Set up for multiple NBS interventions, including this one

The Tagabe Riparian Corridor Regeneration Project is an integrated catchment project ‘designed to build resilience into the riparian system to safeguard human wellbeing in the face of current and future climate change challenges and key population/ resources demands’ (Ref. 4). The project is focused on the ‘riparian margins of mid to lower catchment streams in the Tagabe catchment’ (Ref. 4,5). Activities consist of ‘riparian revegetation and stream bank protection; sustainable land management of adjacent farmlands; and point source pollution prevention and remediation’ through a series of 5-year management periods (Ref. 4,5). The project was part of the larger PEBACC (Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change) project and is now supported by the Vanuatu Government and various other initiatives like the Pacific R2R – Ridge to Reef programme (Ref. 8,9).

The Green Urban Infrastructure in the municipality of Beira project aims to increase Beira’s resilience to climate change and flooding (Ref. 2). It is a two-part project that consists of rehabilitating the Chiveve River and constructing a public park along the river (Ref. 1). The river rehabilitation was completed at the end of 2016 and restored the natural flow of the river, enabling better flood control (Ref. 5,6). The public park was completed at the end of 2020 and serves as a recreation, catchment and overflow area through three basins of the river (Ref. 1,2).

The Nyashishi wetland is located on the western side of Lake Victoria some 15 km from Mwanza, a port city of the lake. The area is characterized by a double maxima rainfall, with heavy rains occurring during October to December. The wetland is traversed by the Nyashishi River, which is an intermittent river draining stormy waters and domestic waste water into Lake Victoria. Increased human socio-economic activities in Mwanza, such as horticulture, overgrazing and discharge of industrial effluents, have degraded the Nyashishi wetland. As a result, vegetation specifically elephantiasis and papyrus that used to flourish in the wetland and provide fish breeding grounds have disappeared. The crocodiles, large lizards and a host of other creatures that used to populate those areas cannot be seen today. Since the wetland and the river are part of the Lake Victoria Basin, both have been subjected to floods and droughts, impacting livelihoods, public health and the environment. The root causes of floods are irregular seasonal and year to year variability in rainfall patterns, combined with mismanagement of land and water resources, leading to soil erosion and increased run-off. Therefore restoration efforts in the area are much needed. (1, 5)

The Urban Forest Fund (UFF) was launched in May 2017 by the City of Melbourne to provide financial support to new greening projects that otherwise would not be able to be funded. Such projects include green spaces, tree planting, vertical greening or green roofs on private land" (1 p20). The City of Melbourne has multiple strategies and programs in place to increase the quantity and quality of green space in the city. The UFF aims to support such sustainability lead initiatives by providing match-funding grants to green projects in the private realm. The UFF is a key initiative in tackling sustainability challenges in the entire city, as 75% of its land is privately owned (1)

The multifunctional Southern City Park in Nurnberg was organized in the place of the large car park alongside the railway. Construction of the new green area between Celtisplatz and Tafelfeldstrasse was built in three construction sections. In the western part, the green playground with cableway, slide and climbing rocks was arranged, the Karl-Bröger-Platz was equipped with benches and a fountain, whereas to the east a large green area with 76 newly planted trees was established (1, 4) Perennial plantings were arranged in eastern section of the park, which members of the Bund Naturschutz maintain on a voluntary basis. The park is also a place where social and cultural events are organized. (4)

Nelson Mandela Square is located on the south side of the main railway station in Nurnberg. Serving as an important transition zone for pedestrians (25,000 people daily), the neglected square, which was mostly used as a car park is to be redeveloped into a green park providing recreational facilities in the densely populated residential area. (2, 7). The square and the bicycle storage facility opened on September 15, 2020. 70 new trees, a spacious lawn, safe bicycle paths, benches, parking spaces and Nuremberg's first bicycle parking garage now ensure both quality of stay and functionality. (7)

To test the newly developed Green Factor Tool for the City of Helsinki, with a focus on water management, two test sites (ätkäsaari pilot block and the three model yards in Kuninkaantammi) were created at residential blocks in Jätkäsaari and Kuninkaantammi. The tool itself is an Excel interface that calculates the quantity and quality of the city's green spaces per unit of area, It is part of the larger iWATER (integrated stormwater management) project (Ref 2). Specifically, after testing it on these two pilot sites, it is to support land use planning processes by providing a way to account for the quantity and quality of green space. The project aimed to analyze the cost-benefit of implemented sustainable stormwater solutions, compile stormwater-related planning tools as well as increase and strengthen the capacity of cities to work with stormwater issues (ref. 2).
One of the key objectives of developing the green factor method was to create green urban environments that have social value. Also, functionality was the second most important and cityscape (or landscape value) was the third most important category in green factor scoring.

The Reconstruction of the Southern Bank of Schütt Island is the starting point of the regeneration of the Old City of Nurnberg. Within the project, the access to water and recreational functions of the river banks were improved. (1) The project was completed on an 1800 square meter large area, which includes open meadow areas, a 170-meter-long bank terrace, trees, and benches. (6) Public participation through co-planning and consultation was also involved in the planning process. (1)

The Heinickeplatz in the Muggenhofer Strasse and its peripheral areas are being upgraded as a new green area in accordance with the objectives of the city redevelopment plan. The new landscape design for the Heinicke Square was developed in dialogue with local citizens through planning workshops followed by the opportunity to vote for one of the 4 landscape bureaus who applied for the reconstruction of the square. (1, 2). The implementation of the plan began in 2019 and is expected to be completed in 2021. (4) The implementation will include the plantation of new trees, grass, the creation of sports areas and the establishment of a new playground. (2)

View Island in Reading is a relaxing island with natural open space with grassy paths and seating near to the weir at Caversham Lock. A conservation project has been carried out to e.g. improve water flow, improve biodiversity, and improve the entrance to and around the island. The work has been carried out in consultation with Reading Borough Council, the Environment Agency and has been designed and constructed by Riverworks Ltd. (Ref, 1, 2, 3)