Green infrastructure has moved from pilot project to city policy
For years, green roofs, urban forests and nature-based solutions were something cities tried. Today they appear in building codes, municipal budgets and public health strategies across the world.
WGIC26 brings together the people writing those rules and the people delivering the results: policymakers, researchers, architects, engineers, contractors and city officials, for four days in Barcelona and Lleida.
120+
papers submitted
1000+
expected attendees
35+
countries
12th
edition
Top countries represented
Spain·Austria·Belgium·Italy·USA
Featured speakers
International voices redefining how cities live with nature
Marcos RosArchitect, academic, and Member of the European Parliament, Marcos Ros works at the intersection of urban policy, sustainability, housing, and the built environment, bringing a strong European institutional perspective to the future of cities.
Wendy Y. ChenProfessor at the University of Hong Kong, Wendy Y
Salvador RuedaFounder of the Urban and Territorial Ecology Foundation (FEUT), Salvador Rueda is a pioneer in urban ecology and the creator of the internationally recognised Superblocks model, which is redefining healthier and more liveable cities.
Dorothy AseyoExecutive Director of The Green Belt Movement, Dorothy Aseyo works on environmental conservation, community empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience, promoting nature-based solutions and grassroots action to build more resilient and inclusive societies.
Vicente GuallartArchitect and urbanist, Co-Founder of Urbanitree and Founder of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), Vicente Guallart is recognised globally for innovation in sustainable cities, advanced architecture, and urban transformation.
Alberto EstevezArchitect, researcher, and Founder of ESARQ-UIC Barcelona, Alberto Estévez is a leading voice in biodigital architecture, exploring the convergence of design, biology, technology, and sustainability.
Enric BatlleFounding Partner of Batlleiroig, architect and landscape architect Enric Batlle is internationally known for integrating architecture, landscape, and urban planning to create resilient and environmentally conscious urban environments.
María BuhigasMaría Buhigas is the Chief Architect of Barcelona City Council
Jesús Pérez GilVice President of the One Health Platform (POH), representing the Spanish Conference of Biology Deans (CEDB), and Chair Professor at the Faculty of Biology of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
M. Àngels BalsellsM
Cristina MartínezCristina Martínez Aransay is Head of the Cities Area at Fundación Biodiversidad (MITECO)
Victoria PérezVictoria Pérez García is Cities Area Coordinator at Fundación Biodiversidad (MITECO)
Loredana ScutoLoredana Scuto is Senior Programme Officer - Urban at IUCN
Júlia LópezJúlia López Ventura is Regional Director for Europe at C40 Cities
Sergio CarratalàSergio Carratalá is a Civil Engineer and founder of MataAlta Studio, a regenerative design studio specialising in landscaping, biophilia, and urban green infrastructure
Luigi PetitoLuigi Petito is the Director of WGIN's European Chapter
Benjamin RollesBenjamin Rolles is a Policy Officer at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV)
Gabriel PérezGabriel Pérez Luque is Chair Professor of Architectural Construction at the Universitat de Lleida (UdL)
Steven PeckSteven Peck is co-founder and President of the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) and founder of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
Where it happens
Four days, two cities, three ways to take part
27–28 OctoberCongress
Keynotes, five parallel tracks and +100 oral presentations across two full days.
CCIB — Parc del Fòrum, BarcelonaCongress29 OctoberTechnical visits
Three guided itineraries through Barcelona's green roofs, living façades and urban gardens, explained on site by the teams behind them.
Across Barcelona · Small groupsTechnical visits30 OctoberWorkshops
A research and innovation day at the Universitat de Lleida, built around the BIG4LIFE project on building-integrated greenery.
Universitat de Lleida — LleidaWorkshopsStay in the loop
Programme updates, keynote announcements and registration deadlines, straight to your inbox.
Sponsors & Partners
Organized by
Emerald Partners
Garden Big Exhibitors
Garden Medium Exhibitors
Media Partners
