Avas Tomato Community Garden
The Avas Tomato Community Garden, located in a formerly neglected area of the Avas hill of Miskolc, has transformed from an overgrown, rat-infested, and litter-strewn space into a thriving community garden. Just a few years ago, this site was a source of concern for local residents, plagued by issues such as homelessness and illegal dumping. Today, however, it stands as a flourishing green space with fresh garden beds, composting boxes, a pavilion offering shade to gardeners, and a renewed sense of community spirit.
The seeds of the Avas Tomato Community Garden project were planted in the fall of 2014, led by Zsolt Jakab and Ákos Káli-Nagy. The initiative began with the establishment of the "Panelkertész" club, and by 2016, with the support of a local representative, the garden began to take shape. The gardening community that blossomed in the spring of 2017 was built upon the strong relationships within the established Avas neighborhood. Working together, members constructed the garden beds according to a precise schedule and, through frequent discussions, developed a close-knit community. The garden now consists of 20 large and 6 smaller beds, with 18 families actively growing vegetables, herbs, and spices, alongside raspberry and strawberry plants by the fence.
The community has greatly benefited from both the professional support and supply donations provided by the Miskolc Ecological Institute Foundation. Additionally, the Dialóg Association has played a key role in organizing the garden users and fostering collaboration. Initially, Dialóg appointed a coordinator for the garden, but this responsibility has since been handed over to the gardeners themselves. Owned by the Municipality of Miskolc, the Avas Tomato Community Garden continues to thrive as a model of successful urban gardening, uniting people with a shared passion for gardening and a commitment to building a strong, supportive community.
(Ref.1,2,3)
The seeds of the Avas Tomato Community Garden project were planted in the fall of 2014, led by Zsolt Jakab and Ákos Káli-Nagy. The initiative began with the establishment of the "Panelkertész" club, and by 2016, with the support of a local representative, the garden began to take shape. The gardening community that blossomed in the spring of 2017 was built upon the strong relationships within the established Avas neighborhood. Working together, members constructed the garden beds according to a precise schedule and, through frequent discussions, developed a close-knit community. The garden now consists of 20 large and 6 smaller beds, with 18 families actively growing vegetables, herbs, and spices, alongside raspberry and strawberry plants by the fence.
The community has greatly benefited from both the professional support and supply donations provided by the Miskolc Ecological Institute Foundation. Additionally, the Dialóg Association has played a key role in organizing the garden users and fostering collaboration. Initially, Dialóg appointed a coordinator for the garden, but this responsibility has since been handed over to the gardeners themselves. Owned by the Municipality of Miskolc, the Avas Tomato Community Garden continues to thrive as a model of successful urban gardening, uniting people with a shared passion for gardening and a commitment to building a strong, supportive community.
(Ref.1,2,3)
Forest Park La Molina
The intervention of the Ecological Park of La Molina is an urban-landscape design project developed between the San Martín de Porres University, through the IVUC, the Institute of Housing, Urban Planning and Construction, and the Municipality of La Molina (7). This is the first ecological park in the city of Lima, located in a characteristic ecosystem such as Las Lomas, between 600-1000 m.a.s.l. (1). It is a natural area that is part of the hill system of Villa María del Triunfo, located in the Subtropical Coastal Desert ecoregion, and is part of the Regional Conservation Area ‘Sistema de Lomas de Lima’ (7). The City Council decided to open this space in 2022 to the public, as a 200-hectare area, designed to bring people closer to nature, through outdoor activities and environmental education about its fauna, flora and microclimates (1). Thus, citizens can enjoy a recreational area with multi-purpose spaces and sports circuits; a cultural area where workshops and an open-air amphitheatre are held; an ecological interpretation area with exhibition galleries and an interpretative route; and an administrative and control area (1). The park also envisages reforestation efforts in areas that are currently arid and infertile to convert them into green areas for the enjoyment of citizens (1). In 2023, conservation efforts were reinforced for an additional 50 hectares, due to the danger posed by encroachment and land trafficking (4).
Medicinal plant library in Tivoli
The first medicinal plant library in Martinique was created by the Ypiranga Martinique association, which inaugurated the project in 2019. The initiative was developed to preserve and revitalize traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Martinique, integrating agroecology , modern scientific understanding, and ancestral practices.
The project is located on land provided by the municipality in the Tivoli neighborhood, and it serves as an educational resource, a functional pharmacy, and includes a small shared vegetables garden. Visitors, local residents, and researchers can access information on over 150 native Caribbean plants and their medicinal properties. The site includes two educational trails: one following the river that crosses the garden and a sensory trail designed to help visitors "reconnect with nature." Each plant is identified with information boards detailing its medicinal uses, including whether these uses are scientifically validated.
