Dr Tannya Karin Pico Parra, a recent PhD alumna of Urban Development & Governance, devoted her research to understanding how stakeholders in Quito, Ecuador, embrace Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address urban challenges. In this article, she further explains her findings and looks back at her time at IHS.
Connecting nature and cities
With a background in architecture and sustainability, Tannya began her journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in Ecuador, where she discovered her passion for integrating urban spaces with natural ecosystems. Living and working in the United States and Barcelona helped her deepen her understanding of innovative approaches to climate resilience and taught her the importance of balancing built and natural environments to enhance the quality of life.
“Growing up in Ecuador, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, I developed a deep connection to nature from an early age. [...] Over time, as I gained a deeper understanding of the scale and urgency of climate change, I felt compelled to shift my focus to urban studies during my PhD."
This determination inspired Tannya’s research, titled The Absorptive Capacities of Quito’s Local Stakeholders for the Concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS): The Cases of AGRUPAR, Tree Plan, and the Ortega Stream Restoration Initiative. Her work explores how local stakeholders recognise, apply and use the concept of NbS—strategies that use natural processes to address urban challenges— to solve urban issues in Quito, Ecuador, through three case studies:
- AGRUPAR, a programme that promotes urban agriculture to boost food security and green spaces.
- Tree Plan, an urban tree-planting project aimed at improving air quality and cooling the city.
- Ortega Stream Restoration, a project that integrates ecological restoration with community participation to manage flooding and water resources.
Understanding Nature-based Solutions
Tannya's research framework focused on two main areas: Nature-based Solutions and Knowledge Absorption and Transdisciplinary. She examined these concepts using qualitative methods and action research and proposed a phase-based process for the effective implementation of Nature-based Solutions in Quito. What’s innovative about NbS is its scientific framework, offering measurable evidence of its contributions to climate adaptation. "One of the main takeaways from my research is that while the concept of NbS is relatively new, the practice is not—especially in Latin America, where strong cultural ties to nature still exist."
“By fostering strong absorptive capacities—encouraging people to understand, adopt, and apply the concept of NbS—we can shape a future where nature and urban communities in Quito thrive together.”
Dr Tannya Karin Pico Parra
The role of multiculturalism at IHS
Engaging with peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds helped Tannya understand the world's most pressing challenges in a more empathic and holistic way. "This experience promotes adaptability and open-mindedness, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and reflect on your own identity concerning the world around you. That is priceless."
The flexibility of the PhD programme allowed her to focus on her hometown, Quito, aligning her research with her interest and passion. She also highlights the supportive alumni network: “After you graduate, you are part of a global family for a lifetime. [...] These relationships can lead to collaborative opportunities and access to international resources.”
From passion to impact
Through her teaching activities at the University of Quito (PUCE), Tannya hopes to inspire lasting change. "I firmly believe that knowledge dissemination is key to driving change." By educating future professionals, she aims to encourage them to integrate sustainability and Nature-based Solutions into their work and influence policies and projects nationwide.
Tannya advises aspiring PhD candidates to pick a research topic they are truly passionate about, choose supportive supervisors who align with their goals and have a strong support system to sustain them throughout the journey. Family and friends play a vital role in providing the emotional balance and encouragement necessary to navigate the challenges ahead.
"It isn't about speed; it is about consistency and way too often, you doubt your capacities. The PhD programme is an intense personal growth process that fosters resilience, discipline, and independence. Overcoming challenges in language, cultural shocks, and high research standards strengthens your character and adaptability. It makes you resilient."
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