Educational Urban Gardens
The initiative involved the creation of three educational spaces in social service centers for children (Bucium, Ion Holban, Bogdanesti) in Iasi and its peri-urban area that included urban gardens, the development of green spaces, and facilities for sports activities. In the urban gardens, raised and arranged in a circular design, various orchards and food-producing plants were planted, along with bushes and perennial plants introduced in the new green spaces. Additionally, benches, workshop stations, a volleyball court, and a ping-pong table were constructed alongside the green areas.
The initiative was implemented by the NGO "Asociatia Outventure" and financed through the "In stare de Bine" program, funded by Kaufland Romania and managed by the Fundatia Pentru Dezvoltarea Societatii Civile (Foundation for the Development of Civil Society). The project also included training for permanent volunteers involved in the initiative and conducted 16 thematic workshops on healthy living and ecological behaviors.
The primary target group for the initiative was children and young people at risk of social exclusion, whose circumstances worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to provide them with "an alternative space to develop their personalities, as well as the necessary tools to adopt a healthy lifestyle in harmony with the surrounding environment." The project had a budget of 22,127 euros and was implemented over the span of six months. (1-5)
The initiative was implemented by the NGO "Asociatia Outventure" and financed through the "In stare de Bine" program, funded by Kaufland Romania and managed by the Fundatia Pentru Dezvoltarea Societatii Civile (Foundation for the Development of Civil Society). The project also included training for permanent volunteers involved in the initiative and conducted 16 thematic workshops on healthy living and ecological behaviors.
The primary target group for the initiative was children and young people at risk of social exclusion, whose circumstances worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to provide them with "an alternative space to develop their personalities, as well as the necessary tools to adopt a healthy lifestyle in harmony with the surrounding environment." The project had a budget of 22,127 euros and was implemented over the span of six months. (1-5)
Ocean Alive: seagrass meadow in Cambalhão Bay
The project aims to protect seagrass meadows, which are vital habitats for the prey of resident dolphins and essential to the local fishing economy. The initiative involves local fisherwomen, called "Keepers of the Sea," in activities such as marine education, awareness campaigns, and monitoring the health of the seagrass meadows (Ref 1). Founded in 2015, Ocean Alive aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ocean conservation, gender equality, quality education, and climate action (Ref 4). The project is supported by partnerships with UNESCO and other organizations, and it extends its efforts to Portuguese-speaking African countries. Ocean Alive’s activities also include advocacy for blue carbon ecosystems and programs that involve community engagement and social innovation (Ref 2, Ref 5).
One of several implementation projects targeted safeguarding the young seagrass meadow at Cambalhão Bay, at the entrance of the Sado estuary, as an Ocean Alive’s initiative in partnership with SeaTrees by Sustainable Surf (Ref. 2). The Cambalhão meadow is made up of 202 patches of seagrass. Unregulated shipping is one of the factors in the degradation of the prairie, and to protect it, Ocean Alive is running a campaign to raise awareness about recreational boating (Ref. 6).
One of several implementation projects targeted safeguarding the young seagrass meadow at Cambalhão Bay, at the entrance of the Sado estuary, as an Ocean Alive’s initiative in partnership with SeaTrees by Sustainable Surf (Ref. 2). The Cambalhão meadow is made up of 202 patches of seagrass. Unregulated shipping is one of the factors in the degradation of the prairie, and to protect it, Ocean Alive is running a campaign to raise awareness about recreational boating (Ref. 6).
D-Town Farm (DBCFSN)
D-Town Farm, located within Detroit’s River Rouge Park, is a landmark urban agriculture initiative led by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN). Since its establishment in 2008, this seven-acre farm—the largest in Detroit—has embodied the organization’s commitment to food sovereignty, justice, and security for the city’s African American community. Each year, the farm cultivates over 30 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs using sustainable and regenerative practices. Key operations include large-scale composting, rainwater retention, solar energy generation, and beekeeping, all of which support its ecological and educational missions.
Beyond production, D-Town Farm serves as a community hub. From May through September, it hosts public events that offer educational and recreational opportunities for children and families. The farm also provides hands-on training for aspiring growers through internships and volunteer programs, fostering community engagement and agricultural skill development. Volunteers play a crucial role in daily operations, with ongoing opportunities available throughout the growing season.
D-Town Farm’s mission extends beyond agriculture, serving as a platform for broader advocacy. By challenging barriers to food access, it addresses food deserts with a focus on empowerment and education. The farm supports the local economy by supplying fresh produce to restaurants, farmers markets, and residents, while its health-focused initiatives, such as the youth-centered Food Warriors Development Program, aim to reduce health disparities within the community.
