LIFE URBAN-ADAPT: demonstrating urban climate adaptation and resilience in inner city Rotterdam

The main goal of LIFE URBAN-ADAPT is to demonstrate an innovative, participatory approach as an essential element in creating acceptance and commitment among the public and stakeholders for large-scale implementation of urban adaptation strategies and related measures. The project will test a participatory approach in two different settings. The project will also create a blueprint for development of a climate change strategy and for participatory decision-making processes that are necessary for implementing urban climate adaptation strategies on a large scale. Finally, the project will increase the climate resilience of two districts (ZoHo and the Nieuwe Maas), while restoring their eco-systems and biodiversity.

The project will implement two participatory urban climate adaptation approaches in very different settings, with the following concrete outcomes:

1. In ZoHo: o 11 550 m2 of newly planted green infrastructure; o 10% reduction of nitrogen dioxide air pollution; o Placement of 100 (SMART) water barrels; o 800 m3 additional water storage capacity; o 20% reduction in reported sewage overflow events; o 0.5 degrees Celsius reduction of surface temperature; and o 250 people involved in climate adaptation strategies.

2. In the Nieuwe Maas: o 37 500 m2 innovative green borders in Nassauhaven and Mallegatpark; o A significant increase in biodiversity at the demonstration sites; o A significant improvement in water quality at the demonstration sites; o Improvements in public perception and engagement in the targeted areas; o 37 500 m2 reduction in hard river banks; and o Improved accessibility and use of riverside areas.