Green infrastructure projects, while enhancing environmental quality, often unintentionally exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities through “green gentrification.” This phenomenon leads to rising property values, demographic shifts, and the displacement of vulnerable populations, raising critical concerns about social justice in urban greening. This study systematically reviews the literature to examine how the distribution of and access to green spaces contribute to green gentrification and explores strategies to mitigate its effects. Based on the analysis of peer-reviewed studies in urban planning, green infrastructure, and social dynamics, four key themes emerge: (i) the spatial and health outcomes of greening interventions, (ii) the socioeconomic impacts of green spaces on property values and resident demographics, (iii) the social justice challenges faced by marginalized communities, (iv) the role of urban policies in moderating gentrification. The findings reveal that while urban greening initiatives provide significant environmental and health benefits, these are often inequitably distributed, disproportionately benefiting wealthier populations and displacing vulnerable groups. Studies highlight the importance of integrating affordable housing policies with green infrastructure projects. This approach aims to prevent the displacement of low-income residents while enhancing urban sustainability and inclusivity. Methodologies employed in the reviewed studies—such as spatial analysis, community surveys, and economic assessments—highlight the complex interactions between green infrastructure, housing markets, and social equity. By outlining implications for policy and future research, this study provides a foundation for shaping urban greening strategies that balance environmental goals with social equity, ensuring sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are increasingly financed in urban, regional, and national contexts due to their proven capacity to reduce climate risks and deliver multiple co-benefits. Several challenges affect the successful implementation and long-term maintenance of NBSs, especially in climate-sensitive and fragile urban territories (e.g., the Mediterranean basin), characterized by intense urbanization, environmental vulnerability, socio-economic disparities, and fragmented governance. Key barriers include difficulties in economically evaluating NBS benefits, uncertainty about their effectiveness under changing climate conditions, and implementing multi-functional projects with an interdisciplinary perspective. To address these challenges, a participatory process was conducted involving three thematic working tables focused on the following: (1) economic evaluation, (2) co-design for climate resilience, and (3) multi-functionality and disciplinary integration. All groups applied a shared SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) methodology structured in four phases: (i) individual reflection and collective brainstorming; (ii) collaborative SWOT matrix development; (iii) roadmaps formulation; and (iv) narrative synthesis and submission. Grounded in their knowledge and practical experiences, stakeholders identified operational barriers and strategic advantages to identify research gaps and designing adaptive, inclusive, and context-sensitive NBS roadmaps. Although the stakeholders were primarily based in Northern Italy, they also brought national and international experience, making the findings relevant and transferable to other urban areas in the Mediterranean and Europe, facing similar socio-environmental challenges and governance issues. Thus, the study supports more effective planning and governance in comparable contexts, emphasizing integrated and flexible approaches to address urban fragility and optimize projects governance and management.