Enhancing Urban Liveability: Insights from the HEART Workshop on Blue-Green Spaces and Health
European and international cities face increasingly complex challenges driven by global geopolitical shifts, economic pressures, climate change, and other systemic issues. These challenges deepen existing health inequalities, influenced by factors such as living conditions, health behaviors, education, employment, and income levels. As a result, urban areas are under growing pressure to implement policies that promote sustainability, liveability, and environments supporting public health and overall well-being.
However, traditional urban planning and revitalization strategies often prioritize economic gains and rely on routine methodologies, frequently overlooking innovative, integrated approaches that address health, social, and environmental dimensions. Consequently, the voices and needs of local communities are often marginalized, leading to solutions that fail to gain public acceptance or support.
On July 4th, 2025, the European Health Management Association (EHMA) hosted a workshop aimed at fostering change in this domain. Policymakers, urban planners, researchers, and public health professionals were invited to promote the development and uptake of strategies supporting a more health-centred European urban planning paradigm. The workshop was held on behalf of the HEART project, an EU-funded initiative focusing on advanced nature-based solutions (NBS) infrastructure in urban design. HEART embeds public health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being throughout every planning and implementation stage to tackle the root causes of health disparities in urban settings.
The workshop was moderated by Alexis Strader, Director of Policy and Research at EHMA, and included presentations by Ranko Božović, Director and founder of ENPlus, a consulting firm specializing in sustainable, integrated solutions for optimizing urban environments.
HEART’s Solution: The Health-Centred Planning Matrix
To address existing gaps in urban planning strategies, HEART developed the Health-Centred Planning Matrix (HCPM). Created by ENPlus and powered by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the HCPM incorporates urban planning criteria alongside health and clinical data to produce robust evidence aimed at improving health and wellbeing through specific clusters of Nature-Based Solutions.
During the workshop, Mr. Božović presented this tool and demonstrated how health impacts—such as mental well-being and cardiovascular health—vary depending on the functional planning of green spaces. For example, different tree species planted in green spaces have distinct functionalities and impacts: Acer ginnala provides shade for visitors, while Sophora japonica acts as an air purifier.
Mr. Božović emphasized that although the urban environment strongly impacts public health and well-being, urban planning currently lacks standardized criteria that place health at its center. He illustrated how urban planners can utilize the HCPM to select targeted NBS clusters addressing particular public health needs. For instance, improving mental health and well-being can be linked to primary objectives such as exposure to green spaces’ aesthetic qualities and water features. The HCPM then recommends specific NBS cluster typologies—such as trees with wide canopies to provide ample shading or resting areas with pleasant views and rain protection facilities.
He concluded by sharing insights from a recent HCPM customization workshop held in Belgrade, Serbia, one of the HEART project’s pilot locations. After consultation with urban planners, no serious barriers to implementation were identified. The consensus was that the HEART methodology aligns with most cities’ quality improvement strategies. A productive alliance between the medical and urban planning communities was emphasized to support further uptake.
Photos: Pixabay
Discussion: Strategies to Promote Larger-Scale Implementation
The second half of the workshop fostered an interactive discussion focused on promoting larger-scale implementation of the HCPM. Key points included:
- Addressing Capacity Gaps: Bridging mismatches between local governments’ ambitions and capacities is essential. Many authorities lack public health literacy and would benefit from multidisciplinary capacity building, including technical training and mentorship.
- Timing and Integration: Identifying greening or urban planning programs still in their planning phases is crucial, as the HCPM can be integrated early or used to guide strategies before implementation. The ongoing greening effort in Belgrade allowed timely incorporation of HCPM insights.
- Policy Alignment: Anticipating EU and national strategy developments is necessary to ensure these policies are informed by the robust evidence base generated by the HCPM.
- Securing Long-Term Funding: Challenges remain in obtaining funding beyond pilot stages. Establishing long-term partnerships with communities and municipalities equipped to channel resources can support sustained integration of tools like the HCPM. Its inclusion in future EU funding calls, such as Horizon Europe, could facilitate further development and uptake.
- Evolving Responsively: Developing pioneering tools like the HCPM requires adaptability. Incorporating lessons learned and revising the tool will enhance credibility and increase value across diverse urban contexts.
Next Steps for HEART and the HCPM
The workshop underlined HEART’s vital role in addressing health inequalities and advancing a health-centred urban planning paradigm across Europe. Insights from this event will inform the long-term HEART roadmap, scheduled for release within the coming months.
By Alexandra Olson (EHMA)
