Between February 25 and 27, 2025, the Co-Bio project partners gathered in Vienna for a three-day exchange visit, bringing together participants from local case studies across Europe. The aim of the meeting was to exchange and learn from each other, share best practices, and provide valuable feedback for the finalisation of the project’s prototype guideline.
The visit began with presentations and discussions on local case studies, followed by reflections on public value and the role of biodiversity initiatives in urban spaces. Finishing the first day with a tour of the University of Vienna’s Main Campus offered insights into local biodiversity initiatives, including the installation of bird and bat nesting boxes and the ecological management of green spaces.
On the second day, an excursion provided hands-on learning experiences, including visits to the UBB Campus, where invasive species management and habitat restoration efforts were discussed, and to a urban greening initiative: the Biodiversity Corridor in Ottakring (1,2). Participants also explored SOLEKTIV a unique community-led project where culture and nature meet, with the great Sonnenpark in St. Pölten,where they learnt about ecological management and co-creation practices.
On day three, presentations and discussions on the experiences (challenges, wishes, solutions) along with the local cases contributed to the refinement of the Co-Bio guideline, ensuring that insights from diverse urban biodiversity projects are integrated into the final version.
The meeting was an inspiring and intensive experience, strengthening international cooperation and reinforcing the importance of co-created solutions for urban biodiversity. The Co-Bio project will continue to build on these exchanges, supporting knowledge-sharing and action for greener, more biodiverse cities.
We extend our gratitude to Öko Campus Wien and Gartenpolylog for hosting us and organising this wonderful event, creating an inspiring space for exchange and collaboration. We would also like to thank the local partners for joining this event!