INFIRE Project Hosts Nature-Based Solutions Workshop in Setúbal, Portugal
The INFIRE project (INnovative FInancing solutions for climate planning of REsilient and carbon neutral living areas) successfully organised its 9th Steering Committee Meeting alongside a comprehensive Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Workshop in Setúbal, Portugal, from 20 to 22 January 2026. The event brought together project partners, experts, and local stakeholders to review project progress, strengthen cooperation, and exchange practical knowledge on climate resilience and carbon-neutral solutions.
- Advancing Nature-Based Solutions Through Knowledge Exchange
The event opened with a Nature-Based Solutions Workshop, focusing on capacity building and the practical implementation of NBS at a local level. Participants were introduced to concrete examples of NBS projects implemented in the Setúbal territory, demonstrating how nature-based approaches can support climate adaptation, biodiversity enhancement, and improved quality of life.
Key case studies included the creation of a native Mediterranean forest at the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal campus and the establishment of Biodiversity Islands at Sebastião da Gama School using the Miyawaki method. These initiatives illustrate how small-scale interventions can deliver multiple environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration, improved thermal comfort, enhanced biodiversity, and landscape restoration.
The workshop also provided hands-on training on the VCW (Value–Criteria–Weighting) method, an innovation and decision-making tool designed to support Key Decision Makers in identifying, evaluating, and prioritising effective Nature-Based Solutions. In addition, synergies with the URWAN project were explored, further reinforcing cross-project learning within the Euro-MED area.
- 9th Steering Committee Meeting: Reviewing Progress and Next Steps
The second day was dedicated to the 9th INFIRE Steering Committee Meeting, focusing on project coordination, management, and implementation progress. Partners reviewed the current project status and discussed achievements and upcoming activities across all work packages.
Updates were presented on:
- WP1 – Innovative green financing mechanisms for resilient and carbon-neutral living areas;
- WP2 – Integration and improvement of policy instruments;
- WP3 – Testing and demonstration of concrete climate adaptation and carbon-neutral (CACN) solutions through pilot actions;
- WP4 – Knowledge transfer, communication, monitoring, and evaluation.
Special emphasis was placed on the progress of pilot actions, confirming their key role in demonstrating the feasibility and replicability of INFIRE solutions at a territorial level.
- Field Visit to the Portuguese INFIRE Pilot Sites
The programme concluded with a field visit to the three Portuguese pilot sites, located in Setúbal, Palmela, and Sesimbra. The visit provided participants with direct insight into how INFIRE solutions are being implemented on the ground.
At these pilot locations, the Portuguese partner ENA, in close cooperation with local communities and municipal administrations, is implementing a range of Nature-Based Solutions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. These solutions focus on strengthening ecosystem services, increasing climate resilience, and supporting the transition towards low-carbon and climate-adaptive territories.
The field trip also included a visit to the Palmela Cooperative Winery, where participants were introduced to the REDWINE project, an innovative initiative demonstrating the integration of CO₂ from wine fermentation into microalgae production, contributing to emission reduction and circular economy approaches.
- Strengthening Cooperation for Climate-Resilient Living Areas
The Setúbal meeting represented an important milestone for the INFIRE project, reinforcing collaboration among partners and highlighting the added value of Nature-Based Solutions supported by innovative financing and strong local engagement. The outcomes of the event contribute directly to the project’s objective of supporting resilient and carbon-neutral living areas across the Euro-MED region.