The DBCFSN’s work at D-Town Farm exemplifies a model of community cooperation and self-determination, promoting equity and justice in the food system. By engaging with both local and broader urban communities, D-Town Farm not only strengthens Detroit’s leadership in urban agriculture but also contributes to food justice movements nationwide.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)
Beyond production, D-Town Farm serves as a community hub. From May through September, it hosts public events that offer educational and recreational opportunities for children and families. The farm also provides hands-on training for aspiring growers through internships and volunteer programs, fostering community engagement and agricultural skill development. Volunteers play a crucial role in daily operations, with ongoing opportunities available throughout the growing season.
D-Town Farm’s mission extends beyond agriculture, serving as a platform for broader advocacy. By challenging barriers to food access, it addresses food deserts with a focus on empowerment and education. The farm supports the local economy by supplying fresh produce to restaurants, farmers markets, and residents, while its health-focused initiatives, such as the youth-centered Food Warriors Development Program, aim to reduce health disparities within the community.
The DBCFSN’s work at D-Town Farm exemplifies a model of community cooperation and self-determination, promoting equity and justice in the food system. By engaging with both local and broader urban communities, D-Town Farm not only strengthens Detroit’s leadership in urban agriculture but also contributes to food justice movements nationwide.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)
Earthworks Urban Farm
Earthworks Urban Farm, located on Detroit's east side, is a pioneering initiative of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen that integrates sustainable agriculture, social justice, and community development. The Capuchin Soup Kitchen is a religiously affiliated soup kitchen and non-profit organization located in Detroit, Michigan. It was founded by the Capuchin friars to provide food for the poor during the Great Depression and is sponsored by the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph. The farm was founded in 1998 by Brother Rick Samyn, and began as a small garden focused on educating local youth about healthy food and its origins. Over time, this modest garden expanded into a 2.5-acre urban farm, including 1.5 certified organic acres—making it Detroit's only certified organic farm.
The farm’s growth included adding a large plot behind its partner, Gleaners Community Food Bank, as well as establishing an apiary with up to 40 hives, a greenhouse for transplant production, a hoop house for year-round crops, and a community orchard. Earthworks' work has evolved along with its physical space, significantly extending its reach.
A wide variety of vegetables are cultivated here without herbicides or pesticides, with harvests distributed to local residents and included in meals at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, ensuring fresh, nutritious food for those in need. Beyond agriculture, Earthworks serves as a community hub, engaging volunteers, offering educational tours, and supporting thousands of community gardens across Detroit with transplants and expertise.
Committed to evolving its programs, Earthworks has experimented with mobile markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and local market stands, demonstrating its dedication to meeting community needs through sustainable practices.
(Ref.1,2)
The farm’s growth included adding a large plot behind its partner, Gleaners Community Food Bank, as well as establishing an apiary with up to 40 hives, a greenhouse for transplant production, a hoop house for year-round crops, and a community orchard. Earthworks' work has evolved along with its physical space, significantly extending its reach.
A wide variety of vegetables are cultivated here without herbicides or pesticides, with harvests distributed to local residents and included in meals at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, ensuring fresh, nutritious food for those in need. Beyond agriculture, Earthworks serves as a community hub, engaging volunteers, offering educational tours, and supporting thousands of community gardens across Detroit with transplants and expertise.
Committed to evolving its programs, Earthworks has experimented with mobile markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and local market stands, demonstrating its dedication to meeting community needs through sustainable practices.
(Ref.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)
Maya's Farm
Maya’s Farm is a small, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) sustainable urban farm located in Phoenix, Arizona, where urban development has limited farmland availability. In 2020 alone, Phoenix lost nearly 200 acres of farmland to urban sprawl, putting farms like Maya’s at risk. The farm faced potential closure until the City of Phoenix intervened, providing funding through the Farm Preservation Program, which established the city's first urban agricultural conservation easement. Maya's Farm strives to inspire a local appreciation for sustainable food and to bring renewed value to local food systems.
The farm’s mission is to provide accessible, fresh, locally grown produce to the community while promoting awareness of healthy, sustainable food practices. Through its CSA program, members receive a weekly produce box and have opportunities to come together, honor food traditions, and share stories over locally harvested food. As a CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certified organic farm, Maya’s Farm is committed to organic practices that exclude GMOs, nurture the soil, foster biodiversity, and innovate growing systems. These methods result in healthy soil and cleaner air, contribute to carbon sequestration, and support critical wildlife habitats.
To broaden educational outreach, Maya’s Farm offers several programs that promote sustainable food practices, including its CSA program, an edible classroom series, and a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). Through this ASU partnership, students gain hands-on experience by participating in daily farm operations.
