EFI Biocities launches webinar series highlighting nature’s role for healthier and more resilient cities

How can cities become healthier, more liveable places? According to experts at EFI Biocities’ first webinar, the answer lies in working with nature rather than against it.

Held on 3 June, Healthy cities by nature: integrating public health and the environment marked the start of a new webinar series bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The aim is clear: to turn knowledge about nature-based solutions into practical action in cities.

Introducing the session, Simone Borelli (EFI) emphasised the need to close the gap between science and implementation, helping cities move from ideas to tangible change on the ground.

Mònica Ubalde (ISGlobal) explored the growing body of research showing that greener cities mean healthier people. She explained how access to nature can reduce pollution exposure, encourage physical activity, and improve mental wellbeing. Yet despite strong evidence, many people still lack access to quality green space. “The challenge now is how, not why,” she noted.

From Finland, Päivi Sieppi (City of Lahti) demonstrated how cities can act. Her presentation highlighted Lahti’s long-term commitment to sustainability, including initiatives such as health forests near hospitals, programmes encouraging outdoor learning, and nature-based prescriptions.

Liisa Tyrväinen (Natural Resources Institute Finland) expanded the perspective to the national level, presenting Finland’s new Health from Nature programme. Supported by decades of research, the initiative aims to embed nature into healthcare and urban planning, while also reducing healthcare costs.

Despite different contexts, all speakers shared a common view: progress depends on collaboration, long-term investment, and breaking down silos between sectors.

As the series continues, EFI Biocities aims to support cities worldwide in turning this shared vision into reality.