CONE Project Partners Meet inbPadova - Study Visits Highlight Practical Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation

On 20–21 October 2026, an international meeting of partners from the CONE – Cities of Nature project took place in Padova, Italy. The two-day programme combined a project consortium meeting with study visits focusing on the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in urban areas. Participants discussed project progress and explored the CONE pilot investment alongside other examples of green urban infrastructure developed in Padova.

Consortium Meeting and Review of Project Activities

The first day was dedicated to a consortium meeting, during which project partners discussed project management, the current status of planned activities and preparations for the final project event.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences related to implementing Nature-Based Solutions in partner cities. Particular attention was given to progress in pilot activities and the potential to use the project's results in future initiatives supporting sustainable urban development.

CONE Pilot Investment – Rain Gardens in Padova

On the second day, project partners participated in study visits, with the main focus on the CONE pilot investment located in Via della Ricerca Scientifica in Padova.

The investment involves transforming 256 m² of paved surfaces into a system of 16 rain gardens designed to naturally collect, filter and gradually absorb rainwater. The solution aims to reduce surface runoff, relieve pressure on the urban stormwater drainage system and improve local environmental conditions.

An important component of the pilot investment is the integration of environmental monitoring technologies. A system of sensors enables the collection of data on water retention and meteorological parameters, including temperature and rainfall. The information gathered will help assess the effectiveness of the implemented NBS measures and provide valuable insights for planning similar investments in other urban areas.

The Padua pilot demonstrates how even relatively small interventions in highly urbanised areas can support climate change adaptation, improve stormwater management and contribute to the development of green infrastructure.

Urban Green Infrastructure – Study Visits to Piazza Savelli and Parco Guizza

The second day's programme also included visits to two other locations in Padova – Piazza Savelli and Parco Guizza. Participants explored initiatives implemented by the City of Padua independently of the CONE project budget, providing additional examples of Nature-Based Solutions in practice.

At Piazza Savelli, the participants learned about the transformation of paved urban space into an area with more permeable surfaces and increased greenery. At Parco Guizza, they explored solutions aimed at expanding urban green spaces, supporting biodiversity and improving environmental and recreational conditions in the city.

Knowledge Exchange and Practical Applications of Nature-Based Solutions

The two-day meeting in Padua provided CONE project partners with an opportunity to exchange experiences and gain first-hand insights into different approaches to urban climate change adaptation.

One of the most valuable aspects of the study visits was the combination of Nature-Based Solutions with technologies designed to monitor their effectiveness. This approach makes it possible not only to implement green infrastructure but also to assess its actual impact on stormwater management and environmental conditions in urban areas.

The experiences gained during the meeting provide a valuable reference for further use of the CONE project's results and the development of similar solutions in partner cities.