The Çukurova University Botanical Garden
The Çukurova University Botanical Garden was initiated in 1972 by the Department for Landscape Architecture to protect and conserve the rich native and non-native biodiversity of the region for future generations (Ref. 5,9). Its establishment responds to the lack of Botanical Gardens in Türkiye despite the country's great diversity. The Garden also wants to offer protection for increasingly threatened species in the face of rapid and uncontrolled urbanization (Ref. 5,9). Being located close to two Deltas and an important agricultural region, the collection also aims to include a great number of wetland and agricultural species, drawing public attention to the importance of these ecosystems (Ref. 6). As such, the University invites every school in Adana to visit and participate in its ongoing educational activities and primary school children are offered hands-on gardening programmes (Ref. 1,2). Furthermore, visitors can immerse themselves and learn about various vegetation zones, including endemic maquis, where stairs, walking paths and information boards have been installed (Ref. 4). The University maintains research activities in the Botanical Garden and in on site laboratories, which regularly host interns (Ref. 4). To ensure the stready supply of plant material for landscaping and education, nurseries have been set up and in 2020 a 250 m² medicinal and aromatic plant greenhouse was added where students of the Faculty of Agriculture are trained and endemic species grown (Ref. 9,10).
Dollymount Strand Ectocarpus
Coastal erosion is a well-known consequence of climate change, driven by rising sea levels, extreme storms, and powerful coastal surges. Dollymount Strand, a popular spot for bathing and water sports in Dublin, is particularly vulnerable. Located on North Bull Island and managed by Dublin City Council, the area is part of several protected zones, including a Special Area of Amenity, a Special Area of Conservation, a Special Protection Area, a Ramsar Wetland, a Natura 2000 site, and the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere. To help mitigate this issue, Dublin City Council has implemented a solution that works with, rather than against, natural processes.
During late summer and autumn—particularly following high tides, warm weather, and storms—a type of seaweed called Ectocarpus siliculosis naturally accumulates along Dublin Bay’s beaches. Instead of removing it, the council allows the seaweed to remain, recognizing its essential role in maintaining the beach’s rich biodiversity. Ectocarpus contributes to the health of the coastal ecosystem, supporting marine life and enhancing the natural resilience of Dublin Bay. (1.2)
During late summer and autumn—particularly following high tides, warm weather, and storms—a type of seaweed called Ectocarpus siliculosis naturally accumulates along Dublin Bay’s beaches. Instead of removing it, the council allows the seaweed to remain, recognizing its essential role in maintaining the beach’s rich biodiversity. Ectocarpus contributes to the health of the coastal ecosystem, supporting marine life and enhancing the natural resilience of Dublin Bay. (1.2)
Phoenix Park
The Phoenix Park initiative was carried out by the "Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iași in partnership with the Iași Communitarian Foundation, the BorgWagner Fund, and the Municipality of Iași. It involved the rehabilitation of a green space within the university campus. Covering an area of 3,000 square meters, the renovation was based on the winning design from a student competition focused on improving campus spaces.
The park was designed to include facilities for physical exercise (calisthenics equipment), recreation (badminton court and ping-pong table), and social interaction spaces. It also serves as a buffer to reduce noise from the surrounding areas.
The total cost of the project amounted to 121,200 euros, with the university covering infrastructure expenses, the municipality providing the labor for rehabilitation, and the private fund contributing 15,150 euros. The implementation of the design was overseen by the student designer and coordinated by the NGO and the university’s Association of Student Architects.
This initiative is part of a larger urban regeneration project by the university, in collaboration with the municipality and the Communitarian Foundation, where several campus green spaces are being rehabilitated based on student designs. The overarching goal is to enhance students' quality of life and promote healthy lifestyles through the creation of green spaces during their time at the university. (1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 13, p. 92)
The park was designed to include facilities for physical exercise (calisthenics equipment), recreation (badminton court and ping-pong table), and social interaction spaces. It also serves as a buffer to reduce noise from the surrounding areas.
The total cost of the project amounted to 121,200 euros, with the university covering infrastructure expenses, the municipality providing the labor for rehabilitation, and the private fund contributing 15,150 euros. The implementation of the design was overseen by the student designer and coordinated by the NGO and the university’s Association of Student Architects.
