Eastside City Park in Birmingham
As an industrial city under climate change, Birmingham has been confronted with multiple environmental risks such as air pollution, fluctuating precipitation and flooding (Ref 3). The Big City Plan is a 20-year city center regeneration plan to support Birmingham’s sustainable transformation, where the delivery of the Eastside City Park was prioritized (Ref 1, 2). Completed and opened to public in 2013, this first new park in Birmingham for 130 years is a linear site which connects the city center along the frontage of Millennium Point eastwards towards the Digbeth canal. (Ref 1, 4, 5). Providing 2.73 ha of urban green spaces, the multi-award winning development features more than 300 trees, a 110 meter canal water feature and a public square with 21 jet fountains, and offers “a moment of green in a journey through the city” (Ref 1, 6).
Recovery project for La Cienaga de la Virgen
The Ciénaga de la Virgen is a coastal wetland (cienaga) located on the north side of the border of the city of Cartagena, separated from the sea by La Boquilla's sandy beach. It has a maximum width of 4.5 km, a length of approximately 7 km, a water body area of about 22.5 km², and depths of up to 1.6 m. It is connected to the city's canal system (ref 1). The recovery project of la Cienaga de la Virgen, led by EPA Cartagena, is proposed as a strategy to address the issues affecting the water body, local communities, the economic activities that depend on it, and the ecosystems that regulate the water cycle and provide multiple services, many of them essential, with an integrated and global management approach based on the basin as the unit for planning and resource management (ref 14). Some of the main problems of the wetland are related to illegal settlements on its shore, as well as illicit dumping of waste, pollution by wastewater from the illegal settlements and deforestation of mangroves (ref 4). Key activities include stopping illegal occupation by relocating established families, improving roads, promoting reforestation, encouraging social participation, managing wastewater, and enhancing tidal systems (ref. 1 and 15).
Alonside the EPA, other stakeholders involved include the regional authority "Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Canal del Dique" (Cardique), with jurisdiction in the rural area, and Cartagena Mayor's Office, and the local community, involved in all the stages of the plan thanks to the “mesas de governance” or "governance tables", discussion spaces where different actors participate in the decision-making (ref 2).
Alonside the EPA, other stakeholders involved include the regional authority "Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Canal del Dique" (Cardique), with jurisdiction in the rural area, and Cartagena Mayor's Office, and the local community, involved in all the stages of the plan thanks to the “mesas de governance” or "governance tables", discussion spaces where different actors participate in the decision-making (ref 2).
Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail
The Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail project aims to transform the existing creek into a valuable community asset by developing a multi-use greenway trail (Ref 1). This greenway will connect various parts of the city through walking and biking paths, linking neighbourhoods, parks, and commercial districts while providing access to unique natural areas (Ref 2). The creek having been adandonned for decades (Ref 5), the initiative seeks to turn 3 Mile Creek (3MC) into a vibrant natural corridor that fosters recreation, education, and economic activities (Ref 1, Ref 2). The project aims also at reducing pollutants in the waterway, restoring natural stream channels, and maintaining flood protection (Ref 1).
The 3MC Greenway Trail is expected to become a key feature of Mobile's urban landscape, offering numerous benefits. These include enhancing community health, both mental and physical (Ref 2), and stimulating the local economy by increasing property values, tax revenues, and opportunities for recreation-related businesses and job development (Ref 2). Additionally, the trail will improve community connectivity by linking neighbourhoods, parks, and schools, thereby fostering a stronger sense of community and better access to public spaces (Ref 2). Lastly, the project will contribute to environmental restoration through stormwater management, pollution reduction, and natural habitat preservation (Ref 2).
The greenway is part of a plan to restore the health of the Three Mile Creek watershed and is the first major piece of a long-term Mobile Greenway Initiative (MGI) (Ref 4).
The 3MC Greenway Trail is expected to become a key feature of Mobile's urban landscape, offering numerous benefits. These include enhancing community health, both mental and physical (Ref 2), and stimulating the local economy by increasing property values, tax revenues, and opportunities for recreation-related businesses and job development (Ref 2). Additionally, the trail will improve community connectivity by linking neighbourhoods, parks, and schools, thereby fostering a stronger sense of community and better access to public spaces (Ref 2). Lastly, the project will contribute to environmental restoration through stormwater management, pollution reduction, and natural habitat preservation (Ref 2).
The greenway is part of a plan to restore the health of the Three Mile Creek watershed and is the first major piece of a long-term Mobile Greenway Initiative (MGI) (Ref 4).
Deer River Coastal Marsh Stabilization and Restoration
The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program is one of 28 National Estuary Programs established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, focused on safeguarding and restoring the water quality and ecological health of nationally significant estuaries (Ref 2). One of the four main areas of work of the project (Ref 2) is focused on Ecosystem Restoration and Protection (ERP), aiming at restoring and protecting ecosystem function and services (Ref 4). One of the projects implemented in 2023-2024 in the ERP category is the Deer River Coastal Marsh Stabilization and Restoration project, aiming at restoring and protecting the saltwater marshes of the area (Ref 8).
