GLAS Garden in Ballymun
The GLAS Garden in Ballymun was established in 2011 by the NGO Global Action Plan, serving as a community-driven initiative that offers a welcoming and accessible space where people of all ages and abilities can engage with nature, learn new skills, and build connections within their community. The garden is actively utilized on a weekly basis by various groups, including St. Michael’s House, Saol Clubhouse, the Central Remedial Clinic, Ballark Youth Training, and Young Ballymun. It features a polytunnel for year-round growing, a whimsical fairy garden, and numerous microhabitats, including a pond, composting systems, a grow dome, and an innovative rainwater harvesting system made from recycled plastic bottles.
As part of the social regeneration program for Ballymun, the Green Living and Sustainability (GLAS) community garden has been operated by Global Action Plan (GAP) since its inception. It is supported by Dublin City Council under the Social Regeneration Fund and serves as a hub for environmental education and social inclusion in the area.
GAP’s GLAS garden brings together individuals of all ages and abilities, providing a socially inclusive space for participatory learning and active exploration of sustainability. It plays a crucial role in helping individuals and groups reduce their carbon footprint, produce organic food, and enjoy nature, thus transforming the garden into a space for positive change. (1-5)
As part of the social regeneration program for Ballymun, the Green Living and Sustainability (GLAS) community garden has been operated by Global Action Plan (GAP) since its inception. It is supported by Dublin City Council under the Social Regeneration Fund and serves as a hub for environmental education and social inclusion in the area.
GAP’s GLAS garden brings together individuals of all ages and abilities, providing a socially inclusive space for participatory learning and active exploration of sustainability. It plays a crucial role in helping individuals and groups reduce their carbon footprint, produce organic food, and enjoy nature, thus transforming the garden into a space for positive change. (1-5)
Kipos3 urban community gardens project
Thessaloniki has a dense urban structure with limited open and green spaces. As a coastal city severely impacted by climate change, it faces multiple interconnected challenges, including extreme weather events, flooding, and peri-urban forest fires. These issues are further compounded by the city's aging infrastructure and deteriorating buildings, increasing its vulnerability (Ref 1).
Kipos 3, a community garden, is part of the "Green Neighborhoods" project proposed in the Thessaloniki 2030 municipal resilience strategy (ibid.). Established in 2015 on a 600-square-meter plot donated by the municipality, the garden is now managed by 30 local families under the continued stewardship of the Municipality (Ref 2, 3). The garden's creation was supported by a team of architects, landscape architects, and agriculturists, and features a variety of herbs and edible plants grown using permaculture methods (Ref 3).
The garden hosts a greenhouse along a range of environmental, recreational, and educational activities, providing an opportunity to foster a more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient community. It also serves as a space for synergies and discussions about the future of the city (Ref 3, 4). Recognized as a good practice, the intervention has been showcased in national, European, and international networks (Ref 2, 4).
Kipos 3, a community garden, is part of the "Green Neighborhoods" project proposed in the Thessaloniki 2030 municipal resilience strategy (ibid.). Established in 2015 on a 600-square-meter plot donated by the municipality, the garden is now managed by 30 local families under the continued stewardship of the Municipality (Ref 2, 3). The garden's creation was supported by a team of architects, landscape architects, and agriculturists, and features a variety of herbs and edible plants grown using permaculture methods (Ref 3).
The garden hosts a greenhouse along a range of environmental, recreational, and educational activities, providing an opportunity to foster a more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient community. It also serves as a space for synergies and discussions about the future of the city (Ref 3, 4). Recognized as a good practice, the intervention has been showcased in national, European, and international networks (Ref 2, 4).
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)
Vertical Biogarden
The Surco district of Lima has implemented a vertical bio-garden occupying a 685 square meter area within El Aire Park. The garden comprises a 600-meter linear structure supporting 11,000 planters fabricated from recycled plastic bottles. This system yields a substantial crop production of between 400 and 1,500 varieties on a 20-day cycle (1).
Initiated by the Municipality of Santiago de Surco, the bio-garden is designed to contribute to the district's economic, nutritional, and environmental sustainability (1, 2, 3, 5). By cultivating high-protein, nutrient-rich crops, the municipality provides essential sustenance to 24 local community kitchens (1), a local market (3), parishes, and social aid organizations (1).
To optimize crop yield, the municipality has implemented specialized techniques, including seedling cultivation, harvesting, and organic fertilization, to prevent pest and disease infestations (1). Since its implementation in 2020 with an initial 7,000 planters, the project has expanded by 300% to accommodate 11,000 (1). Cultivated plant varieties include medicinal herbs, leafy greens, root vegetables, and infusion ingredients (2, 5).
Additionally, the initiative serves as an educational platform, demonstrating and spreading sustainable home gardening practices utilising recycled materials such as plastic bottles (3, 5).
