1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Nancy
Region
Europe
Native title of the NBS intervention
La Charte de l'Arbre de la ville de Nancy
Short description of the intervention
"The desire to integrate trees in the heart of Nancy constitutes a long-standing commitment. The first Charter for Trees of Nancy was signed in 1996. Plant diversity was strengthened and the protection of trees accentuated, in particular thanks to the requirements of the Local Urban Planning. In 2013, the new version of the Charter will make it possible to engage all the actors of urban policy to increase protection of the tree, to be vital to biodiversity and to the quality of the living environment" (Ref. 1). "New legal, urban, ecological and social issues have emerged. The old charter now requires improvements in the face of certain evolutions. It was decided to renew it. This new document is in line with the previous one and faces the new issues of the trees in the city" (Ref. 1, p 9).
Address

54000 Nancy
France

Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Please specify “other type of area” before implementation of the NBS
City-wide initiative (Ref. 1).
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
1991
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
1996
End date of the intervention
2013
Present stage of the intervention
Please specify "other" stage of the intervention
"The first charter of the Nancy's trees was signed in 1996. It was the result of a strong political will and was the logical follow-up to the 1991 Green Plan. The main objective was to increase the area of green space in a city rather made with concrete." The new version was signed in 2013 (Ref. 1)
Goals of the intervention
"The new version of the Charter will make it possible to engage all the actors of urban policy to increase the protection of trees, to be vital to biodiversity and to the quality of the living environment. This Charter is in total coherence with the reference framework of "Nancy, a sustainable European city" and in continuity with the document drawn up by the Urban Community on Vegetal in the Grand Nancy."
"Our ambition is to build the world of tomorrow where the plant element has roots anchored in our territory"
"New knowledge has enabled us to learn more about the plant world and its interactions with the urban environment. New legal, urban, ecological and social issues have emerged. The old charter now requires improvements in the face of certain evolutions. It was decided to renew it. This new document is in line with the previous one and faces the new issues of the trees in the city." (Ref. 1, p 9)"The charter had made recommendations to improve the tree heritage" (Ref 1).
-"Maximizing diversity means improving the multiplicity of services that the tree provides, both aesthetic and practical. Moreover, biodiversity is also an effective response to many plant protection and climate change issues" (Ref. 1, page 20).

