Impulse Paper: Krakow Metropolis

Implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) is crucial in addressing concrete environmental and climate challenges in Krakow Metropolis (KM), such as urban flooding, urban heat island effect, and biodiversity loss. Green infrastructure interventions, such as green roofs, pocket parks, and permeable pavements, can help mitigate these challenges. Krakow Metropolis Association has set ambitious goals to combat climate change in its Krakow Metropolis 2030 Strategy and Climate Strategy of Krakow Metropolis. It has been developing governance instruments to support the implementation of NbS. 

Among the most significant barriers to implementing NbS in KM are financial obstacles. This includes the scarcity of dedicated funding for nature-based projects, limited knowledge about available resources, and limited experience with mechanisms to involve private sector funds in NbS initiatives. A proposed solution to these challenges is the financial support search engine, a tool initiated by the INTERLACE Local City Network Accelerator Group, which operates at the Krakow Metropolis Association. This tool is designed to significantly enhance the availability of information about funds to support local authorities in implementing nature-based projects, thereby directly addressing the financial barriers.