Workshop Harmonizing Knowledge

19-20 March 2026, Bucharest


Harmonizing local ecological knowledge and digital tools for climate stewardship in cities

University of Bucharest, Rectorate Building, Șoseaua Panduri, 90, Room of Senate

This workshop explores how ecological knowledge and modern digital technologies can work together to foster climate stewardship in urban environments. Participants will engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative sessions to identify strategies for integrating local insights with innovative tools for sustainable urban planning and resilience.

Objectives

  • Bridging the gap between local ecological knowledge and digital solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation in cities.
  • Promoting participatory approaches that empower communities and stakeholders in urban climate action.
  • Critically analyze the importance of local ecological knowledge for implementing urban greening strategies in real-world contexts.

Expected Audience

  • Members of the Society for Urban Ecology
  • Urban planners and geographers
  • Environmental scientists and ecologists
  • Local government representatives
  • NGOs and community organizations focused on sustainability
  • Students and researchers in climate and urban studies
  • Tech developers interested in environmental applications

Registration

Registration is closed.

Agenda

Day 1 – March 19, 2026

9.00 – 9.15 – Welcome messages (University of Bucharest and Society for Urban Ecology)

9.15-10.00 – Keynotes

  • Integrating Local Knowledge in Urban Green Strategies. Experience of Salzburg – Jurgen Breuste, President of the Society for Urban Ecology
  • Local Knowledge for Urban Green Strategies – Cristian Ioja,  Mihai Nita, University of Bucharest

10.00 – 12.00 – Mapping Local Ecological Knowledge – Short talks

  • Harnessing Living Labs for Community Knowledge Gathering, Mihai Niță, University of Bucharest
  • Izmir’s Climate Festival: A Gateway to Interactive, Knowledge‑Driven Urban Sustainability”– Cigdem Coskun Hepcan, Serif Hepcan, Ege University of Izmir
  • Unlocking the Potential of PPGIS in Urban Nature Monitoring – Diana Onose, Ana Maria Popa, University of Bucharest
  • Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation. Insights from cross-case experiences in Europe, University of Bucharest – Alina Hossu
  • From vulnerability to vision: Including underrepresented voices in a sustainable future – Maria Alexandra Calota, Cristina Mitincu, University of Bucharest
  • Mobilizing Citizen Science for Local Knowledge Mapping, Cristian Iojă, University of Bucharest
  • Nature vs. History: The impact of some invasive plant species on the Bellu Cemetery Heritage Site, Marilena Onete, Luiza-Silvia Mihai, Minodora Manu, Ioana Gomoiu, Institute of Biology
  • Reproducing Metropolitan Cemeteries: Negotiating Public Green Space Between Everyday Practices and Regimes of Sacredness, Meryem Hayır Kanat, Yildiz Technical University of Istanbul
  • Designing green infrastructure of Romanian cities to mitigate the effects of climate changes, Alexandru Ionut Petrisor, Antonio-Valentin Tache, University of Architecture and Urbanism Ion Mincu, INCD URBAN-INCERC
  • Discussions

12.00 – 14.00 – Green knowledge quest

Report: How this local knowledge must be considered in the decision-making process? Who must realize the transfer to administration? Is it realistic? Is it pragmatic?

Concluding remarks 15 minutes and closing of the workshop

Day 2 – March 20, 2026

  • 09:00 – 13:00 | Practical activity in Bucharest – Urban Human – Nature Interactions, organized by Professor Jurgen Breuste, President of the Society for Urban Ecology

Organizing Committee
Professor Jurgen Breuste – president of SURE
Professor Cristian Ioja – University of Bucharest
Professor Meryem Kanat Hepcan – Yildiz University of Istanbul
Professor Cigdem Coskun Hepcan – Ege University of Izmir
Professor Serif Hepcan – Ege University of Izmir
Professor Alexandru Ionut Petrisor – University of Architecture and Urbanism Alexandru Ioan Mincu of Bucharest
Professor Mihai Răzvan Niță – University of Bucharest

Venue
Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest
1 N. Balcescu Blvd., Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania