Let’s Reflect - How is the UNP+ project building capacities for Reflexive Monitoring in cities?
These days cities have big goals for urban planning that often include bringing nature to the urban environment. Sometimes though it is hard to know where to start. In this way, it is helpful to have a roadmap to scope out context for how to approach and advance on urban nature plans. Reflexive monitoring can be a really important part of designing, implementing and evaluating progress for a roadmap for cities and local authorities.
Reflexive monitoring is an evaluation method that offers insight into the progress of projects in real time, supporting urban practitioners and professionals to evaluate day-to-day activities and respond to them while considering the bigger picture. Moderated by Prof. Kes McCormick of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, this first capacity building session by the UNP+ project under UrbanbyNature brought together academic researchers and city practitioners to share knowledge, tools, and real-world applications.
Why Reflexive Monitoring?
In his welcome, Prof. Kes McCormick framed RM as “a more sophisticated approach” to turning policies into practice, stressing that new ways of working are essential if cities are to truly integrate nature into urban planning. The UNP+ project aims to move urban nature from the periphery to the centre of city-making, halting biodiversity loss and improving resilience for both people and nature. RM is a key capacity-building tool in this mission.
City perspectives on the six step process
Dimitra Xidous (Trinity College Dublin) provided an accessible overview of RM’s six steps: rethinking, defining roles, recording, analysing, communicating, and peer-to-peer exchange. Using tools like the Dynamic Learning Agenda, RM helps cities identify barriers, reframe them as opportunities, and translate insights into action. In the UNP+ project, RM acts as a “central spine” linking cities’ practical challenges with expert knowledge from project partners.
“It’s not about perfect plans; it’s about learning from barriers and turning them into opportunities.”
Frida Brett-Smith of Mannheim, Germany described RM as “the engine for systemic change,” emphasising its role in fostering critical thinking, cross-departmental collaboration, and tailored communication strategies. Mannheim’s Local Green Deal integrates biodiversity, climate resilience, and social innovation, with RM embedded across policies and projects. A major learning: data is abundant but scattered, leading to new efforts to centralise and share information.
“Don’t only include the departments that work directly on nature. Bring in economic development, citizen engagement, education… It changes the conversation.”
Adrián Cabezas of Barcelona, Spain outlined how RM is applied both to the city’s second Nature Plan and to specific greening projects. With over 100 actions in the current plan, RM has revealed the need for fewer but more impactful projects, better coordination between departments, and stronger links to budgets. Citizen engagement combines digital platforms with in-person co-creation workshops, involving residents, universities, NGOs, and vulnerable groups.
“Sometimes the most valuable outcome is not a finished project, but improved communication between the people who make it happen.”
The discussions led to some key takeaway points, a few with which we conclude:
- RM supports continuous adaptation in the face of political, financial, and regulatory change.
- Peer learning between cities accelerates innovation and problem-solving.
- Communication and engagement are as critical as technical expertise.
- Embedding RM locally ensures its benefits last beyond the life of the project.
Are you interested in acquiring more insights into progressing on urban nature plans? Then rewatch the session and stay tuned for upcoming webinars and exchanges.
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