Highlights from the MULTISOURCE Annual Meeting in Milan

The MULTISOURCE annual meeting marked a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable urban water management, as experts and stakeholders from the project consortium gathered in the City of Milan.

Key Insights from the Meeting:

• Innovative Pilot Projects: We learned about pilot projects across various countries exploring diverse treatment methods. These projects are critical in monitoring biodiversity and assessing the multifaceted benefits of NbS, from heat mitigation to recreational and aesthetic values.
• Evidence-Based Approach: The gathering showcased the importance of data collection in understanding the treatment capacities of NbS and their co-benefits. This evidence base is instrumental in advocating for NbS in urban environments.
• Collaborative Methodologies: A highlight was the discussion on multi-actor co-creation workshops, which foster collaborative efforts in NbS planning and implementation.
• Tool Development: Progress was shared on the development of a tool aimed at aiding the selection and understanding of NbS for water and wastewater management. This tool builds upon the collaborative work of the Water Sanitation and Nature working group supported by the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP).

Special thanks to Jaime Nivala and the INRAE team for orchestrating such an inspiring and dynamic event. The site visit to the Combined Sewer Overflow Treatment Wetlands, organized with IRIDRA, offered a tangible look at nature-based solutions in action, providing invaluable insights into their practical implementation.

The meeting also spotlighted a multi-actor workshop conducted by our colleagues Maria Wirth and Iris Angeles De Cesare, in collaboration with the Metropolitan City of Milan and IRIDRA. This session brought together key stakeholders from the Milan area to explore the business case for NbS within the Milan Sponge City Strategy. The workshop underscored the power of collective action and shared vision in paving the way for a water-sensitive future.

The MULTISOURCE project stands as a beacon for cities worldwide, demonstrating that through data, risk assessments, planning tools, and business models, the adoption of nature-based solutions can be accelerated. This meeting not only reaffirmed the potential of NbS in urban water management but also highlighted the collaborative spirit required to make these visions a reality.

As we look ahead, the insights and developments from the MULTISOURCE meeting inspire confidence in our collective ability to foster urban environments that are not only sustainable but thrive in harmony with the natural world.