Quantitative targets
350 different tree taxons in Nancy
28 green spaces created in 20 years
Over 14000 trees planted in 15 years
42 hectares of green space (Ref. 1)
Monitoring indicators defined
Number of different tree taxons
Number of green spaces created over a period of 20 years
Number of trees planted over a period of 15 years
Area of green space (hectares) (Ref. 1).
Climate change adaptation: What were the goals of the NBS?
Please specify "other Habitats and biodiversity conservation activity"
-No chemicals: "Since 2005, the City of Nancy has adopted a "zero phyto"(zero-pesticides) approach in day-to-day management. The control of pests is achieved by the release of natural predators. Water spraying causes lime mites and aphids to fall. It is also possible to control populations using pheromone traps. The simple differentiated management of the natural space is sometimes sufficient: the high grass is the habitat of predators." (Ref. 1, page 39)
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Implementation activities
"Nancy will further enrich its tree biodiversity, which is an essential element of a sustainable, reasoned and responsible development policy. The legal protection of the tree will be accentuated. In order to mobilize all citizens and involve them in the preservation of the tree heritage and its extension, the consultation process will be strengthened."
"To improve tree management in the city, Nancy will develop new research partnerships with leading scientists on urban ecology."
(Ref. 1, page 9)
The management of the alignment trees is carried out by the Parks, Greens and Nature departments of "Grand Nancy Metrepole", ie approximately 6300 trees. While the parks, forests and landscape plantations in the city are maintained by the City of Nancy."(Ref. 2)
Maximizing tree species as adaptation toward climate change: "Maximizing diversity means improving the multiplicity of services that the tree provides, both aesthetic and practical. Biodiversity is also an effective response to many plant protection and climate change issues" (Ref. 1, page 20).
-no chemicals: -"Since 2005, the City of Nancy has adopted a "zero phyto"(zero-pesticides) approach in day-to-day management. The control of pests is achieved by the release of natural predators. Water spraying causes lime mites and aphids to fall. It is also possible to control populations using pheromone traps. The simple differentiated management of the natural space is sometimes sufficient: the high grass is the habitat of predators." (Ref. 1, page 39)
-"Since 2005, the City of Nancy has adopted a "zero phyto"(zero-pesticides) approach in day-to-day management. The control of pests is achieved by the release of natural predators. Water spraying causes lime mites and aphids to fall. It is also possible to control populations using pheromone traps. The simple differentiated management of the natural space is sometimes sufficient: the high grass is the habitat of predators." (Ref. 1, page 39).
"The water vapor given off by a tree makes it possible to significantly lower the air temperature in cities" (Ref. 2).
"Trees can stock an important quantity of carbon dioxide, reducing the greenhouse gas effect" (Ref. 1, page 43).
"It fixes polluting particles in the air in addition to being a source of humidification. The water vapor given off by a tree makes it possible to significantly lower the air temperature in cities" (Ref. 2).
The roots of trees maintain soil that is sensitive to erosion" (Ref.1, page 43).
“impermeable urban soils can result in considerable runoff. During large storm events water treatment systems cannot handle the quantity... Trees act like retention basins and are an efficient water management measure" (Ref. 1, page 43).
“In total, more than 28 green spaces were created in 20 years, more than 42 hectares." "More than 14,000 trees have been planted in 15 years." "The large projects of the last five years have led to an increase of the tree heritage of more than 40%." (Ref. 1, page 10). The territory of Nancy, with only 1500 hectares for nearly 110 000 inhabitants, has a proportion of natural areas that is very large: 320 hectares, private and public. (Ref. 1, page 5)
“Maximizing diversity means improving the multiplicity of services that the tree provides, both aesthetic and practical. Moreover, biodiversity is also an effective response to many plant protection and climate change issues" (Ref. 1, page 20).


NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Grey infrastructure featuring greens
Alley or street trees and other street vegetation
Parks and urban forests
Large urban parks or forests
Please specify "other Climate change adaptation activity"

