Inspiring urban communities to embrace Nature-based Solutions, define their sustainable future
Local communities will benefit from tangible improvements in their urban environments through implemented small-scale NbS, leading to increased biodiversity, enhanced well-being, and greater climate resilience.
Our Story
Urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to climate change and biodiversity loss, facing challenges such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and declining ecosystem services. With vast sealed surfaces and limited ecological diversity, cities require effective adaptation strategies to enhance resilience. Nature-based solutions (NBS) offer cost-effective interventions that address these challenges while improving urban biodiversity. However, municipalities often lack the necessary resources and expertise to implement NBS and engage local communities effectively. While the EU has prioritized NBS, broader civic participation is needed to accelerate implementation and ensure locally tailored solutions.
The Erasmus+ project “Community-Based Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity through Small-Scale Nature-Based Solutions” (Co-ADAPT) empowers urban communities to actively participate in climate adaptation and biodiversity enhancement through small-scale NBS. By raising awareness, providing hands-on training, and fostering participation, the project enables citizens and civil society to co-create sustainable urban spaces. These community-driven initiatives serve as replicable models for European cities. The project includes stakeholder mapping, needs assessments, and knowledge exchange to ensure relevance and impact. Participants engage in NBS tours, hands-on workshops, and co-creation activities such as exhibitions and municipal recommendations. DIY guides, videos, an international webinar, and a dedicated website extend the project’s outreach beyond its duration.
By combining education, participation in living labs, and policy recommendations, Co-ADAPT strengthens community-driven climate adaptation. Workshops and excursions equip citizens with practical skills, while public exhibitions and engagement roadmaps promote long-term involvement.
Our Mission
The project “Community-Based Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity through Small-Scale Nature-Based Solutions” (Co-ADAPT) empowers urban communities to actively participate in climate adaptation and biodiversity enhancement through small-scale NbS.
Our Partners
UfU is an independent environmental research institute based in Berlin, with long-standing expertise in climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, environmental governance, and civic participation.
DKM is a leading civil society organisation in Ankara working on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and sustainable natural resource management.
IEC is an environmental consultancy and non-profit organisation specialising in sustainability, environmental education, and policy support.
People and Water is an organisation focused on water management, climate resilience, and participatory governance
Key Priorities
This project is implemented under the Erasmus+ Adult Education programme. It focuses on lifelong learning and capacity building for adults, aiming to strengthen adults’ knowledge, skills, and competences in relation to nature-based solutions, sustainability, and resilience. Within this framework, the project supports adult learners, educators, and practitioners by providing learning opportunities, practical tools, and participatory activities that enhance environmental awareness, civic engagement, and active citizenship.
As an Erasmus+ Adult Education project, it places particular emphasis on inclusive, non-formal and informal learning approaches, peer learning, and the exchange of good practices among organisations and communities across Europe. The project also contributes to key Erasmus+ priorities such as green transition, social inclusion, and active participation in society, ensuring that adults are empowered to play an active role in shaping more sustainable and resilient communities.