The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) launched the ReNature Horizon 2020 project which aims to develop a research strategy in nature-based solutions. It will include training and networking events, including international PhD summer schools, in an effort to promote research excellence in the field.
The project builds on the research initiatives carried out in the sector over the past years and strives to promote Malta as a research leader on a regional and international level. The ReNature project has a budget of €1 million and is being coordinated by MCAST.

ReNature was officially launched by the Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo during a press conference held on Friday 8 February at the Institute for Applied Sciences, MCAST Main Campus, Paola. Project coordinator Dr Mario V Balzan gave an overview of ReNature’s objectives and timeline of events, whilst MCAST Principal Prof James Calleja and MCAST Deputy Principal Dr Alex Rizzo also addressed the press conference and reiterated the college’s commitment to research development. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport, and Voluntary Organizations Dr Clifton Grima was also present for the launch.

Nature-based solutions, in the form of urban green spaces, walls and roofs, contribute to the improvement of human well-being and help tackle environmental challenges such as reducing flood risk, limiting the environmental impact of urbanization, and increasing biodiversity in cities. Nature-based solutions can also reduce air pollution.
ReNature project partners include Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), University of Trento (Italy), University of East Anglia (United Kingdom), and Pensoft Publishers (Bulgaria). This multidisciplinary team of professionals incorporates expertise in agricultural and fisheries sciences, environmental sciences and management, health sciences, and engineering and information technology.

This project receives funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 809988.

More information on the project is found on: http://renature-project.eu/

 Caroline Balzan

Communications Manager

E: caroline.balzan@saidfamily.com