The project also aims to address social exclusion by offering reintegration workshops to troubled teenagers and the unemployed.
The project was financed through a combination of sources: an EU-funded call for projects, a crowdfunding campaign, and regional and national public subsidies.
As a result of its success, in 2021 the initiative was formally replicated with the support of the Caribbean Interreg "OSAIN" project, which led to the creation of 14 additional plant libraries in schools and public spaces. Volunteers and community-based efforts continue to sustain the project, and it has become a model for similar initiatives. (Ref. 1,2,4,5,6,7)
The project is located on land provided by the municipality in the Tivoli neighborhood, and it serves as an educational resource, a functional pharmacy, and includes a small shared vegetables garden. Visitors, local residents, and researchers can access information on over 150 native Caribbean plants and their medicinal properties. The site includes two educational trails: one following the river that crosses the garden and a sensory trail designed to help visitors "reconnect with nature." Each plant is identified with information boards detailing its medicinal uses, including whether these uses are scientifically validated.
The project also aims to address social exclusion by offering reintegration workshops to troubled teenagers and the unemployed.
The project was financed through a combination of sources: an EU-funded call for projects, a crowdfunding campaign, and regional and national public subsidies.
As a result of its success, in 2021 the initiative was formally replicated with the support of the Caribbean Interreg "OSAIN" project, which led to the creation of 14 additional plant libraries in schools and public spaces. Volunteers and community-based efforts continue to sustain the project, and it has become a model for similar initiatives. (Ref. 1,2,4,5,6,7)
Emerson Elementary Tree Planting
Phoenix is grappling with severe urban heat problems. As the city continues to grow, it is expected to experience a rise in temperatures of three to five degrees on average in the coming years. This makes urban heat a significant concern, especially for vulnerable populations. Phoenix’s extensive urban sprawl, combined with a lack of green space, has exacerbated the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas due to the high concentration of concrete, asphalt, and infrastructure. In 2022, Nick Lodato, the principal of Emerson Elementary School, wanted to mark the school's 100th anniversary in a meaningful way. He decided that planting trees would be the perfect way to celebrate this milestone while also benefiting the community. The tree planting event not only symbolized the school's strong sense of community but also represented an investment in its sustainable future. Prior to the project, Emerson had only 9% tree canopy cover, which was far below what is necessary to address some of the pressing environmental challenges Phoenix faces.
Tree cover has become critical infrastructure for heat mitigation. Trees provide natural shade and help cool the environment by reducing surface temperatures, which in turn lowers energy consumption and promotes better public health. In addition to offering shade, the native, drought-tolerant trees and plants planted at Emerson will also contribute to carbon sequestration, purify the air, and improve mental health by creating more green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities.
To complete this project, Emerson Elementary partnered with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance (ASA), a local nonprofit. Together, they planted over 100 trees and plants across the school’s campus, with approximately 125 people attending the event. Volunteers included students and their parents, Tau Psi Omega fraternity members, APS employees, neighbors, former Emerson students and teachers. (1-3)
Tree cover has become critical infrastructure for heat mitigation. Trees provide natural shade and help cool the environment by reducing surface temperatures, which in turn lowers energy consumption and promotes better public health. In addition to offering shade, the native, drought-tolerant trees and plants planted at Emerson will also contribute to carbon sequestration, purify the air, and improve mental health by creating more green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities.
To complete this project, Emerson Elementary partnered with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance (ASA), a local nonprofit. Together, they planted over 100 trees and plants across the school’s campus, with approximately 125 people attending the event. Volunteers included students and their parents, Tau Psi Omega fraternity members, APS employees, neighbors, former Emerson students and teachers. (1-3)
Bethune Elementary School Tree Planting
Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to the extensive use of concrete and asphalt, higher levels of pollution, increased population densities, and the concentration of infrastructure, all of which amplify the effects of extreme heat, drought, and severe weather. Urban tree cover play a vital role in helping cities mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gases and alleviating the effects of extreme heat and other climate alterations that negatively impact human health. In 2023, dozens of volunteers from Bethune Elementary School planted 33 trees on the school grounds to provide future shade and help cool the environment. The project was funded by Arizona’s Public Service (APS) Community Tree Program, which aims to reduce the urban heat island effect by increasing tree canopy coverage in vulnerable communities.
The initiative was driven by Trees Matter, a local nonprofit organization focused on enhancing tree infrastructure in schools while educating students and staff on the importance of trees and tree care. Involving children in the tree planting process allows them to take what they’ve learned in textbooks and apply it in real-life situations, while also fostering a sense of community and belonging. This hands-on involvement not only educates but also creates lasting memories. The project’s goal is to combat the urban heat island effect by expanding tree canopy coverage, thus creating cooler, healthier shaded spaces for students in areas of Phoenix most affected by high temperatures.
