The Village of 4000 Trees - A Nature-Based Solution Targeting Urban Heat Islands and Water Infiltration

How can a town effectively address the challenges of urban heat islands and insufficient water infiltration while also fostering community involvement and enhancing biodiversity?

The feedback sheets developed by CDC-Biodiversité, the French UICN Committee, and the OFB as part of the Life ARTISAN project aim to inspire public and private decision-makers, planners, forest and agricultural landowners, or protected area managers interested in implementing a Nature-Based Solutions project. They offer insights into socio-economic and ecological contexts, funding sources, stakeholders, governance, implemented actions, outcomes, monitoring indicators, success factors, and recommendations.

The Village of 4000 Trees project in Villeneuve-le-Roi focuses on combating urban heat islands and enhancing water infiltration through strategic tree planting and ecosystem restoration from 2019 to 2050. This initiative also restructures urban greenery and biodiversity corridors, improves resilience to climate impacts such as flooding, and integrates community-focused nature-based solutions. As part of the Nature 2050 Programme and the LIFE ARTISAN Programme of OFB, and in partnership with CDC Biodiversité, the project aims for extensive ecological, social, and climate adaptation benefits. It is supported by a substantial budget and comprehensive monitoring to ensure its adaptability and replicability