The issues faced in the Deer River Shoreline are shoreline recession, marsh deterioration, and loss of natural function from erosion, apparently caused by heavy storms, tidal impacts, and wakes from cargo ships entering or exiting the Theodore Ship Channel (Ref 8). Indeed, the saltwater marshes of this area have started to erode at a rapid rate, up to 12 feet per year (Ref 7).
The project aims to enhance the natural function of ecosystem services to improve the area's resilience. It will restore the eroded marsh by creating offshore structures to protect the shoreline and attenuate the waves. The project also aims to restore the water quality of the Deer River by dredging it out, thus improving the water flow. The material dredged out will be used to nourish the marsh (Ref 9).
The issues faced in the Deer River Shoreline are shoreline recession, marsh deterioration, and loss of natural function from erosion, apparently caused by heavy storms, tidal impacts, and wakes from cargo ships entering or exiting the Theodore Ship Channel (Ref 8). Indeed, the saltwater marshes of this area have started to erode at a rapid rate, up to 12 feet per year (Ref 7).
The project aims to enhance the natural function of ecosystem services to improve the area's resilience. It will restore the eroded marsh by creating offshore structures to protect the shoreline and attenuate the waves. The project also aims to restore the water quality of the Deer River by dredging it out, thus improving the water flow. The material dredged out will be used to nourish the marsh (Ref 9).
NatureRx Rain Garden Pilot
The NatureRx Rain Garden Pilot is a community-driven initiative aimed at addressing urban runoff and its associated challenges, implemented by Bí URBAN, a community hub and social enterprise in Dublin focused on urban regeneration. The pilot project developed in Stoneybatter, Dublin involves diverting rainwater from residential rooftops into specially designed rain gardens (1). The area is used as the first trial area by installing around 100 rain gardens (3, 11). Built to fit neatly into available spaces, these self-sustaining planters will filter rainwater through the garden, with overflow pipes in place to prevent flooding during heavy downpours (1).
It is expected that these gardens will transform sterile urban spaces into green areas, enhancing biodiversity, providing habitats for pollinators, and acting as carbon sinks (1,3).
It is expected that these gardens will transform sterile urban spaces into green areas, enhancing biodiversity, providing habitats for pollinators, and acting as carbon sinks (1,3).
Meama Coffee Factory Green Roof
The Meama Coffee Factory incorporates ecological elements and functionality with architectural design to create a visually striking building. By doing so, the developers respond to requirements set by the city of Tbilisi for a factory that blends into the peri-urban landscape while avoiding the typical industrial appearance. This requirement corresponds to the architect's values of creating a sustainable and durable structure, implemented through multiple measures (Ref. 1,2). Firstly, a 3,680 square meter green roof has been installed, fully covered with local wild grasses and plants (Ref. 1). This green roof serves multiple purposes: it acts as a thermal barrier, reducing the need for additional roof insulation, mitigates noise pollution from the nearby airport and serves as a recreational and meeting area for visitors and employees (Ref. 1,2,3,4). The factory area also features a pine forest to its backside as well as multiple inside atriums covered in greenery (Ref. 2,3).
Lastly, building materials and installation methods have been selected to ensure the durability of the project, such as roofing membranes that withstand root penetration as well as reinforced concrete structures that are waterproofed and protected against corrosion (Ref. 4&5)
Lastly, building materials and installation methods have been selected to ensure the durability of the project, such as roofing membranes that withstand root penetration as well as reinforced concrete structures that are waterproofed and protected against corrosion (Ref. 4&5)
Library of Birmingham’s rooftop secret garden
Birmingham faces several immediate risks due to climate change, including heatwaves, water shortages from droughts, floods, and extreme weather (Ref 11). To address these challenges, Birmingham City Council has set a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2027. As part of this effort, the new Birmingham Library project, initiated by the council, includes a rooftop garden designed to contribute to this target (Ref 3). The library was designed by the Dutch firm Mecanoo Architecten, with a design process spanning from 2008 to 2012 (Ref 5). The two outdoor rooftop gardens, located on levels 3 and 7, were completed in 2013 (Ref 1). These gardens provide green spaces in the city center, enhance water management through rainwater harvesting, serve as educational facilities for sustainable food innovation, and create natural habitats for wildlife (Ref 1, 3, 4, 6). Their contributions helped the library achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and have garnered various awards (Ref 1, 10). The new library aligns with Birmingham City Council's Big City Plan to regenerate the city center, with the green roof gardens playing a key role (Ref 4).
Mangrove Protection Project for Etang Z’Abricots Marina
Trade winds from the east over the Bay of Fort-de-France increase agitation at the "Étang Z’Abricots" marina, reducing user comfort and raising maintenance costs for port equipment and vessels. Climate change worsen these problems, increasing the risks of coastline erosion, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels, which may diminish the protective effect of "Pointe des Sables," leaving the marina more exposed to the winds (Ref 1; 2).
The Z’AB project aims to address these challenges by creating a protective barrier for the port by using mangroves. This involves installing lightweight, reversible devices to elevate the sea floor and accumulate sediments, encouraging the natural colonization of mangroves south of Pointe des Sables. Natural colonization refers to the growth of mangroves through processes like seed dispersal and sediment buildup. Once established, the mangrove will act as a natural buffer, protecting the marina from rough seas and adapting to rising sea levels. The project also includes educational efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves for the region’s environmental issues and biodiversity (Ref 1).