With support from APS and Trees Matter, the volunteers worked together to plant trees that will provide much-needed shade on the school campus. APS’s Community Tree Program aims to provide shade and cooler spaces in neighborhoods that need it most, helping to reduce temperatures by 20 to 45 degrees. This effort is part of a broader initiative to improve the quality of life and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat in Phoenix (1-5).
The initiative was driven by Trees Matter, a local nonprofit organization focused on enhancing tree infrastructure in schools while educating students and staff on the importance of trees and tree care. Involving children in the tree planting process allows them to take what they’ve learned in textbooks and apply it in real-life situations, while also fostering a sense of community and belonging. This hands-on involvement not only educates but also creates lasting memories. The project’s goal is to combat the urban heat island effect by expanding tree canopy coverage, thus creating cooler, healthier shaded spaces for students in areas of Phoenix most affected by high temperatures.
With support from APS and Trees Matter, the volunteers worked together to plant trees that will provide much-needed shade on the school campus. APS’s Community Tree Program aims to provide shade and cooler spaces in neighborhoods that need it most, helping to reduce temperatures by 20 to 45 degrees. This effort is part of a broader initiative to improve the quality of life and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat in Phoenix (1-5).
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).
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)
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)
Community Urban Agroforest in Bela Flor
The Bela Flor Respira (BFR) project, also known as "ComBOA", is an urban agroecology initiative located in the Campolide neighbourhood of Lisbon, Portugal. This project exemplifies a transformative approach to community development and environmental sustainability by repurposing a neglected urban space into an agroforest. Launched in 2018 by the NGO Circular Economy Portugal, BFR engages local residents of the neighbourhood, from children to the elderly, volunteers, and academic partners, in creating a regenerative space that combines food production with social interaction (Ref 1). The project emphasises the co-production of public policies, fostering social cohesion through collective intelligence and civil society entrepreneurship (Ref 1). BFR’s innovative approach integrates syntropic agriculture, blending fruit trees, vegetables, and native species to create a resilient ecosystem that supports both the environment and the community. Through this initiative, BFR not only enhances urban green spaces but also strengthens community bonds, making it a model of sustainable urban development (Ref 3).
St. Anne’s City Farm and Ecology Centre
St. Anne's Urban Farm and Ecology Center, nestled within Dublin’s historic St. Anne’s Park and surrounded by the suburban neighborhoods of Dublin 3 and 5, is a unique not-for-profit initiative dedicated to community engagement, environmental awareness, and sustainable urban agriculture. Established in 2019, this farm is the first urban farm within Dublin City Council’s boundaries and aims to reach even more people, believing that every child and adult should have access to a garden space and that everyone in the garden is equal.
Run by a team of over 20 dedicated community volunteers, the farm provides hands-on educational experiences for visitors of all ages and a safe, open space for sharing knowledge and learning from others. Featuring traditional Irish farm animals, such as heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, and goats, alongside native plants grown from heirloom seeds, the farm preserves Ireland’s agricultural heritage while promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
With a goal of becoming 75% self-sustaining, the farm is working toward off-grid solutions through solar power and eco-friendly techniques. St. Anne’s Urban Farm empowers local residents with its community allotments and self-management model, which foster greater control and pride in maintaining the shared space. Aligned with Dublin’s Climate Change Action Plan, the farm aspires to improve the quality of life within the city by promoting healthy neighborhoods and sustainable communities. Through this green space, St. Anne’s Urban Farm encourages social and environmental engagement, aiming to ensure that gardens and green spaces remain accessible, welcoming, and educational for generations to come. The initiative is supported by a €50,000 donation from Google and is designed to serve as a community resource rather than a traditional petting farm.
(1-6)
Run by a team of over 20 dedicated community volunteers, the farm provides hands-on educational experiences for visitors of all ages and a safe, open space for sharing knowledge and learning from others. Featuring traditional Irish farm animals, such as heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, and goats, alongside native plants grown from heirloom seeds, the farm preserves Ireland’s agricultural heritage while promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
With a goal of becoming 75% self-sustaining, the farm is working toward off-grid solutions through solar power and eco-friendly techniques. St. Anne’s Urban Farm empowers local residents with its community allotments and self-management model, which foster greater control and pride in maintaining the shared space. Aligned with Dublin’s Climate Change Action Plan, the farm aspires to improve the quality of life within the city by promoting healthy neighborhoods and sustainable communities. Through this green space, St. Anne’s Urban Farm encourages social and environmental engagement, aiming to ensure that gardens and green spaces remain accessible, welcoming, and educational for generations to come. The initiative is supported by a €50,000 donation from Google and is designed to serve as a community resource rather than a traditional petting farm.
(1-6)
