Meeting in person with project partners after months of remote collaboration is always a refreshing and productive experience. This was especially true during the 4th General Assembly, held at the warm and welcoming Frederiksberg Campus of Copenhagen University. The two-day gathering provided a platform for fruitful discussions, insights into project developments, and the opportunity to welcome two new members to our team: Federica Guerrini from Mitiga and Laura Bonde from VCS, our new coordinator.
Day 1: Diving Into Progress
The event began with a warm welcome from Jan Christensen (UCPH), alongside representatives from INCOTEC and VCS. The morning sessions featured updates from Thomas Molnár Karlsson (UCPH), Anders Johnsen (GEUS), and Federica Guerrini (Mitiga) on WP1 findings. Highlights included the identification of the Top 10 leaching risk compounds and the development of risk assessment models to predict future urban runoff impacts. These findings will inform our case studies in Odense, Santander, and Pontedera.
Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo (INL) provided updates on WP2, focusing on the advanced sensors developed to detect heavy metals, microplastics, and key organic micropollutants. Next steps include deploying these sensors for validation at Santander’s NBS site, integrating them into the project’s innovative monitoring platform.
After lunch—where we enjoyed traditional Danish sandwiches and sweet treats—the spotlight turned to the AI-assisted urban runoff platform. Led by Jesus Fernandez Aguila, the session demonstrated how the platform will:
- Guide users in addressing runoff challenges through nature-based solutions (NBS).
- Provide tailored NBS recommendations and monitoring tools.
- Enable users to identify optimal NBS implementation sites using advanced GIS and MCDA tools.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of NBS installations in current and future scenarios.
To further the discussion, Federica Guerrini and Riccardo Pizzuti (KLINK) presented the risk calculation agent, along with the Policy-Making Module (POMM). These tools empower policymakers to analyze and adjust policies to support mainstream adoption of NBS for mitigating urban runoff pollutants.
The day wrapped up with forward-looking discussions on implementing project technologies in case studies and replicating successful solutions in other cities.
Day 2: Exploring Copenhagen’s Nature-Based Solutions
Day 2 began with an inspiring tour of Copenhagen’s innovative nature-based solutions, led by Jes Clauson-Kaas (HOFOR). We explored Enghaveparken, a visionary project combining flood management with recreational spaces, including the Fountain Garden, Rose Garden, and Reflecting Pool. The park showcases the seamless integration of functionality and beauty, managing cloudbursts while enhancing urban life.
The tour continued to the Karlsberg neighborhood, where additional water management features highlighted how residential areas can harmonize urban development with environmental stewardship.
The day concluded with presentations on communication and dissemination efforts by 3OC and Evdokia Bairampa. This was followed by two interactive workshops led by Eva Boo and Evdokia Bairampa, focusing on dissemination strategies and exploitation planning.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our gratitude to our Copenhagen team for their exceptional hospitality and the inspiring tour of the city’s NBS installations. Copenhagen has proven itself as a beacon of how urban areas can embrace sustainable, nature-based solutions for a harmonious coexistence with the environment.
We look forward to returning to Denmark next year for the final Open Day in Odense!
