Cities in the United States and Canada are experiencing escalating challenges from climate change intersecting with legacies and ongoing realities of systemic inequality, racism, and colonialism. In response, nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly integrated into urban planning strategies and policy across the region to address current and future social and environmental challenges. The US-Canada Roadmap for Urban Nature-based Solutions synthesises insights from academic literature, expert consultations and case studies to identify pathways for implementing NbS that are ecologically effective and socially just. The report highlights significant opportunities to further scale the implementation of NbS in ways that foster resilience to global change, restore connectedness to nature, and promote equitable access to nature.
Join us for a discussion on the findings and recommendations from the US-Canada regional report on urban nature-based solutions, developed as part of the NATURA (Nature-based solutions for Urban Resilience in the Anthropocene) Network’s Global Roadmap Initiative. The webinar will feature practitioners from three leading urban NbS projects in the region including the Ruelles Vertes program in Montreal, the Indian Bend Wash in Scottsdale, and the Tekakwitha Island & Bay Restoration in Kahnawà:ke, alongside expert commentary on the report’s findings. Whether you work in urban planning, ecology, policy, or community development, this is an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and on-the-ground experience shaping the future of resilient, equitable cities through nature-based solutions.
SocSES Northern American Hub/NATURA Webinar: US-Canada Roadmap for Urban Nature-based Solutions
🗓️ Thursday, 21 May 2026
🕑 08:00 MST (Arizona) / 11:00 EDT / 17:00 CAT/CEST
📍 Online (Zoom)
🎟️ Register to attend here
Organisers and panellists:
Organisers (Researchers from the US-Canada Regional Report [NATURA Network]):
- Nancy B. Grimm, Arizona State University
- Carly Ziter, Concordia University
- Marta Berbés-Blázquez, University of Waterloo
- Vanya Bisht, Independent Researcher
Panellists:
- Clélia Sève, Executive Director of the Eco-Neighbourhoods Association, Montreal
- Kevin McKee, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director, City of Scottsdale
- Cole Delisle, Environmental Projects Coordinator, Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office
Expert Reviewers:
- Todd Bridges, Professor of Practice, Resilient and Sustainable Systems, University of Georgia
- Adrina Bardekjian, Research and Engagement Director, Tree Canada
Event Agenda:
- Welcoming and introduction to NATURA and GRM Project, and the SocSES NA Hub
- Presentation of US-Canada Regional Report: Findings & Recommendations
- Presentation of Regional Case Studies
- Panel Discussion
- Expert Comments on the Regional Report
- Closing Remarks
