GISUD – Green Innovation paths for Sustainable Urban Development

GISUD is expected to deliver concrete and measurable results that enhance the quality, accessibility, and strategic use of urban green infrastructure in the cross-border area. Through the transformation of degraded or underutilized public spaces in Blagoevgrad, Kavala, and Pilea-Chortiati, the project will improve access to high-quality green areas, benefiting an estimated 45,000 citizens

The installation of smart environmental monitoring systems and the development of biodiversity mapping and baseline assessments will strengthen the municipalities’ capacity to plan, evaluate, and maintain green infrastructure. In parallel, targeted awareness actions and participatory engagement—such as School Awareness Days, Info Days, stakeholder meetings, and capacity-building workshops—will enhance public understanding of nature-based solutions and foster local ownership, supporting the uptake of sustainable practices.

Municipalities will also be equipped with an Integrated Action Plan that includes strategic recommendations and policy tools to ensure long-term replication and institutionalisation of project results. These outputs will increase the institutional capacity of local authorities, urban planners, and NGOs to adopt nature-based approaches in their urban strategies.

Key beneficiaries include local governments, public officials, environmental professionals, schools, and citizens, especially youth. The results will promote long-term behavioural change and governance transformation, creating more inclusive, climate-resilient, and healthier urban environments across the cross-border area.