Innovation Challenges: Join us in solving Mediterranean's most pressing challenges
DesirMED Adaptation Exhibition 2025
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205Days to deadline
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Map (make) your city green
A WebGIS platform where citizens can map and share ideas for a greener, more resilient city.
Supporters: 0 -
Blackberry hedgerow on my parking lot?
Remodeling urban green areas through innovative and climate-resilient design As cities grapple with the challenges of climate change and increasing urbanization, the next generation of green infrastructure must seek for innovation, ecoconscious planning and long-term sustainability. The following strategies establish a future-oriented planning approach for transforming urban environments: 1. Implantation of climate-adaptive and ecologically beneficial plant species o Prioritize the selection of resilient, low-maintenance flora capable of survival under evolving climatic conditions o Embrace species that increase urban biodiversity and contribute to microclimate regulation (for example: blackberries, Spanish brooms, fig trees for the mediterranean area) o Encourage improved soil permeability and hydrological function through the strategic use of deep-rooted vegetation that naturally improves water infiltration 2. Redesign public surfaces into permeable and multifunctional landscapes o Redesign sealed urban areas such as concrete covered parking spaces and playgrounds into permeable, more ecologically productive zones o Use sustainable design solutions, including permeable paving systems, green infrastructure and stormwater-retentive landscapes to reduce runoff and support natural groundwater infiltration 3. Reconstructing streets with green infrastructure and tree lines o Transform streetscapes by implementing infiltration trenches and bioswales to manage stormwater o Plant rows of trees along streets to provide shade, reduce heat, improve air quality and make the city more appealing o Some public spaces remain intentionally undisturbed, creating favorable conditions for biodiversity to thrive
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Mandra Region reforestation and green zones
We propose a comprehensive reforestation and green buffer zone strategy in the Mandra region to restore natural flood resilience, protect lives, and align with the European Green Deal. With strategic planning, native vegetation, and modern hydrological mapping, we can turn deforested risk zones into protective landscapes.
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From Roof to Roots: Building Water-Resilient Schools
To enhance water resilience in schools amid climate change, a holistic Nature-based Solutions (NbS) approach is proposed, integrating rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements.
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Nature-based Wastewater Treatment in Lake Pamvotida
A nature-based solution for the wetland of Lake Pamvotida aiming to reduce water pollution and safeguard the lake's ecological integrity, biodiversity, and viability.
Supporters: 1 -
Riverine Alliances - Flood Mitigation strategies in the Danube river basin
This project addresses flood risk mitigation across the Danube River basin, where an incentive-based strategy is proposed to divert excess upstream water to agricultural land, reducing surface runoff and downstream urban flood risks. This project addressed a systems-level understanding of water flow, terrain, and land use and developed a platform that calculates the change in agriculture productivity to support the water diversion decision-making for stakeholders such as policymakers and landowners.
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Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland for Urban Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
Greywater reuse is recommended to diversify urban water supplies and reduce burdens on infrastructure. Our Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland (VFCW) is a low-energy nature-based system that treats greywater on-site through layers of gravel, sand, and plants. It mimics natural filtration to reclaim a large share of household water (50–80%) for reuse in irrigation or cooling, reducing demand on sewers and freshwater. This modular solution adds green, biodiversity-rich space to the city.
Supporters: 1