This initiative is part of a larger urban regeneration project by the university, in collaboration with the municipality and the Communitarian Foundation, where several campus green spaces are being rehabilitated based on student designs. The overarching goal is to enhance students' quality of life and promote healthy lifestyles through the creation of green spaces during their time at the university. (1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 13, p. 92)
Lacides Segovia Urban Park
Parque Lácides Segovia is an urban park located on Isla de Manga in Cartagena, Colombia. The park was inaugurated and revitalizated in June 2014 to serve as a multifunctional green space promoting cultural, social, and environmental activities. Named after General Lácides Segovia, a notable figure in Cartagena's history, the park aimed to provide a family-friendly and culturally enriching environment (ref 1). The primary goal was to transform a neglected urban area into a dynamic public space that fosters community interaction and enhances local culture. The park aimed to create a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for residents of all ages, promoting social integration and cultural activities. Additionally, the project sought to establish a green area contributing to the ecological health of the city through urban greenery (ref 1, 2).
The first revitalization in 2014 involved facilities, planting native trees, and setting up public amenities such as Wi-Fi, seating, and cultural spaces(1, 2, 3).
This new revitalization in 2024, led by the local government of Cartagena, will focus on enhancing the infrastructure of both the park and the surrounding sports area in Manga to improve sustainability. The project has an estimated budget of approximately USD 675,000. The improvement works to provide better facilities and infrastructure to support recreational and sports activities, benefiting the community and promoting a healthier urban environment (ref 6). The park is essential for the community; it was recently the subject of several citizen science projects led by the Montessori School, including research identifying the park's ecosystem services (ref 3).
The first revitalization in 2014 involved facilities, planting native trees, and setting up public amenities such as Wi-Fi, seating, and cultural spaces(1, 2, 3).
This new revitalization in 2024, led by the local government of Cartagena, will focus on enhancing the infrastructure of both the park and the surrounding sports area in Manga to improve sustainability. The project has an estimated budget of approximately USD 675,000. The improvement works to provide better facilities and infrastructure to support recreational and sports activities, benefiting the community and promoting a healthier urban environment (ref 6). The park is essential for the community; it was recently the subject of several citizen science projects led by the Montessori School, including research identifying the park's ecosystem services (ref 3).
Community garden Ayllu 21
In 2018, a group of residents from Sector II in the Villa El Salvador district initiated a communal effort to transform an abandoned space into an urban garden (3). This is how Ayllu 21, the first community-based agroecological garden in Villa El Salvador, was born. The project was spearheaded by a group of mostly migrant senior women who decided to dedicate their time and labour to reclaiming a landfill space, to turn it into a productive green area (1). Their philosophy is rooted in the concept of "ayllu," a Quechua word signifying family, collective identity, solidarity, and respect for the environment to foster harmonious coexistence (3).
Today, Ayllu 21 spans 1400 square meters and features 40 plots where agroecological practices are employed (1, 3). The garden aims to become a space for comprehensive development, through promoting environmental awareness, political advocacy, and the fight against gender-based violence in a district that ranks third in the number of violence cases (1).
The vegetables produced are primarily for self-consumption, with any surplus distributed among neighbouring families. If there are any sales, the profits are shared among the members, who work an average of two days per week in the garden (3).
This space seeks to strengthen socialization among women and seniors and foster learning and community-building among neighbours through agriculture. It was initiated with the support of IPES Promotion of Sustainable Development as part of the Sowing in the Desert program (3, 6), and it has received support from a diversity of programmes, such as the framework of the Women United for Food and Environmental Security (MUSA) (1).
Today, Ayllu 21 spans 1400 square meters and features 40 plots where agroecological practices are employed (1, 3). The garden aims to become a space for comprehensive development, through promoting environmental awareness, political advocacy, and the fight against gender-based violence in a district that ranks third in the number of violence cases (1).
The vegetables produced are primarily for self-consumption, with any surplus distributed among neighbouring families. If there are any sales, the profits are shared among the members, who work an average of two days per week in the garden (3).
This space seeks to strengthen socialization among women and seniors and foster learning and community-building among neighbours through agriculture. It was initiated with the support of IPES Promotion of Sustainable Development as part of the Sowing in the Desert program (3, 6), and it has received support from a diversity of programmes, such as the framework of the Women United for Food and Environmental Security (MUSA) (1).
Warrendale Bio-retention Flower-gardens
"The Neighborhood, Environment & Water Research Collaborations for Green Infrastructure (NEW-GI)" project in Warrendale, Detroit, aims to advance green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) knowledge and practice in legacy cities by integrating research on water quality, community well-being, governance, and ecological design. This collaborative effort, involving community members, government entities, and academic researchers, seeks to develop evidence-based strategies for sustainable stormwater management while enhancing urban landscapes and improving residents' quality of life.
In its first phase (2014-2015), the project created bioretention four bioretention gardens, each on two vacant residential properties in the Warrendale neighborhood. in Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood. These sites, constructed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) on vacant lots owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), were monitored for water quality, and resident surveys were conducted to gauge the gardens' impact on neighborhood satisfaction and stormwater management.
