The new partnership is through the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, which is the world's largest multilateral research and innovation initiative.

The city will be a key participant in the RISE-IN (Resilient Investment for Sustainable Environments) project, which pioneers innovative green financing solutions. The RISE-IN project is being co-ordinated by the Polytechnic of Milan.

Through this partnership, Christchurch will receive approximately $2.9 million in funding to deliver two research projects in the OARC.

The projects will focus on:

• Testing soil amendments like biochar and microbial additions to enrich depleted soils, enhance carbon sequestration and measure changes in soil health.
• Establishing plantings of native species to improve biodiversity and climate resilience, while developing models for renewable harvesting in the biomaterials sector.

The successful bid was a collaboration between the Christchurch City Council’s Parks Unit and Smart Christchurch team, ChristchurchNZ, the Bioeconomy Science Institute and the University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says this is an exciting development for the city.

“Building climate resilience through innovation has been a focus for Council, and this partnership allows us to advance environmental projects in the former red zone. We look forward to establishing new relationships with the EU, and partner cities as the projects progress.”

ChristchurchNZ’s General Manager of Innovation and Business Growth Martin Cudd says joining the European initiative is a valuable recognition of the city’s ambition.

“We are focused on the financial viability of these projects, exploring how to attract investment into innovative ecological restoration. This success shows Christchurch is a place where businesses can prosper by developing solutions to global challenges Christchurch will be a key 'demonstrator' city in the project, alongside cities in Italy and Portugal. The findings will then be adapted by 'replicator' cities in Turkey, Belgium, and Ukraine.

The outcomes are expected to provide significant local environmental and economic benefits, including potential carbon credits, and create replicable models for climate resilience and green investment.