Nature-Based Solutions in action: strengthening urban infrastructure in Ireland

On 28 October 2025, UNESCO will host the national webinar “Nature-Based Solutions in Action: Strengthening Urban Infrastructure in Ireland”, held online from 13:00 to 14:30 GMT (UTC +0) within the framework of the NBSINFRA project.

The session will focus on how Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are being implemented across Ireland to make cities more resilient, sustainable and liveable. It will explore both the policy landscape and practical experiences at the local level, shedding light on how NBS can reinforce critical infrastructure, reduce disaster risk and deliver environmental and social benefits.

Gathering experts from UNESCO, the European Commission, Irish national authorities, local governments and academia, the webinar will offer a multi-level perspective on advancing NBS implementation and scaling up innovation in urban resilience.

Speakers include:
• Soichiro Yasukawa, Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, UNESCO
• Félix Combreau, Policy Officer, European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs
• Averil Gannon, Water Policy Advisor, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
• Kevin Halpenny, Fingal County Council
• Roy O’Connor, Senior Engineer, Dublin City Council
• Beatriz Martinez-Pastor, Assistant Professor, University College Dublin (TBC)

Participants will also learn from real-life NBS initiatives implemented in Irish municipalities, with a discussion on the main barriers and opportunities for scaling up nature-based approaches nationwide.

Register here to join the webinar

Image credits: Ainars Djatlevskis from Unsplash