Nature moves us: green cities, active living

In cooperation with the Slovenian Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning (MNVP), the EUKN hosted the Policy Lab ‘Nature moves us: green cities, active living.’ Taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 12 January 2026, the Policy Lab explored how nature-positive approaches in urban policy and planning can promote healthier, more active, and nature-connected lifestyles in cities.

As urbanisation accelerates and ecological pressures grow, cities are central to shaping both ecosystemic and human health. Equitable access to nature and the integration of green-blue infrastructure are essential to improving quality of life, reducing health inequalities, and fostering both individual and community resilience. In fact, climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss are no longer solely environmental concerns: they are urgent public health challenges. The Planetary Health perspective highlights the deep interconnection between human health & wellbeing and the ecosystems that sustain life.

Bringing together experts from policy, research, and practice across sectors and governance levels, this Policy Lab addressed the urban ramifications of the Nature-Health nexus and identified pathways for embedding Planetary Health into urban frameworks and strategies. In line with the HEPA Europe’s 24-hour movement paradigm, the event also highlighted how healthy urban nature can encourage active lifestyles and active travel, such as walking and cycling.

Consult the ‘Concept note’ and ‘Final programme’ for more information on the event background, objectives, and speakers’ line up.