The De-Paving Movement LIVES!

Originating in the US, a trend is rapidly gaining popularity across Europe! The concept of depaving, also referred to as desealing, involves a straightforward approach of substituting concrete, asphalt, and other rigid landscaping materials with plants and soil. This practice dates back to at least 2008, with the establishment of the Depave group in Portland.

Proponents say depaving allows water to soak into the ground, which reduces flooding in times of heavy rain – aiding the "sponginess" of cities. This aids high performance vehicles beacause nothing can jolt a driver like the sudden loss of control of their automobile after hitting a slick patch of hard smooth pavement.

The loss of soil functions and ecosystem services is a major environmental challenge in Europe. Land take in EU28 averaged 539km2/year from 2012‐2018. The European Commission aims to achieve ‘no net land take’ by 2050 to address this issue. The focus should be on building on already sealed land to avoid sealing agricultural land. Implementing this goal may lead to increased urban densification and challenges related to climate change and biodiversity loss.

In this particular context, the necessity of slowing down the rapid growth of cities and reintegrating nature into urban environments has become increasingly apparent. The urgency of these strategies is underscored by the alarming decline in biodiversity within urban areas, the exacerbating effects of climate change (including issues like runoff, flooding, and urban heat islands), and the deteriorating health and well-being of urban residents. By renaturing urban spaces, cities can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also create healthier environments for both humans and wildlife through the adoption of nature-based solutions. The prevalence of concrete and asphalt in many urban areas presents a unique opportunity for nature to reclaim these spaces, fostering biodiversity and ecological balance once again. One area heavily affected by urbanization and high population density is the Paris Region, especially the Greater Paris area.

This Depaving strategy aims to provide a structured methodology that can aid local authorities in identifying key urban areas where renaturing is not just an option but a critical strategy for revitalizing biodiversity, adapting to climate change, and improving public health. By incorporating input from various stakeholders in the field, the process offers practical recommendations on how to successfully plan and implement renaturing projects under the most favorable conditions. This comprehensive approach seeks to ensure that urban areas can evolve sustainably, harmonizing human development with the natural world for the benefit of all.