Initiated by the Municipality of Santiago de Surco, the bio-garden is designed to contribute to the district's economic, nutritional, and environmental sustainability (1, 2, 3, 5). By cultivating high-protein, nutrient-rich crops, the municipality provides essential sustenance to 24 local community kitchens (1), a local market (3), parishes, and social aid organizations (1).
To optimize crop yield, the municipality has implemented specialized techniques, including seedling cultivation, harvesting, and organic fertilization, to prevent pest and disease infestations (1). Since its implementation in 2020 with an initial 7,000 planters, the project has expanded by 300% to accommodate 11,000 (1). Cultivated plant varieties include medicinal herbs, leafy greens, root vegetables, and infusion ingredients (2, 5).
Additionally, the initiative serves as an educational platform, demonstrating and spreading sustainable home gardening practices utilising recycled materials such as plastic bottles (3, 5).
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.
Detroit RiverWalk Project
The Detroit RiverWalk is an urban development project along the Detroit River, designed to reconnect residents with their waterfront and revitalize a historically industrial area. Once characterized by abandoned buildings and industrial debris, the riverfront between the MacArthur and Ambassador Bridges had long been inaccessible to the public. To address this, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy was established in 2003 to lead the redevelopment of this space.
The RiverWalk currently stretches along a 3.5-mile section, with plans to expand to 5.5 miles, integrating ecological restoration, public access, and recreational opportunities. The esplanade features native landscaping, artistic elements, and amenities, including four pavilions, a custom carousel, and areas for fishing, walking, biking, and inline skating.
Environmental remediation has been a crucial part of the project. In collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes National Program Office, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy successfully cleaned up 13,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, significantly reducing pollution and contributing to the removal of the Detroit River from the list of the most polluted sites in the Great Lakes. Furthermore, the project also includes greenways, park creation and revitalization.
The RiverWalk is not just a public space; it symbolizes Detroit’s transformation from a Rust Belt city to a sustainable urban environment. It exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in revitalizing urban areas. The RiverWalk continues to expand, with plans to connect various parks and extend to the Ambassador Bridge, further enhancing the city’s waterfront. Its success was recognized in 2021 when it was named the Best Riverwalk in America by USA Today, cementing its status as a model for urban renewal and community engagement. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4)
The RiverWalk currently stretches along a 3.5-mile section, with plans to expand to 5.5 miles, integrating ecological restoration, public access, and recreational opportunities. The esplanade features native landscaping, artistic elements, and amenities, including four pavilions, a custom carousel, and areas for fishing, walking, biking, and inline skating.
Environmental remediation has been a crucial part of the project. In collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes National Program Office, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy successfully cleaned up 13,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, significantly reducing pollution and contributing to the removal of the Detroit River from the list of the most polluted sites in the Great Lakes. Furthermore, the project also includes greenways, park creation and revitalization.
The RiverWalk is not just a public space; it symbolizes Detroit’s transformation from a Rust Belt city to a sustainable urban environment. It exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in revitalizing urban areas. The RiverWalk continues to expand, with plans to connect various parks and extend to the Ambassador Bridge, further enhancing the city’s waterfront. Its success was recognized in 2021 when it was named the Best Riverwalk in America by USA Today, cementing its status as a model for urban renewal and community engagement. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4)
River corridor restoration: Love Your River Stour
Sourced from Northern Worcestershire, the River Stour has played a significant role in the industrial heritage of Birmingham and the Black Country (Ref 1). It consists of 11 Water Framework Directive water bodies and multiple tributaries, spanning 200 km in length (Ref 2, 3). Once a pristine Salmonid river that powered the Industrial Revolution, rapid industrialization severely impacted the river, leaving it heavily polluted with sewage (ibid.).
Initiated by the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust (BBCWT) in 2021, the Love Your River Stour (LYRS) project focuses on Dudley and Wolverhampton, aiming to transform the River Stour and its surrounding green spaces into a beautiful, wildlife-rich source of pride for local communities and to create a corridor for wildlife to thrive through the heart of the Black Country (Ref 4).
Phase 1 of the project was completed in June 2023, bringing significant improvements along the river (Ref 5, 6, 7, 8). In Phase 2, the project will extend to a stretch running through Cradley Heath and Lye (Ref 7, 8). This initiative is funded by the UK Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
Initiated by the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust (BBCWT) in 2021, the Love Your River Stour (LYRS) project focuses on Dudley and Wolverhampton, aiming to transform the River Stour and its surrounding green spaces into a beautiful, wildlife-rich source of pride for local communities and to create a corridor for wildlife to thrive through the heart of the Black Country (Ref 4).
