to GreenInCities and Nature-based Solutions

NeuroLandscape was proud to participate in the Kick-Off meeting of the project Demonstrating Holistic Data-driven Co-Creative Approaches in Nature-based solutions towards Climate Adaptation and Mitigation (GreenInCities) (Project ID: 101139730) in Barcelona, Spain. This groundbreaking EU-funded project GreenInCities, brings together experts to revitalize disadvantaged neighborhoods and fight climate change. Their weapon of choice? Nature-based solutions (NbS) for urban regeneration (European Commission, 2023).

Day 1: El Besòs Takes Center Stage (GreenInCities Pilot Area)

El Besòs, a Barcelona district, was chosen as a GreenInCities’ pilot cities. The morning began with a warm welcome by the local leaders, including Mayor Filo Cañete. With much enthusiasm, they discussed their shared objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2030, echoing the ambitious goal set by the Barcelona City Council.

GreenInCities’ core values connected deeply with their mission, particularly:

  • Inclusive Development: Bringing disadvantaged communities into the fold as active participants in shaping their green future.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Recognizing the inherent value of ecosystems and actively promoting the value of biodiversity in cities, through its contribution to human health.
  • Tech-Powered Transformation: Leveraging cutting-edge approaches like neurourbanism and mental health digital twins to guide urban renewal.

In the afternoon, we explored El Besòs further. We toured Parc del Fòrum and the charming La Catalana neighborhood alongside Francesc Romero Siles of Consorci del Besòs, who was our guide. He pointed areas of interest targeted for regeneration, such as the beach and the natural landscape. Later,  LAND hosted a workshop that used an animal-centric approach to connect participants with local flora and fauna. In this way, we explored the importance of shared responsibility for the local ecosystem’s well-being. The day ended with a visit to the inspiring Nau de Turbines, a former power plant undergoing transformation into a vibrant cultural hub.

Day 2: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation at Valldaura Labs

Valldaura Labs, nestled amidst the beautiful green landscape of Barcelona’s Collserola Natural Park, provided a peaceful setting for Day Two. The day was filled with interactive workshops and engaging discussions among our GreenInCities team. We shared our knowledge and found new ways of working together. One workshop, led by Linköping University and Universidade do Porto, had us explore potential connection between representatives from “leader” and “follower” pilot cities. Another session focused on exploring the perspectives of diverse stakeholders in making impactful decisions that affects both citizens and the environment. The highlight of the day was a visit to the #FabLab, a treasure of innovative sustainable urban design solutions. The award-winning TOVA greenhouse stood out as a testament to the power of sustainable design principles.

Day 3: Building Partnerships and Charting the Course Forward

The final day’s activities were held at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) Atelier in Poblenou. During the City Twinning Workshop, the consortium made the final decisions on the pairing of the “follower” cities with their “front-runner” counterparts. These included:

  • Birštonas will twin with Nova Gorica and Barcelona
  • Matosinhos will twin with Prato and Nova Gorica
  • Cork will twin with Helsinki and Athens
  • Pécs will twin with Helsinki and Barcelona
  • Reykjavik will twin with Nova Gorica, Prato and Athens

NeuroLandscape: Measuring the Impact of Green Cities

While GreenInCities prioritizes aesthetics and environmental benefits, it is crucial not to forget the impact of green environments on human well-being. This is where NeuroLandscape comes in. On Day 3, we presented Muse2, a portable neuroimaging device. This EEG technology allows us to assess, in real time, the impact of environmental changes on user well-being.

GreenInCities has officially begun its journey. NeuroLandscape is excited to be part of the team to measure the positive impact of Nature-based solutions on European citizens.

Stay tuned for updates on more GreenInCities news!

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GreenInCities project: Reshaping Urban Well-Being through Nature-Based Solutions 

Posted on by Annetta Benzar

The GreenInCities project tackles the challenge of bringing nature-based solutions to deprived urban areas to improve mental well-being. Learn how NeuroLandscape is contributing with innovative assessment methods.

