Sea levels are rising due to global warming, which is induced by anthropogenic activities increasing the concentration of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Sea level rise is already causing a severe impact on coastal wetland ecosystems, and the influence will intensify in the future. One of these coastal ecosystems is mangrove forests, which grow in intertidal zones and are therefore subject to tidal water level fluctuations. Mangrove forests provide essential ecosystem services to coastal environments and societies, and their exposure to sea level rise is a significant concern. The consequences of sea level rise, such as inundation, erosion, and lack of accommodation space, will increase the extent of mangrove loss. It is therefore essential to fully understand how sea level rise is influencing mangrove ecosystems in different geographical locations, and how likely they are to adapt and survive under different scenarios. This research used a systematic literature review to assess scientific articles from various regions, investigating the current knowledge regarding the impacts of sea level rise on mangrove ecosystems. The information was collected from 40 articles, which covered studies from five continents. The findings affirmed that the negative effects of sea level rise on mangrove ecosystems are recognized globally. It is well understood that, by the second half of the century, mangrove ecosystems will face severe issues if the highest IPCC emissions scenarios are reached. It is further well acknowledged that mangrove forests provide important ecosystem services, for example, by protecting the coastal areas under extreme weather events, benefiting natural resources sectors and recreation, and further delivering crucial climate change mitigation services by sequestering and storing blue carbon. It is therefore essential to recognize mangroves as an important ecosystem and treat them adequately. Mangrove ecosystems’ resilience under sea level rise was commonly found to be dependent on their hydro-geomorphological environment. Under sea level rise, one of the most significant factors contributing to mangroves’ survival and resilience was the availability of accommodation space, which they need to be able to migrate inland as the sea levels rise, along with their ability to adapt to changes in sediment elevation rates. To secure the needed accommodation space and to further help mangrove ecosystems grow and live under the sea level rise scenarios, adequate climate change adaptation strategies must be planned and adopted. These strategies include prioritizing high-priority areas for vegetation growth, estimating areal habitat suitability, strengthening the understanding of land use impacts on mangrove forests, and implementing hybrid solutions for coastal protection. Although the issue of sea level rise influencing mangrove ecosystems is well recognized globally, there was an observed lack of adequate research. Further research and improved understanding are needed to ensure that preparation for all emission scenarios, even for the worst ones, is possible and that climate change adaptation strategies will be well implemented.

Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are currently considered among the most effective tools available to city administrations and urban planners to tackle the negative effects of climate change.This umbrella concept comprises a large set of different low-impact technical solutions that are inspired/supported, or copied, from nature. NBS are particularly valued as they can help cities foster sustainability and enhance resilience, while providing social benefits and new economic opportunities. NBShave been selected as a priority by the European Commission.Existing literature does not provide a clear, unique definition of NBS nor sufficient empirical support to demonstrate long-term change in communities and affected territories, particularly for participatory actions, as these are often difficult to analyse, measure, and assess. Adapting NBS-based strategies to local contexts is always a challenge – not only in terms of physical interventions, but particularly in terms of creating common understanding and long-term impact. Yet, dissemination activities, exchanges and debates across local and global actors are often considered as ‘collateral’.Starting from these premises, the study investigates the role of communication across local and global networks in NBS projects to explore which elements favour or hinder collaboration and knowledge creation, looking for possible seeds of transformation that might go undetected due to their intangible, non-quantifiable nature.Through a case study and a set of qualitative interviews, the challenges of understanding and adopting NBS will be tackled among the local and the global, revealing the importance of transdisciplinarity and a set of enabling conditions to facilitate transformative learning, and the role of flexible, adaptable participatory approaches to enhance collaborative open innovation. Possible ways forward and challenges towards forms of participatory governance will also be included.The analysis is clustered per themes to investigate the dynamics of dissemination activities, living lab settings and collaboration among international partners, as well as the overall influence of the European dimension; it ends with challenges and opportunities for the future of living labs and collaboration after the closure of the project. Meaningful examples and best practices shared by the2interviewees will guide the analysis. Additional topics and concerns as expressed freely by the participants will be outlined.As outlined in the closing section, reiteration of concepts and multiple opportunities to learn, experience and exchange about NBS are needed at local and global level. To support such collaborative effort, it takes one or more skilled facilitators as well as project frameworks to enable cross-sectoral collaboration and spontaneous inputs, towards innovative, long-lasting strategies to contribute in the global battle against climate change in cities.In the conclusions, through experiences and suggestions from the participants, possible strategies and actions will be reported, inviting for further transdisciplinary research by highlighting how intangible and practical items contribute to nature-based thinking. As to say: “to be inspired by natural processes in all aspects of urban development to create more holistic approaches to sustainable cities'' (Randrup, et al., 2020, p. 2).