Although the Z’AB project has been in planning since 2018, in 2021, a separate project to extend the marina, costing 7 million euros, was approved by the water park authorities (Ref 5). The extension will add 77 new vessel spaces (Ref 7), but it threatens portions of the mangrove and a strictly protected coral species, Oculina Diffusa, found in the area (Ref 6, p.17). While the marina extension project aims to offset the loss of coral and mangrove with various solutions, "Projet Z'AB" is not explicitly mentioned as a compensation mechanism (Ref 6, p.24). However, stakeholders involved in Projet Z'AB are also participating in the development of the marina extension (Ref 6). It remains unclear to what extent Projet Z'AB will be used to mitigate the environmental impact of the extension.
The Z’AB project aims to address these challenges by creating a protective barrier for the port by using mangroves. This involves installing lightweight, reversible devices to elevate the sea floor and accumulate sediments, encouraging the natural colonization of mangroves south of Pointe des Sables. Natural colonization refers to the growth of mangroves through processes like seed dispersal and sediment buildup. Once established, the mangrove will act as a natural buffer, protecting the marina from rough seas and adapting to rising sea levels. The project also includes educational efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves for the region’s environmental issues and biodiversity (Ref 1).
Although the Z’AB project has been in planning since 2018, in 2021, a separate project to extend the marina, costing 7 million euros, was approved by the water park authorities (Ref 5). The extension will add 77 new vessel spaces (Ref 7), but it threatens portions of the mangrove and a strictly protected coral species, Oculina Diffusa, found in the area (Ref 6, p.17). While the marina extension project aims to offset the loss of coral and mangrove with various solutions, "Projet Z'AB" is not explicitly mentioned as a compensation mechanism (Ref 6, p.24). However, stakeholders involved in Projet Z'AB are also participating in the development of the marina extension (Ref 6). It remains unclear to what extent Projet Z'AB will be used to mitigate the environmental impact of the extension.
Odom garden: a pop-op greenspace demonstration
Odom Garden is a unique temporary pop-up public garden developed as a part of an ongoing real estate project (Ref 1). The garden was developed in 2020 to provide a green public space for people to connect with nature and with other citizens in a prime real-estate planned area for further construction in 2023 (Ref 1). Spread across 4000 sqm, the garden is developed by employing and upcycling the garden's native elements, such as large branches being converted into balancing paths and swing holders (Ref 3). The garden is a very popular green space in the city with Phnom Penh’s first dog park, a Japanese-inspired foot bath, and a central food and beverage area, as well as a children’s playground (Ref 2, 3). This green space has become a meeting place for families with opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
The park has been functioning since 2020 as a temporary site for the future Odom project. The area will be redeveloped to include a residential and commercial complex that includes a five-story layered park (Ref 1, 2). The project, when complete, is expected to increase the total green space area to 7000 sqm, i.e., 126% of the current Odom Garden. Of this, 80% of the green space will be accessible to the public. The Odom garden can thus be interpreted as a demonstration intervention, where the goal was to create s community-focused space and in which Phnom Penhers can experience the sense of community envisioned for the future completed project (Ref 1, 2). As of January of 2023, it has been announced that the Odom Garden is closing for the pre-construction of ODOM, with a "heartfelt: See You Soon" (Ref. 5).
The park has been functioning since 2020 as a temporary site for the future Odom project. The area will be redeveloped to include a residential and commercial complex that includes a five-story layered park (Ref 1, 2). The project, when complete, is expected to increase the total green space area to 7000 sqm, i.e., 126% of the current Odom Garden. Of this, 80% of the green space will be accessible to the public. The Odom garden can thus be interpreted as a demonstration intervention, where the goal was to create s community-focused space and in which Phnom Penhers can experience the sense of community envisioned for the future completed project (Ref 1, 2). As of January of 2023, it has been announced that the Odom Garden is closing for the pre-construction of ODOM, with a "heartfelt: See You Soon" (Ref. 5).
IKEA's biodiverse extensive rooftop garden
IKEA opened its doors in Budapest in 1990. This was the very first store in Hungary. Twelve years later, the store announced that it would install a green roof. The main purpose of the green roof was to compensate the locals for the loss of green space. The green roof was intended to create a biologically active surface that fits in aesthetically into the suburban landscape and provide a home for animals such as pollinators. The green roof, built in 2002, was covered with a Sedum carpet. In 2014, when the original Sedum vegetation died out, the green roof was completely removed. Then, during the autumn 2014 planting, four types of Sedum shoots were seeded. This was followed in the spring of 2015 by the seeding of herbaceous dicots seed mixes, which contained seeds of roughly 50 plant species. The vegetation is regularly monitored by ecologists: in 2021, more than 160 different taxa were recorded, including spontaneously occurring species. The green roof is closed, not accessible to the public, however tours are occasionally organized for professionals [3] [6] [8] [9] [10] [11].