As urban areas expand and crowding surges, accessing green spaces has become increasingly challenging. The issue goes beyond aesthetics; studies consistently link access to nature with improved mental and physical well-being. However, existing efforts to regreen these urban spaces often prioritize affluent, tourist-heavy areas, leaving behind disadvantaged neighborhoods across Europe (European Commission, 2023).

Introducing: The GreenInCities project

The GreenInCities project, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to address this gap. Launched in January 2024, GreenInCities brings together a consortium of experts to redefine urban regeneration strategies for deprived areas. The four-year project focuses on developing, implementing, and monitoring Nature-based Solutions (NbS), effectively bridging urban planning with ecological sustainability. 

GreenInCities adopts a comprehensive approach to urban regeneration, prioritizing the mental health needs of the cities and residents involved. The project leverages innovative tools and methodologies, including, but not limited to:

  • Augmented Reality (AR): This technology enables the pre-visualization of landscape changes, facilitating community engagement and informed decision-making.
  • Mobile Electroencephalography (mEEG): mEEG assesses the impact of NbS interventions on the mental health of local communities.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI plays a crucial role in optimizing planning and analysis, tailoring NbS efforts to the specific needs of each city.

These cutting-edge techniques ensure that regreening efforts seamlessly integrate into urban environments while remaining adaptable to meet the unique needs of each city and its residents.

 

GreenInCities: Objectives and Outcomes 

The GreenInCities project boasts a variety of specific objectives, all designed to amplify the impact of NbS for all stakeholders, from policymakers to citizens. Through collaborative efforts and a multidisciplinary approach, the project endeavors to achieve the following: 

  • Establish an Online Repository: This repository contains existing NbS implementations to serve as a valuable reference point for project activities.
  • Develop a Sustainable Renaturing Toolbox: This toolbox will comprise assessment methodologies and decision-making processes aligned with the goals and key indicators of local stakeholders, such as regional urban planning strategies.
  • Create Renaturing Guidelines: These guidelines, based on an evaluation matrix, will guide the implementation and maintenance of NbS across diverse sites.
  • Design Collaboratively a Data Infrastructure and Management System: This system will manage the data collected from greening initiatives across partner cities.
  • Co-Develop and Validate Predictive Tools: These tools, using the data collected by multimodal sensors, will facilitate pre- and post-intervention assessments to measure the effectiveness of NbS interventions.
  • Utilize Advanced Immersive Technologies: The project will leverage Augmented Reality to visualize changes in pilot areas before and after interventions, enabling proactive insights and adaptive planning for maximizing the positive impacts of NbS efforts.

NeuroLandscape’s Contribution to GreenInCities 

NeuroLandscape (NL) is proud to be part of this groundbreaking project. Our involvement demonstrates our commitment to advancing regreening efforts through a “human-in-the-loop” approach. We aim to ensure these initiatives benefit the entire ecosystem, from those initiating regreening efforts to the end users – the citizens who witness these positive transformations in their daily lives. 

Within the project’s scope, NL will develop a methodology for assessing citizens’ mental health before (pre) and after (post) regreening interventions. This methodology will leverage advanced neuroscience tools such as mobile Electroencephalography (mEEG). Once developed, the methodology will be disseminated within the consortium and implemented through field studies in at least three pilot European cities where regreening initiatives will take place. 

Building upon these assessments, NL will create a “mental health digital twin.” This innovative concept involves the development of automated pre/post measurements for regreening interventions using machine learning methods. This eliminates the need for direct measurements on human subjects while harnessing the predictive capabilities of AI to forecast the impact of NbS interventions on mental well-being.

Our involvement in GreenInCities represents a significant step forward for our organization, solidifying our commitment to advancing urban regreening initiatives through innovative approaches. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the broader community by promoting mental health and environmental well-being in urban areas.

Want to learn more about how GreenInCities is transforming urban landscapes and improving lives?

Visit the project website or follow us on social media (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) for updates!

 

Keywords: Urban greening, nature-based solutions (NBS), mental health, well-being, deprived urban areas, equitable regeneration, Horizon Europe project, mobile EEG, machine learning, digital twin, citizen engagement, sustainable cities.

(GreenInCities Project (2024). Project Ref# HORIZON-MISS-2023-CLIMA-CITIES-01 grant agreement No 101139730. https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101139730)