The second phase (2016-2019) expanded the scope to refine GSI designs to reduce maintenance needs and further assess their effects on water management and community well-being. It also explored governance structures that impact GSI success, both in Detroit and other legacy cities, contributing to the development of guidance documents for GSI planning and decision-making.
Funded by the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, the NEW-GI project represents a transdisciplinary approach to urban ecological challenges, offering valuable insights into how GSI can deliver both environmental and social benefits in cities like Detroit.
(Ref.1,2)
In its first phase (2014-2015), the project created bioretention four bioretention gardens, each on two vacant residential properties in the Warrendale neighborhood. in Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood. These sites, constructed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) on vacant lots owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), were monitored for water quality, and resident surveys were conducted to gauge the gardens' impact on neighborhood satisfaction and stormwater management.
The second phase (2016-2019) expanded the scope to refine GSI designs to reduce maintenance needs and further assess their effects on water management and community well-being. It also explored governance structures that impact GSI success, both in Detroit and other legacy cities, contributing to the development of guidance documents for GSI planning and decision-making.
Funded by the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, the NEW-GI project represents a transdisciplinary approach to urban ecological challenges, offering valuable insights into how GSI can deliver both environmental and social benefits in cities like Detroit.
(Ref.1,2)
BASIC Project Cartagena: integrated coastal water resource management
The BASIC Cartagena Project is an applied research initiative focused on developing tools for integrated coastal water resource management in Cartagena, Colombia (ref 4). It is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada, and EAFIT University leads it in collaboration with the University of Los Andes, the University of Cartagena, the Foundation H.E.O., and the Regional Corporation CARDIQUE (ref 4). The goals are to reduce pollution, conserve ecosystem services, and implement climate change adaptation strategies in the coastal area (ref 3). The studies focus on Cartagena Bay (Recognized as the most polluted body of water in the Caribbean), the Dique Canal and the Magdalena River watershed, the local communities in the areas surrounding Cartagena Bay, principally the communities of Ararca and Barú (ref 5). During its first phase (2014-2017), the project concentrated on diagnosing pollution levels and sources. This included extensive monitoring of water quality and the socio-economic conditions of local communities (with a public health focus). The second phase (2018-2021) focused on developing early warning systems for pollution, educational programs, and knowledge transfer through community engagement. The third phase (2023) plans to expand the same activities from phase 1 & 2 to the Rosario and San Bernardo Islands, with continued collaboration among scientists, authorities, and local communities (ref 2, 3). Among its most significant achievements are the production of high-level scientific knowledge and the training provided to communities and environmental authorities. A notable impact of the project is its contribution to the formulation of seven policies, including the creation of an intersectoral committee for the environmental management of the Bay of Cartagena. This committee, for the first time, brings together various stakeholders, including fishing and tourism communities, to make decisions about environmental management (3)
Liquid 3: Serbia's First Urban Photo-Bioreactor
Liquid 3 is the first urban photo-bioreactor in Serbia, developed by an interdisciplinary team at the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research at the University of Belgrade (Ref. 1,2,3). Prompted by an appeal of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the team was eager to find novel approaches to combat the city's severe air pollution issues while being space efficient and providing year-round benefits (Ref. 3). The key to the bioreactor are algae which are very efficient in sequestering carbon and filtering heavy metals from the air (Ref. 2). A Liquid 3 feature can be quickly set and occupies a plot of only 3 m². Some of its benefits include its ability to withstand high levels of air pollution and its ease of installation on surfaces like walkways and other sealed infrastructure (Ref. 2,3). Additionally, by design, Liquid 3 integrates amenities such as power outlets, a bench, and nighttime lighting (Ref. 1). The selected strain of algae can tolerate temperatures between 5-35°C making it deployable all year. However, monthly maintenance is required, during which the water and algae are replaced—both of which can be repurposed, for example, as fertilizers (Ref. 6).The project has received global media coverage as well as a prize for the best innovative and climate-smart solution in Serbia. Its success has prompted the installation of two more such bioreactors in Serbia, with interest coming from other countries such as Hungary and the UAE (Ref. 1,4).
Tempelhofer Field
Tempelhofer Feld stands as an innovative green solution in the heart of Berlin, addressing several issues of environmental justice, biodiversity, and urban resilience. Within the S-Bahn ring, only one in 20 residents lives in areas well-served by green spaces, and districts like Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and Tempelhof would face even greater scarcity without this vast expanse. Many residents in these neighborhoods lack access to private green spaces such as gardens or balconies. Without nearby parks, people are compelled to travel to other districts, exacerbating the congestion of green spaces and increasing local traffic.
