About
The project
As cities expand rapidly — with 70% of the global population expected to live in urban areas by 2050 — urban soils are under increasing pressure. These soils are vital for regulating water and carbon cycles, mitigating floods and heat islands, supporting biodiversity and urban food systems, and enhancing the well-being and beauty of city landscapes.
URSOILL tackles the growing degradation of urban soils caused by sealing, pollution, and compaction. The project establishes five Living Labs across Europe — in Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Luxembourg — where local communities, researchers, and policymakers collaborate to co-create, test, and implement innovative solutions for urban soil restoration.
By integrating nature-based solutions, technological innovation, and community participation, URSOILL strengthens cities’ capacity to deliver essential ecosystem services. The project contributes to the EU Green Deal and the vision of 100 Soil Living Labs & Lighthouses by 2030, paving the way for more sustainable, climate-resilient, and liveable urban environments across Europe.
Objectives
Establish five Living Labs
Establish five Living Labs across Europe as hubs for co-creation, testing, and implementation of urban soil restoration solutions.
Improve soil health
Improve soil health and enhance ecosystem services through innovative technologies and nature-based solutions (NBSs).
Adopt a multi-actor, interdisciplinary approach
Adopt a multi-actor, interdisciplinary approach, engaging communities, researchers, and policymakers.
Ensure solutions are scientifically sound
Ensure solutions are scientifically sound, socially accepted, and economically viable.
Promote knowledge exchange
Promote knowledge exchange and replication of best practices across European cities.
Contribute to climate-resilient Urban Environment
Contribute to climate-resilient, sustainable, and liveable urban environments.