Vegetation Type
Please specify how many trees were planted
14000 (Ref 1)
Amenities offered by the NBS
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Regulating services
Local climate regulation (temperature reduction)
Air quality regulation
Carbon storage/sequestration
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Maintenance of genetic diversity
Cultural services
Tourism
Aesthetic appreciation
Inspiration for culture, art and design
Recreation
Scale
Spatial scale
Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level
Beneficiaries
Governance
Governance arrangements
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
The city of Nancy is the initiator of this Charter for Trees (Ref. 1).
"Scientists play a leading role in the management of tree heritage." "In this field, Nancy brings together a leading scientific and training center: the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) and the University of Lorraine have several sites." (Ref. 1, page 30)
-In 2013, the Association Arbres Remarquables (Research and Studies and Safeguards) (A.R.B.R.E.S) certified for the first time trees in the territory of Nancy. (Ref. 1, page 32)
-"Tree renewal requires careful planning. The management of the alignment trees is carried out by the Parks, Greens and Nature departments of "Grand Nancy Metrepole", ie approximately 6300 trees. While the parks, forests and landscape plantations in the city are maintained by the City of Nancy." (Ref. 2)
"The European Union launched the Sustainable European Cities project and Nancy has been fully involved since the beginning" (Ref. 1, page 11).
Key actors - initiating organization
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
EU body
Regional government
Local government/municipality
Public sector institution
Non-government organisation/civil society
Researchers/university
Citizens or community group
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
Yes
Please specify the "Regional Directive/Strategy"
"The European Union launched the Sustainable European Cities project and Nancy has been fully involved since the beginning" (Ref. 1, page 11).
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
"In continuity with the document elaborated by the Urban Community on the plant in the Grand Nancy."
"Nancy's policy is ambitious: to become not only an example of a sustainable French city but also European. The charter of the tree will be part of this movement, to be in agreement with future major continental projects." (Ref. 1, page 11)
-related to the trees: -"Since 2005, the City of Nancy has adopted a "zero phyto"(zero-pesticides) approach in day-to-day management. The control of pests is achieved by the release of natural predators. Water spraying causes lime mites and aphids to fall. It is also possible to control populations using pheromone traps. The simple differentiated management of the natural space is sometimes sufficient: the high grass is the habitat of predators." (Ref. 1, page 39)
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
The Charter itself is a strategy/plan (Ref. 1).
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify the general plan with GI/NBS section
"This Charter is fully consistent with the "Nancy, a sustainable European city" strategy and in continuity with the document elaborated by the Urban Community on vegetation in the Greater Nancy." (Ref. 1, page 9)
If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme / type of the plan.
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
"Nancy will develop new research partnerships with leading scientists on urban ecology" (Ref. 1, page 9).
"Scientists play a leading role in the management of tree heritage." "In this field, Nancy brings together a leading scientific and training center: the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) and the University of Lorraine have several sites." (Ref. 1, page 30)
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
"To improve tree management in the city, Nancy will develop new research partnerships with leading scientists on urban ecology."(Ref. 1, page 9)
"The city is launching its own studies to improve its management and innovate. The experience of other communities is also valuable." (Ref. 1, page 30)
"Many scientific programs are devoted to plants. Research in urban ecology also benefits from advances in plant science. In this field, Nancy brings together a leading scientific and training center" (Ref. 1, page 30)
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Co-finance for NBS
Yes
Co-financing governance arrangements
Unknown
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Financing
Total cost
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
Unknown
Source(s) of funding
Type of fund(s) used
Non-financial contribution
Unknown
Please specify other Business model
tree charter is related to preservation of trees and quality of the living environment through the creation of policy documents, therefore this is not a business model. Green densification and biodiversity have been selected as these are results of the policy document and intentions of the document (Ref 1), but neither are 'business'-related, particularly by the motivated actor which is the municipality.
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Please specify social innovation
"Green spaces are a historical heritage that must be protected." (Ref. 1)
"The tree and its environment are part of the development of cities. Urban planning documents, therefore, seek to protect them." (Ref. 1)
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
The former charter was signed in 1996 (Ref. 1). "The city is launching its own studies to improve its management and innovate. The experience of other communities is also valuable." (Ref. 1, page 30)
"Many scientific programs are devoted to plants. Research in urban ecology also benefits from advances in plant science. In this field, Nancy brings together a leading scientific and training center" (Ref. 1, page 30)
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
Impacts, benefits
Description of environmental benefits
Climate change
-Lowered local temperature: "The water vapor given off by a tree makes it possible to significantly lower the air temperature in cities" (Ref. 2).
-Carbon sequestration: "Trees can stock an important quantity of carbon dioxide, reducing the greenhouse gas effect" (Ref. 1, page 43).

Environmental quality
-Improved air quality: "It fixes polluting particles in the air in addition to being a source of humidification. The water vapor given off by a tree makes it possible to significantly lower the air temperature in cities" (Ref. 2).
-Soil protection and amelioration "The roots of trees maintain soil that is sensitive to erosion" (Ref.1, page 43).

Water management and blue areas
-Increased protection against flooding/Improved stormwater management: impermeable urban soils can result in considerable runoff. During large storm events water treatment systems cannot handle the quantity... Trees act like retention basins and are an efficient water management measure" (Ref. 1, page 43).