Building stronger community connections is another cornerstone of Maya's Farm’s work. The farm collaborates with local restaurants, farmers' markets, and community groups to expand its impact. Maya’s Farm, ASU, and Arizona Sustainability Alliance launched an agrivoltaics project with solar-shaded crops. (2, 9, 11, 13, 15)
The farm’s mission is to provide accessible, fresh, locally grown produce to the community while promoting awareness of healthy, sustainable food practices. Through its CSA program, members receive a weekly produce box and have opportunities to come together, honor food traditions, and share stories over locally harvested food. As a CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certified organic farm, Maya’s Farm is committed to organic practices that exclude GMOs, nurture the soil, foster biodiversity, and innovate growing systems. These methods result in healthy soil and cleaner air, contribute to carbon sequestration, and support critical wildlife habitats.
To broaden educational outreach, Maya’s Farm offers several programs that promote sustainable food practices, including its CSA program, an edible classroom series, and a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). Through this ASU partnership, students gain hands-on experience by participating in daily farm operations.
Building stronger community connections is another cornerstone of Maya's Farm’s work. The farm collaborates with local restaurants, farmers' markets, and community groups to expand its impact. Maya’s Farm, ASU, and Arizona Sustainability Alliance launched an agrivoltaics project with solar-shaded crops. (2, 9, 11, 13, 15)
'United Way' annual tree planting campaign
Fondo Unido Chihuahua, in collaboration with its corporate partners, is committed to raising awareness about environmental care and reforestation. One of its flagship initiatives is the annual tree-planting campaign, "Planting Today to Have Oxygen Tomorrow," organized by United Way Chihuahua in Ciudad Juárez. This environmental initiative focuses on improving the quality of different urban green spaces (parks, school grounds, streets) while fostering ecological awareness in vulnerable communities across the city. The primary objective is to plant a significant number of trees throughout Ciudad Juárez, using native species that are water-efficient and well-adapted to the local climate and soil. In 2022 the initiative aimed to reforest 18 parks located mainly in the south-eastern part of this border city with 1,000 trees. In 2023 and 2024 the intervention focused on planting 850 trees scatted all over the city.
The campaign brings together donations and volunteers through partnerships with various stakeholders, including local and regional governments, private companies, community organizations, and the general public.
United Way Chihuahua oversees the planning, coordination, and logistical efforts for the campaign. On planting days, volunteers gather at designated sites, guided by the organization to ensure successful planting efforts and community engagement (Ref 1-4).
The campaign brings together donations and volunteers through partnerships with various stakeholders, including local and regional governments, private companies, community organizations, and the general public.
United Way Chihuahua oversees the planning, coordination, and logistical efforts for the campaign. On planting days, volunteers gather at designated sites, guided by the organization to ensure successful planting efforts and community engagement (Ref 1-4).
Project Roots
Project Roots is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable living and enhancing food security in South Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 2020 in response to rising food insecurity—an issue impacting one in seven Arizonans—Project Roots aims to provide lasting solutions through community education, accessible fresh produce, and supportive services for vulnerable populations.
Central to Project Roots’ mission is its work in community gardening. The organization manages and maintains several community gardens, including 20 reserved rows at the Spaces of Opportunity Garden, where individuals and families can cultivate their own produce. Through these gardening spaces, Project Roots empowers community members to grow their own food, promoting self-sufficiency and healthier food choices.
Education is a cornerstone of Project Roots' outreach. The organization offers hands-on gardening classes, workshops, and educational resources that teach sustainable food production practices. A significant part of this educational effort focuses on South Phoenix's youth, helping them understand where their food comes from and how to grow it, fostering both awareness and skills that encourage lifelong healthy habits.
Project Roots also works to ensure that fresh, locally grown produce reaches the wider community. By distributing produce through farmers' markets, produce bags, and partnerships with local food banks and soup kitchens, Project Roots provides a consistent source of nutritious food to those who need it most. The produce bags, often delivered to community centers and low-income housing areas in Phoenix, help bridge the gap for those with limited access to fresh food.
In addition to its food-centered programs, Project Roots extends its support to include essential services such as food assistance, hygiene items, and temporary shelter, making it a vital resource for individuals and families experiencing hardship. (1-5, 8-14)
Central to Project Roots’ mission is its work in community gardening. The organization manages and maintains several community gardens, including 20 reserved rows at the Spaces of Opportunity Garden, where individuals and families can cultivate their own produce. Through these gardening spaces, Project Roots empowers community members to grow their own food, promoting self-sufficiency and healthier food choices.
Education is a cornerstone of Project Roots' outreach. The organization offers hands-on gardening classes, workshops, and educational resources that teach sustainable food production practices. A significant part of this educational effort focuses on South Phoenix's youth, helping them understand where their food comes from and how to grow it, fostering both awareness and skills that encourage lifelong healthy habits.
Project Roots also works to ensure that fresh, locally grown produce reaches the wider community. By distributing produce through farmers' markets, produce bags, and partnerships with local food banks and soup kitchens, Project Roots provides a consistent source of nutritious food to those who need it most. The produce bags, often delivered to community centers and low-income housing areas in Phoenix, help bridge the gap for those with limited access to fresh food.
