In late 2025, the Handbook of Tools for Informing and Monitoring Urban Greening Strategies and Nature Plans was released in response to a European Commission knowledge request to the Science Service for Biodiversity (SSBD). The management of the process was extensively supported by BioAgora Focal Points as part of the project’s work on developing the SSBD. The output of the knowledge request also included the publication of a complementary database and an interactive online tool recommender map.
On the heels of the output’s announcement, the University of Leiden conducted an interview with Assistant Prof. Roy Remme, who is the co-lead of the expert group behind the handbook. He was asked to share experiences and views that shaped his outlook whilst working on this new resource for urban planners. As he recounted, the final product provided an analytical compilation of 59 tools that can assist stakeholders in devising strategies for greening cityscapes, paving the way toward improved biodiversity, health and climate. Moreover, the handbook explores diverse scenarios for plant distribution, each involving distinct environmental implications.
On a broader level, Dr. Remme also touched on the importance of publications such as this being utilised across the public domain to deliver tangible results for society and the planet. In that sense, he considers it a crucial task to make research accessible in order for its use at the hands of civil actors to become truly comprehensive and widespread. According to him, regular engagement in European networks and projects is essential on the road to that goal.
The full highlights interview is available via this link. You can find out more about the handbook and its associated resources here.