Nature based solution and social aspects in Sant Adriá del Besòs - a case study in the Metropolitan area of Barcelona

Cities are challenged to maintain a sustainable design through its urbaniszation, not least to the socio-ecological aspects. Therefore, sustainable urban development includes the economic, social and environmental aspect. This study will present how these aspects has been incorporated during the process of developing an Urban plan for the area surrounding the three chimneys in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, Sant Adriá del Besòs. The aim of this poster is to explore and reveal nature-based solutions both as a technical and social systems. One way to emphasize the social and environmental aspect is to use nature-based solutions. As a technical system, the use of green infrastructure as technical solutions in the Besòs River in Barcelona Metropolitan Area will be identified. As a social system, the use of green infrastructure will be identified as socio-ecological infrastructure in the Besòs River in Barcelona Metropolitan Area. Nature-based solutions will be acknowledged in terms of social benefits and its links to social participation. An exploratory research method with a qualitative approach will be used. Empirical findings are collected through interviews and observations from physical meetings, social media and documentation regarding the project of Besòs. Our study is made through the hypothesis that local residential are perceiving the local environmental aspects differently than central decision makers. In order to plan a city for the future, it is important to use the great asset of perspectives in the local population. This also encourage the ecological interplay. The expected result is to identify the success factors that was value adding within the process of developing the urban plan. Also, find nature-based solutions that gives a desirable socio-ecological environment aligned with the citizen's needs. The social sustainability and the socio-ecological interplay is getting increased focus worldwide. However, this is still an unexplored subject of best practices that needs to be explored further. Initiatives such as citizens participation and involvements are a democratic challenge with a great potential. Our study aligns the conference of ERSCP. with its local and regional sustainability-related context and an urban sustainability-oriented initiative. It contributes to an action-based approach and engage all parts of the society to become sustainable. This is an important factor when designing future urban areas in a desirable manner.