The International Conference on Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Infrastructure was successfully held

The International Conference on Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Infrastructure (NBSUI) was held at Chiang Chen Studio Theatre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 25 to 26 April 2024. The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) was one of the co-organisers, and the conference had also received support from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Research Center for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics, and Jockey Club STEM Lab of Earth Observations of PolyU. Prof. Yuhong WANG, member of RILS, and Prof. Qihao WENG, Associate Director of RILS, co-chaired the conference successfully.

NBSUI 2024 witnessed a remarkable turnout, with over 200 participants from around the world. It provided a valuable platform for research discussions and knowledge sharing on integrating nature into the management of urban infrastructure throughout its lifecycle. Experts, policymakers, researchers, and professionals from diverse fields came together to explore innovative approaches in addressing urban infrastructure challenges using nature-based solutions.

The conference commenced with a welcome session featured a few esteemed speakers from PolyU, including Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Prof. Qingyan CHEN, Director of PAIR, while the opening speech was delivered by Ir Michael FONG, Director of the Civil Engineering and Development Department of the HKSAR Government.

The keynote session included presentations from four international distinguished speakers, while the technical session featured 35 scholars and experts who shared their knowledge and experiences across six topics: NBS in Urban Planning and Development, NBS for Urban Resilience, Influences of NBS on the Built Environment, NBS for Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Plants in NBS, and Innovative NBS and Future. In addition, there was a poster session which had showcased 40 posters with state-of-the-art research and technologies.

NBSUI 2024 concluded with a site visit and hands-on workshop at the Hong Kong Wetland Park. Led by Prof. Xiaoli DING, Director of RILS, the workshop provided participants with an immersive experience to engage in thematic discussions and practical explorations of nature-based solutions in action. This interactive session not only emphasized the conference's commitment to applied knowledge but also served as a fitting finale to an informative and inspiring event.