November 20, 2024, Pasig City, Philippines—The Development Academy of the Philippines, through the Center for Governance, and in collaboration with the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam, successfully held a thought-provoking brown bag session on Living Laboratories and Nature-Based Solutions.

With  45 participants in attendance, the session delved into pressing global issues, including disaster risk management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, urban planning, and climate resilience. Highlighting the event was a presentation by Charmae Pyl Wissink-Nercua, a specialist in nature-based urban development and capacity building,  who shared insights into IHS’s pioneering  projects and its educational programs on sustainable urban solutions.

Participants also had the opportunity to delve into Cara Flores’ work at the University of Utrecht, where she specializes in co-creative and participatory processes aimed at fostering sustainable, democratically inclusive urban futures. Drawing on her extensive expertise, she shared valuable insights on integrating cultural heritage and migration into sustainability projects, offering innovative perspectives on how these elements can shape and enrich urban development. Her approach provided a deeper understanding of how inclusive practices can drive more resilient and culturally aware cities, paving the way for holistic and sustainable urban growth.

The session builds on the longstanding partnership between DAP and IHS, first formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2017 & 2019. This collaboration underscores both institutions’ commitment to advancing sustainability and capacity-building initiatives.

Through events like this, DAP and IHS reaffirm their shared dedication to addressing urban and environmental challenges, championing innovative solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future.