In addition to its food-centered programs, Project Roots extends its support to include essential services such as food assistance, hygiene items, and temporary shelter, making it a vital resource for individuals and families experiencing hardship. (1-5, 8-14)
Floating University
The Floating University was initiated in 2018 at the rainwater retention basin of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin. Though not an official university, it serves as a space for transdisciplinary, communal learning, transforming an abandoned urban site into a vibrant community resource. The project reclaims the basin, hosting workshops and events that range from ecological lectures to cultural and art programs, fostering collaboration between diverse disciplines and communities.
The architecture collective raumlaborberlin originally envisioned the project as a six-month initiative. Artists, universities, and seminar groups contributed to designing the space and organizing workshops. However, due to its success, an NGO, Floating e.V., was established to sustain the project. Today, the NGO manages the site and continues its mission of engaging communities with urban and ecological themes.
After Tempelhof airport closed in 2008, the basin was infrequently cleaned, leading to contamination and sediment accumulation. Over time, a wetland ecosystem emerged, attracting plants, insects, birds, mammals, and amphibians. This natural development complements the Floating University’s infrastructure, which consists of open timber structures like a kitchen, art installations, communal spaces, vertical gardens, gardening beds, and an auditorium. These structures integrate seamlessly with the basin’s existing technical framework and wetland environment.
Floating e.V. aims to make the basin accessible to Berlin’s urban population while sparking discussions about urban climate, resource management, and water cycles through diverse and artistic programs. Smaller initiatives focus on specific ecological themes, such as plant diversity and soil health, through projects like a seed archive and soil lab.
The Floating University exemplifies how abandoned urban spaces can be revitalized into hubs for learning, creativity, and ecological awareness. (1-3, 8, 9)
The architecture collective raumlaborberlin originally envisioned the project as a six-month initiative. Artists, universities, and seminar groups contributed to designing the space and organizing workshops. However, due to its success, an NGO, Floating e.V., was established to sustain the project. Today, the NGO manages the site and continues its mission of engaging communities with urban and ecological themes.
After Tempelhof airport closed in 2008, the basin was infrequently cleaned, leading to contamination and sediment accumulation. Over time, a wetland ecosystem emerged, attracting plants, insects, birds, mammals, and amphibians. This natural development complements the Floating University’s infrastructure, which consists of open timber structures like a kitchen, art installations, communal spaces, vertical gardens, gardening beds, and an auditorium. These structures integrate seamlessly with the basin’s existing technical framework and wetland environment.
Floating e.V. aims to make the basin accessible to Berlin’s urban population while sparking discussions about urban climate, resource management, and water cycles through diverse and artistic programs. Smaller initiatives focus on specific ecological themes, such as plant diversity and soil health, through projects like a seed archive and soil lab.
The Floating University exemplifies how abandoned urban spaces can be revitalized into hubs for learning, creativity, and ecological awareness. (1-3, 8, 9)
GLAS Community Garden in Blanchardstown
A community garden opened in 2023 on the Technological University (TU) Dublin Blanchardstown campus. This environmental education and social inclusion project is a collaborative effort involving Fingal County Council, Global Action Plan Ireland, TU Dublin, and the local community. It provides a space for local groups and schools to grow fresh produce, reconnect with nature, and foster a stronger sense of community.
Rooted in a successful template developed by Global Action Plan in Ballymun, this initiative promotes social and cultural inclusion alongside environmental education. The Green Living & Sustainability Community Garden (GLAS) aims to create an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. More than a site for cultivating plants, flowers, and vegetables, the garden serves as a hub for fostering social connections, enhancing well-being, and offering valuable educational opportunities.
The garden provides individuals with the chance to engage in social horticulture, exploring the connections between food, health, biodiversity, and global issues such as climate change. It operates on organic and regenerative principles, with all tasks and harvests shared by volunteers. Additionally, the garden will support youth gardening projects and public workshops on topics such as growing food, composting, water harvesting, and waste management. Beyond its environmental benefits, the garden helps people connect with one another, positively impacting social, physical, and mental well-being.
Rooted in a successful template developed by Global Action Plan in Ballymun, this initiative promotes social and cultural inclusion alongside environmental education. The Green Living & Sustainability Community Garden (GLAS) aims to create an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. More than a site for cultivating plants, flowers, and vegetables, the garden serves as a hub for fostering social connections, enhancing well-being, and offering valuable educational opportunities.
The garden provides individuals with the chance to engage in social horticulture, exploring the connections between food, health, biodiversity, and global issues such as climate change. It operates on organic and regenerative principles, with all tasks and harvests shared by volunteers. Additionally, the garden will support youth gardening projects and public workshops on topics such as growing food, composting, water harvesting, and waste management. Beyond its environmental benefits, the garden helps people connect with one another, positively impacting social, physical, and mental well-being.
