Gdańsk hosted the first physical workshop to establish the foundations of its local Living Lab. The initiative marks an important step in co-developing nature-based and community-centred solutions to urban climate challenges, especially those related to flooding, green space management, and stakeholder engagement.
Organised by the University of Gdańsk, the Living Lab development process is coordinated with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland. The workshops brought together a cross-sector group of local stakeholders (including academic experts, NGOs, municipal representatives, community activists, and citizens) fostering a participatory process for shaping climate resilience in Gdańsk.
The workshop centred around understanding local climate vulnerabilities such as heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and pressure on green infrastructure. Insights from another EU project (SCORE project) were revisited, showing 75% positive community feedback on earlier nature-based interventions like tree planting and green space revitalization. Still, challenges persist – including administrative burdens, limited long-term stakeholder engagement, and the difficulty of implementing governance measures within small-scale structures.
A key component of the sessions involved refining and prioritising Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), with particular focus on the feasibility of water parks and retention ponds. Through interactive group activities, participants categorised NBS ideas under themes such as water management, green biodiversity, and infrastructure resilience. Local civic initiatives and the participatory budgeting process in Gdańsk were highlighted as strong enablers of community-driven environmental projects.
Social dynamics were another central theme, especially the role of older citizens and women in community mobilisation. Participants noted barriers such as inconsistent engagement, lack of sustained funding, and cultural resistance to behavioural change. The team stressed the importance of simplicity and visible results to maintain momentum. Suggestions included more direct partnerships with NGOs, schools, and neighbourhood councils, as well as better integration of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Outputs from the sessions will contribute directly to the creation of the Pilot Operational Plan (POP) for the Gdańsk Living Lab. This plan (co-designed by ATU, the University of Gdańsk, and the local community) will define stakeholder roles, outline co-creation strategies, and map out small-scale pilot projects that can deliver real impact and support the long-term sustainability of the Living Lab.