Phase 1 of the project was completed in June 2023, bringing significant improvements along the river (Ref 5, 6, 7, 8). In Phase 2, the project will extend to a stretch running through Cradley Heath and Lye (Ref 7, 8). This initiative is funded by the UK Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
Martinican Marine Natural Park
The Martinican Marine Natural Park (MMNP) was established in 2018 to protect key marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and open waters. These areas are home to important species like sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish. The park’s conservation efforts focus on addressing threats from human activities such as pollution and overfishing. It also collaborates with ocean-related industries, such as tourism and fishing, by recommending, funding, or conducting research aimed at promoting more sustainable practices within the MMNP.
To support its work, the park operates a growing fleet of boats that raise public awareness, resolve conflicts, and enforce the protection of designated areas. The MMNP spans an area of 47,340 km², extending from Martinique's coast to the boundary of the French Exclusive Economic Zone. The park's management board, which includes diverse stakeholders, must be consulted for advice on development activities that impact the marine environment. Their goal is to balance competing interests within the region.
The park receives funding from the French Office for Biodiversity (OBF) to carry out initiatives that protect the marine environment, promote sustainability, and raise public awareness. Notable efforts include creating or restoring habitats for species such as sea turtles and sea urchins, managing invasive species like sargassum algae, restoring coral reefs, and training resource users such as whale-watching companies and diving clubs. Other initiatives include reducing plastic pollution through clean-ups, supporting sustainable fishing practices (e.g., artisanal coastal fishing), installing eco-friendly moorings, funding Marine Educational Areas (MEAs), and sponsoring cultural events that promote marine conservation (Ref 1; 2; 3).
To support its work, the park operates a growing fleet of boats that raise public awareness, resolve conflicts, and enforce the protection of designated areas. The MMNP spans an area of 47,340 km², extending from Martinique's coast to the boundary of the French Exclusive Economic Zone. The park's management board, which includes diverse stakeholders, must be consulted for advice on development activities that impact the marine environment. Their goal is to balance competing interests within the region.
The park receives funding from the French Office for Biodiversity (OBF) to carry out initiatives that protect the marine environment, promote sustainability, and raise public awareness. Notable efforts include creating or restoring habitats for species such as sea turtles and sea urchins, managing invasive species like sargassum algae, restoring coral reefs, and training resource users such as whale-watching companies and diving clubs. Other initiatives include reducing plastic pollution through clean-ups, supporting sustainable fishing practices (e.g., artisanal coastal fishing), installing eco-friendly moorings, funding Marine Educational Areas (MEAs), and sponsoring cultural events that promote marine conservation (Ref 1; 2; 3).
Dudley's Path to Nature Recovery
Dudley, a historic market town in England and part of Birmingham's metro area, is reported to have some of the lowest rates of public access to nature in the country, ranking in the bottom 10% of governmental statistics for available greenspace relative to population density (Ref 1). To address this issue, the Dudley's Path to Nature Recovery project was launched in 2024 by the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust (BBCWT). The initiative aims to reduce inequalities in access to nature and create a greener future for local residents (ibid.).
Funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority, the project seeks to reconnect local communities with nature through five key activities: conservation work, community engagement, citizen science, partnership development, and the creation of new walking routes (Ref 1, 2, 3).
Among the project's activities, conservation efforts will include community engagement and focus on woodland improvement, heathland creation, and more. Additionally, the project will bring together key partners and community groups to explore collaboration models and identify potential sites for joint projects. Lastly, new walking routes will be created across the project’s landscape (Ref 1).
Funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority, the project seeks to reconnect local communities with nature through five key activities: conservation work, community engagement, citizen science, partnership development, and the creation of new walking routes (Ref 1, 2, 3).
Among the project's activities, conservation efforts will include community engagement and focus on woodland improvement, heathland creation, and more. Additionally, the project will bring together key partners and community groups to explore collaboration models and identify potential sites for joint projects. Lastly, new walking routes will be created across the project’s landscape (Ref 1).
Recovery plan of the Juan Angola Channel
The Juan Angola River is an urban channel included in the system of rivers and channels of Cartagena, and it connects the Ciénaga de la Virgen wetland and the Bay of Cartagena, facing similar issues as the Cienaga de la Virgen such as illegal occupation of its shores, illegal waste dumping, deforestation of mangroves, and pollution. The recovery plan for the Juan Angola River is led by the EPA Cartagena (Environmental Protection Agency), with the support of other institutions, aiming to restore the Juan Angola’s ecosystem. This includes targeting the mangrove forest, dredging the natural channel, and delineating buffer zones with urban infrastructure to create public recreational spaces. The activities involve relocating people illegalling cupping informal settlements from the river shore, moving an existing bridge (the Benjamín Herrera bridge) which obstructs the current, recovering the low tide and riverbed areas, building pedestrian paths, clean the riverbank, recover mangrove areas and establish programs of education and environmental awareness (ref 1 and 2).
