Page 20 - NYY Muscat Call 2022 April 24

(2) Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) address urban flooding and water
management. By mimicking natural water processes, such as infiltration and
evapotranspiration, the amount of water entering stormwater systems is reduced. The
thereby landscaped areas collect and filter rainwater, gradually stored in the ground.

(3) Tree planting programs are a proven solution for mitigating the urban heat
island effect and improving air quality in cities. Trees provide shade, absorb carbon
dioxide, trap pollutants, provide habitat for urban wildlife and improve biodiversity in
cities.

These programs bring high potential for scaling and adaptation to different cities and regions

around the world, regardless of their climate or context. By integrating nature-based solutions
into urban design and planning, cities can create more liveable and healthy environments for

their residents while also mitigating the impacts of climate change. They provide effective

paths to the achievement of multiple sustainable development goals and towards sustainable
cities, as they emphasize the importance of incorporating ecological principles and processes.

Moreover, nature-based solutions provide opportunities for innovative technological
approaches. Through the development of advanced monitoring systems, smart cities can

optimize the performance of these systems and improve their resilience to extreme climate

events. Overall, nature-based solutions can help cities reduce their carbon emissions, improve
air quality as well as the quality of urban life for residents, while enhancing sustainability.

4.4) Innovation and Digitalization for Culture and Environment

Innovation and digitalization are at work in leveraging the virtues of heritage and culture.

Practices thus far concern the dematerialisation of tangible heritage with free access, or the
construction of digitized culture and heritage platforms. More can be achieved though, by

way of value-generation flowing from the combination of cultural, environmental and social

assets. As a special track, openings for enhanced cross-border Museum collaboration have
been presented, granting citizens a key role in turning cultural expressions into journeys of

21
discovery, linking our heritage to our present and perceptions of the future.

21 “Leveraging Cultural Assets Proposed Cross-Border Museum Collaboration”, led by Prof. Guido Ferilli
IULM, Milan, Italy, and Water & Humanity (1)1, Muscat.

www.waterandhumanity.com 20