Zagreb Living Lab
Bojan Baletić, Iva Bedenko, Marijo Spajić
Urban Farm DB summary
A chapter examining the implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) in the Zagreb Living Lab, in the post-industrial area of Sesvete, Croatia, as part of the EU proGIreg project. Key initiatives include the "City Gardens" project, offering citizens free plots for sustainable urban gardening, and a therapeutic garden designed for individuals with disabilities, alongside integration of green technologies including a modular urban farm combining aquaponics with green roofs and walls. Despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes, the chapter states these initiatives demonstrated the potential of NBS to enhance urban regeneration, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing co-design processes involving local stakeholders and citizens that successfully fostered community engagement and acceptance of NBS. It discusses challenges and opportunities in operationalizing NBS within urban planning and policy and reflects on the potential for scaling these solutions and their role in shaping Sesvete's future development.