Green space and habitat
-Increased green space area/#of species present/increased ecological activity: In total, more than 28 green spaces were created in 20 years, more than 42 hectares." "More than 14,000 trees have been planted in 15 years." "The large projects of the last five years have led to an increase of the tree heritage of more than 40%." (Ref. 1, page 10). The territory of Nancy, with only 1500 hectares for nearly 110 000 inhabitants, has a proportion of natural areas that is very large: 320 hectares, private and public. (Ref. 1, page 5)
-Reduction of biodiversity loss: -"Maximizing diversity means improving the multiplicity of services that the tree provides, both aesthetic and practical. Moreover, biodiversity is also an effective response to many plant protection and climate change issues" (Ref. 1, page 20).
Economic impacts
Please specify other socio-cultural impact
aesthetic appreciation: "Maximizing diversity means improving the multiplicity of services that the tree provides, both aesthetic and practical." (Ref. 1, page 20).
Description of economic benefits
Unknown
Please specify other environmental justice issue
"The tree and its environment are part of the development of cities. Urban planning documents, therefore, seek to protect them." (Ref. 1)
policy that engages all actors in the preservation of the tree: ""The new version of the Charter will make it possible to engage all the actors of urban policy to increase the protection of trees, to be vital to biodiversity and to the quality of the living environment." (Ref 1)
Description of social and cultural benefits
Social justice and cohesion/appreciation
-Improved access to urban green space: The territory of Nancy, with only 1500 hectares for nearly 110 000 inhabitants, has a proportion of natural areas that is very large: 320 hectares, private and public. (Ref. 1, page 5)
-Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces: "In Nancy, most parks and gardens have a "users committee". Every citizen can come to express themselves to improve the place that he/she frequents" (Ref. 1, page 32).

Cultural heritage and sense of place
-Protection of natural heritage: "The arboricultural heritage of the City of Nancy has nearly 10,000 trees" (Ref. 2).

