News & Events

In November, BIOTRAILS took part in the NutriSoil workshop in Barcelona, an event that brought together experts, urban farmers, and members of civil society to discuss the vital intersection of urban agriculture and soil regeneration. This collaboration aligns with BIOTRAILS’ mission to promote biodiversity and sustainable food systems within urban environments, making the workshop a key platform for sharing insights and shaping solutions.

Organised under the URBAG initiative, NutriSoil focuses on developing systems-based approaches to enhance nutrient circularity and soil health in urban and peri-urban agriculture. The Barcelona workshop emphasised refining the “Three Horizons Framework,” aiming to bridge current practices with transformative, future-ready solutions for sustainable agriculture. Participants examined opportunities to integrate urban farming into broader systems that address biodiversity, resource efficiency, and community resilience.

Leon Kapetas and Nadine Burbar represented BIOTRAILS, contributing to discussions on biodiversity and ecosystem interconnectivity. Discussions highlighted how nutrient recovery and soil regeneration directly impact urban biodiversity. The workshop also showcased innovative practices, from carbon-rich soil amendments to local waste management strategies, demonstrating the potential for cities to act as hubs for ecological restoration.

BIOTRAILS’ involvement in NutriSoil strengthens its commitment to creating biodiverse urban landscapes. The project’s systems approach, which connects agronomy, ecology, and urban planning, resonates with BIOTRAILS’ goals of fostering environments where nature and cities thrive together. For instance, the focus on nutrient cycling not only improves soil health but also supports habitats for diverse flora and fauna within urban settings. Additionally, the workshop explored transferable solutions for integrating urban farming into city planning, a crucial step for policymakers. These discussions are particularly relevant to BIOTRAILS, which advocates for the inclusion of biodiversity-friendly practices in urban design.

The insights gained from the NutriSoil workshop will inform future urban policies initiatives, including the ongoing work to demonstrate how biodiversity enhances urban resilience. As cities face increasing challenges, from climate change to resource scarcity, projects like NutriSoil and BIOTRAILS offer pathways toward integrated solutions that balance ecological health and urban growth.

For more information about how cities can develop capabilities to reduce biodiversity impacts, explore this report of Resilient Cities network here.