Since its opening in 2010, Tempelhofer Feld has provided Berlin with over 300 hectares of open, green, leisure, and recreational space, making it one of the largest urban open spaces globally. Once the site of bustling air traffic, it is now a sanctuary for activities such as skating, strolling, gardening, picnicking, birdwatching, kiteboarding, and more. These wide-ranging uses showcase its transformation into an accessible, multifunctional green space that serves as a social equalizer, particularly for disadvantaged neighborhoods, a significance amplified during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The field is not just a recreational haven but also a vital ecological refuge. With over two-thirds of its area designated as green space, it hosts diverse ecosystems, including extensive natural meadows, lawns, and protected habitats for birds and other species. Certain areas are closed to the public to preserve these sensitive environments, emphasizing the balance between human activity and ecological conservation. Since 2019, animal landscape keepers, including around 100 resident sheep, have contributed to sustainable land management practices, promoting biodiversity and ecological health (Ref. 2).
Managed collaboratively by political, administrative, and societal actors, the site exemplifies integrated citizen participation in urban planning. (Ref. 3)
Since its opening in 2010, Tempelhofer Feld has provided Berlin with over 300 hectares of open, green, leisure, and recreational space, making it one of the largest urban open spaces globally. Once the site of bustling air traffic, it is now a sanctuary for activities such as skating, strolling, gardening, picnicking, birdwatching, kiteboarding, and more. These wide-ranging uses showcase its transformation into an accessible, multifunctional green space that serves as a social equalizer, particularly for disadvantaged neighborhoods, a significance amplified during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The field is not just a recreational haven but also a vital ecological refuge. With over two-thirds of its area designated as green space, it hosts diverse ecosystems, including extensive natural meadows, lawns, and protected habitats for birds and other species. Certain areas are closed to the public to preserve these sensitive environments, emphasizing the balance between human activity and ecological conservation. Since 2019, animal landscape keepers, including around 100 resident sheep, have contributed to sustainable land management practices, promoting biodiversity and ecological health (Ref. 2).
Managed collaboratively by political, administrative, and societal actors, the site exemplifies integrated citizen participation in urban planning. (Ref. 3)
Park in Wrzeszcz
A new addition has enriched Gdańsk's green spaces: the park at Szubieniczna Mountain near the Gdańsk University of Technology. This area, located behind the cutting-edge STOS building housing the "Kraken" supercomputer, has been transformed into a vibrant urban oasis. Covering approximately 7,500 square meters and costing 3.5 million zlotys, the park introduces a sustainable and welcoming environment for students, residents, and visitors alike.
The park aligns with the university's PG Climate Plan, a strategic initiative promoting environmental sustainability through research, education, and green infrastructure. Historically a neglected area with overgrown trees and bushes, it has now been revitalized to create a functional and aesthetic space that merges ecological values with public utility.
Key features of the park include over 1,500 new plantings—trees, shrubs, and flowers—that enhance biodiversity and create a visually appealing landscape. Ecological innovations such as a rain garden and energy-efficient lighting reflect the park's commitment to sustainability. Recreational and educational facilities include a mini amphitheater, an outdoor gym, and walking paths interspersed with gravel squares surrounded by flower meadows.
A new pathway connects the campus to Szubieniczna Hill, granting access to Gdańsk's largest water reservoir and offering stunning panoramic views. This transformation underscores how urban green spaces can address climate challenges while improving quality of life for the community. The Szubieniczna Mountain Park is not just a park—it’s a symbol of progress toward a greener future for Gdańsk. (1-2)
The park aligns with the university's PG Climate Plan, a strategic initiative promoting environmental sustainability through research, education, and green infrastructure. Historically a neglected area with overgrown trees and bushes, it has now been revitalized to create a functional and aesthetic space that merges ecological values with public utility.
Key features of the park include over 1,500 new plantings—trees, shrubs, and flowers—that enhance biodiversity and create a visually appealing landscape. Ecological innovations such as a rain garden and energy-efficient lighting reflect the park's commitment to sustainability. Recreational and educational facilities include a mini amphitheater, an outdoor gym, and walking paths interspersed with gravel squares surrounded by flower meadows.
A new pathway connects the campus to Szubieniczna Hill, granting access to Gdańsk's largest water reservoir and offering stunning panoramic views. This transformation underscores how urban green spaces can address climate challenges while improving quality of life for the community. The Szubieniczna Mountain Park is not just a park—it’s a symbol of progress toward a greener future for Gdańsk. (1-2)
