GreekDescription
The Greek Urban Soil Living Lab focuses on improving soil health and restoring degraded urban soils across the cities of Kozani and Ptolemaida. Through 14 demonstration sites located in parks, public squares, playgrounds, green corridors, public spaces and educational facilities, the Living Lab addresses key urban soil challenges such as soil sealing, compaction, erosion, flooding, biodiversity loss and declining soil fertility. By testing nature-based solutions and sustainable soil management practices, while actively engaging citizens and local stakeholders through co-creation, the Living Lab promotes healthier urban ecosystems, strengthens climate resilience, and raises awareness of the vital role of soils in creating more sustainable and liveable cities.
Challenges
Soil sealing/compaction, soil erosion, flooding and poor drainage, low soil fertility, loss of topsoil, localized contamination, biodiversity loss.
Possible Solutions
Native vegetation, urban farming, raised garden beds, soil remediation, organic amendments (compost/biochar), phytoremediation/phytostabilisation, bioswales and riparian buffers, sustainable landscaping, educational activities, sustainable land management.
