The Resilient and Innovative Societies and Ecosystems (RISE) Lab is committed to advancing practical knowledge on nature-based solutions at the intersection of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and human wellbeing. We are a collaborative research group working in partnership with urban nature and communities to create healthy and resilient futures in innovative ways.
Mission
Our mission is to be a catalyzer for systemic change towards fostering a stronger relationship between urbanites and nature based on social-ecological systems thinking. The RISE lab adopts an interdisciplinary approach and works both locally and globally to support equitable nature-based solutions that enhance the well-being of people and biodiversity in cities, build climate resilience, and contribute to healthier futures.
Principles
- Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable and seen
- Encourage open sharing and positive inquiry
- Celebrate creativity and problem-solving through the exploration of new ways
- Respect diversity of ideas, disciplines and cultures
- Support learning and unlearning with space for mistakes
- Uplift each other equally and as one team
Partnership
- Professionalism is appreciated but is not impersonal
- Sensitive information is respected
- Knowledge sharing is two-ways
- Willingness to cooperate and help is high
- The project and the team are honoured
Our Expertise
The RISE lab is interested in research projects that can build social-ecological resilience to climate change through equitable nature-based solutions, i.e. strategies that can support both people and nature to thrive in healthier cities. Our projects integrate different disciplines and apply mixed methods to study a range of themes, including:
- How to enhance biodiversity in cities through the co-creation of forests and long-term stewardship
- How to transform urban greenspaces to simultaneously support human wellbeing and healthy urban forests
- How to enable diverse people to experience urban greenspaces in ways that are more inclusive and can deepen human-nature relationships