Education
-Support education and scientific research: "permanent contact with scientists is an essential asset" (Ref. 1, page 28).
-Increased knowledge of locals about local nature: implementation of QR codes on 24 trees throughout the city along with other public outreach initiatives (Ref. 1, page 29).
Type of reported impacts
Indicators
-In total, more than 28 green spaces were created in 20 years, more than 42 hectares." "More than 14,000 trees have been planted in 15 years." "The large projects of the last five years have led to an increase of the tree heritage of more than 40%." (Ref. 1, page 10). The territory of Nancy, with only 1500 hectares for nearly 110 000 inhabitants, has a proportion of natural areas that is very large: 320 hectares, private and public. (Ref. 1, page 5)
-"In Nancy, most parks and gardens have a "users committee". Every citizen can come to express themselves to improve the place that he/she frequents." (Ref. 1, page 32)
-"Maximizing diversity means improving the multiplicity of services that the tree provides, both aesthetic and practical. Moreover, biodiversity is also an effective response to many plant protection and climate change issues." (Ref. 1, page 20)
-"The arboricultural heritage of the City of Nancy has nearly 10,000 trees." (Ref. 2)
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
Environmental justice: The implementation of the NBS project resulted in ...
Please specify other method used to evaluate the impacts of NBS
implementation of QR codes on 24 trees throughout the city along with other public outreach initiatives (Ref. 1, page 29) have been made and indicate a formal monitoring system in place for some trees.
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
No specific information available as of August 6, 2020. Public spaces may have provided less benefits due to stay at home orders active in all of France from March 16, 2020 to May 11, 2020 (https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19).
Methods of impact monitoring
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Unknown
Presence of indicators used in reporting
No evidence in public records
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
Unspecified, however: "The concept of a sustainable European city is based on a new common support for evaluation and communication. It offers a platform similar to that of social networks. It also includes four self-assessment systems that determine the sustainability of a project."(Ref. 1, page 11). "Each tree is analyzed every 18 months. On sensitive sites, with a high human presence or close to children, they are two to three times annually" (Ref. 1, page 38).
- implementation of QR codes on 24 trees throughout the city along with other public outreach initiatives (Ref. 1, page 29) have been made and indicate a formal monitoring system in place for some trees.
-"Nancy is one of the only large French cities to be certified ISO 9001 for the management of the tree heritage." (Ref. 1, page 38)
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Yes
Mode(s) of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Please specify other modes of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Workshops: On a larger scale, the "Ateliers de Vie de Quartier"(Neighborhood Lifestyle Workshops) provide information and help develop the city" (Ref. 1, 32).
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Yes
Please specify
"Citizens are also involved in the management of natural areas and new projects. They participate directly in the development of a garden, a park or even a neighborhood.
These groups of city dwellers are force of proposals for festival meetings, especially those related to the tree. Active collaboration with the City's services allows residents to be directly involved in the process."
"In Nancy, most parks and gardens have users committee. Citizens can come express themselves in order to improve the place they frequent. On a larger scale, the "Ateliers de Vie de Quartier"(Neighborhood Lifestyle Workshops) provide information and help develop the city" (Ref. 1, 32).
- implementation of QR codes on 24 trees throughout the city along with other public outreach initiatives (Ref. 1, page 29) have been made and indicate a formal monitoring system in place for some trees.
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Yes
Please specify
"The concept of a sustainable European city is based on a new common support for evaluation and communication. It offers a platform similar to that of social networks. It also includes four self-assessment systems that determine the sustainability of a project."(Ref. 1, page 11)
"Each tree is analyzed every 18 months. On sensitive sites, with a high human presence or close to children, they are two to three times annually." (Ref. 1, page 38)
- implementation of QR codes on 24 trees throughout the city along with other public outreach initiatives (Ref. 1, page 29) have been made and indicate a formal monitoring system in place for some trees.
References
List of references
1. Nancy (2013). "La Charte de l'Arbre dela ville de Nancy". Available at: https://en.calameo.com/read/00139016124d4eb47853a (Accessed: August 6, 2020).
2. Nancy (n.d). "Les arbres". Available at: https://www.nancy.fr/utile/nancy-la-ville-qui-cultive-la-vie/les-arbres-236.html (Accessed: August 6, 2020).
Comments and notes
Comments
SECTION 6
ASSESSMENT: No documents have been found concerning a specific formal assessment, but as the Charter document has already indicators, and mentioned some studies, it is likely that reports of formal evaluation with indicators have been created.
ASSSESSMENT TOOL: The impact tool suggested was not specifically for this charter but for the "Sustainable European City" program. No link was found for the communication platform of "Sustainable European City". It is mentioned that: "The concept of a sustainable European city is based on a new common support for evaluation and communication. It offers a platform similar to that of social networks. It also includes four self-assessment systems that determine the sustainability of a project."(Ref. 1, page 11)
-Beside, impact assessment tool can be the committee created by the residents: "residents can also meet in associations, Parks and Gardens user committees or "Neighborhood Lifestyle Workshops" to learn about, and defend "their" trees." (Ref. 1, page 28)
Additional insights
"Nancy is one of the only large French cities to be certified ISO 9001 for the management of the tree heritage." (Ref. 1, page 38)
"Since 2005, Nancy has adopted a "zero phyto"(zero-pesticides) approach in day-to-day management. The control of pests is achieved by the release of natural predators. Water spraying causes lime mites and aphids to fall. It is also possible to control populations using pheromone traps. The simple differentiated management of the natural space is sometimes sufficient: the high grass is the habitat of predators." (Ref. 1, page 39)
Public Images
Image
Charter for Trees (2011)
Charter for Trees (2011)
Ville de Nancy, retrieved 08/15/2018 from Stephane Harter
Image
Charter for Trees (2010)
Charter for Trees (2010)
Ville de Nancy, retrieved 08/15/2018 from Stephane Harter
Image
Charter for Trees
Charter for Trees
Ville de Nancy, retrieved 08/15/2018 from Stephane Harter