Impact of access to nature-positive environments in promoting social cohesion and reducing inequalities in urban and peri-urban settings

¿De qué trata esta convocatoria?

The topic funds research on how access to quality green and blue spaces in cities and peri-urban areas affects social cohesion, well-being and inequalities. Results should support fair spatial planning and nature restoration.

¿Qué financia esta convocatoria?

Scope

Research examines how access to quality green and blue spaces relates to social and environmental justice, community cohesion and the social fabric in urban and peri-urban areas. It aims to close knowledge gaps on the societal (not only individual) effects of nature, across cultural, geographical and socioeconomic contexts. Targets under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation should be taken into account.

Themes proposals may explore

• Community-level impacts of introducing green and blue spaces, and how design and planning can improve outcomes, especially for socially vulnerable groups.
• Barriers to access beyond distance, such as neglect, privatisation and cultural, social or economic obstacles.
• Long-term effects of lack of access and how it amplifies socioeconomic inequalities.
• The role of community-based projects such as urban gardening, rewilding, nature-based solutions and citizen science.
• Green and blue spaces in reducing unequal exposure to pollution, and the contribution of local businesses and social economy actors.
• The contribution of nature, arts and humanities to place-making.

Expected outcomes

• Robust evidence for policymakers and civil society on whether inclusive management of environmental commons fosters resilience, inclusion and well-being.
• Strategies and solutions to integrate fair access to quality green and blue spaces into spatial planning, accounting for non-market values.

¿Qué se espera de las propuestas?

• Proposals are expected to adopt a gender-sensitive and intersectional approach.
• Proposals should engage civil society organisations in developing their actions.
• Interdisciplinary approaches and clustering with related projects, including New European Bauhaus topics, are encouraged.

¿Cuándo termina el plazo?

23 de septiembre de 2027 (321 días)

23 September 2027 (single-stage submission).