Renaturation of urban rivers as a climate adaptation strategy Case study in Geneva, Switzerland

In a global context marked by the urgency of climate change, tangible actions towards the ecological transition are top priorities for the built environment. This paper presents the results of the “Maillages fertiles” research project, which seizes the opportunity of the reopening and renaturation of two urban rivers in Geneva, Switzerland, to explore the potential of innovative green open spaces as a climate adaptation strategy aiming at making the urban environment viable, desirable and resilient. The methodology is based on two comparative studies: 1) the literature review, identifying six relevant indicators; 2) the analysis of best practice neighborhoods, providing average values. The results show that all avenues must be combined to achieve climate resilience, linking all actors and placing climate transition issues at the center of decision-making processes and daily practices.