Nature-Based Solutions for Smart Cities: Insights from Grace Smith at Sagint

In this enlightening episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast, Fanni Melles, PhD, sits down with Grace Smith, a nature-based solutions specialist and Senior Vice President of Environmental Operations at Sagint.

Grace shares her global experiences—from China and France to Southeast Asia—shaping her passion for integrating nature into urban systems. She defines smart cities as tech-driven environments optimizing sustainability, while emphasizing nature-based solutions (NBS) to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and urban challenges. From thriving ecosystems to examples like Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Jakarta’s transition to Nusantara, Grace explores how NBS complement smart tech for resilient, inclusive cities. She also highlights her groundbreaking project, the Kinshasa Mercantile Exchange, monetizing ecosystems in the DRC.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on blending technology, nature, and community for a thriving future!

Key Takeaways
0:00 - Introduction: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Challenges
1:50 - Welcome to the Smart Cities Council Podcast!
2:10 - Introducing Grace Smith and Sagint
3:00 - What Does "Smart City" Mean to Grace?
4:00 - Can Cities Be Smart Without Digitalization?
5:10 - Defining Technology: Tools for Efficiency and Enhancement
6:40 - Sustainability: Thriving Within Planetary Boundaries
8:40 - Nature-Based Solutions: Nature-Positive Urban Integration
10:20 - NBS in the Anthropocene: Balancing Human and Natural Needs
12:00 - Smart Cities and NBS: Complementary for Resilience
14:00 - Applying NBS in Existing Cities: Pnom Penh and Jakarta Examples
16:00 - Challenges: Urbanization, Politics, and Maintenance
18:00 - Opportunities: New Cities and Ecosystem Stewardship
20:00 - Grace’s Journey: From Global Adventures to NBS Advocacy
22:00 - Advice: Start Locally, Connect with Ecosystems
24:00 - Spotlight Project: Kinshasa Mercantile Exchange (KME)
26:00 - Closing Thoughts: Active Hope and Nature Connection

Learn More About Grace Smith and Sagint:

• Grace Smith on LinkedIn

• ⁠SAGINT⁠ website

• ⁠SAGINT ⁠on LinkedIn

  ⁠@SagintInc⁠ as SAGINT on X