Achieved increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions)

The urban farm of Lak'a Uta is an initiative launched by the NGO Fundación Alternativas, which established the first community garden in Bolivia, located in the city of La Paz at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level (1-3). The initial plan was to develop the garden on private land, but since the goal was to create an open space accessible to all citizens, the project eventually sought a public location (3). The subdistrict of Cotahuma granted them permission to use the Lak'a Uta park, an abandoned area rendered unusable by two landslides in the previous year (3). Through voluntary efforts and an investment of 2,800 euros, the land was transformed over three years to accommodate 40 plots of 16m² each, with individual families cultivating a variety of vegetables (3).
Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the project adheres to many principles of organic agriculture in an urban setting (5). The area has become a biodiversity hotspot, featuring an artificial pond, 16 wild plant species, and 39 fauna species, including 34 bird species, two types of frogs that provide natural pest control, and three bee species (3-5). Compost is produced naturally using waste management practices and worms (4-5). In addition to edible vegetables, the garden produces medicinal plants, some of which help stabilize the soil and prevent further landslides (3-4). The infrastructure also includes a rainwater collection system (3-5).
Originally, the project aimed to improve access to food, particularly in response to the growing urban population (1-3). Over time, it has also fostered a strong sense of community, while promoting urban gardening through educational workshops and disseminating information nationwide (1-5). It is estimated that 20,000 people have been educated on urban agriculture, healthy eating, and reconnecting with nature (5). The project has also contributed to shaping a local government law supporting urban gardening within the municipality (3).

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest urban center, is a key hub for economic growth and outward trade in the Balkans. The city hosts the country’s second-largest export port, which plays a crucial role in connecting European trade routes with Asia and China. However, until 2014, Thessaloniki's waterfront was poorly maintained, largely inaccessible, and unattractive. Moreover, major flooding events, connected to extreme weather events, exposed significant deficiencies in the city's flood mitigation infrastructure, leading to damage to housing and critical services. (5, 10, 11)
To address these issues, the Municipality of Thessaloniki launched an International Architectural Competition for the redevelopment of the New Waterfront. From 2006 to 2014, Thessaloniki's waterfront underwent a significant regeneration aimed at benefiting the city's population of 1.1 million and stimulating the local economy. The revitalized waterfront now stretches 3 kilometers between land and sea, featuring 58,000 acres of green space an playgrounds.. In total, 2,353 new trees and 118,432 plants were added across an area of 238,800 m² (Refs 1, 3, 4).
The project also introduced walking routes, sports and recreational facilities, seating areas, and scenic viewing points. The waterfront now has a bicycle path along the entire walkway, and an arbour of 660 umbrella pine trees, serving as shade from the midday sun. Completed in 2014, the New Waterfront has already become a vibrant urban green space, enjoyed by both Thessaloniki's citizens and visitors alike (Ref 4).

Minimizing heat stress is a top priority for Phoenix, the hottest major city in the U.S. In 2023, extreme heat contributed to at least 359 deaths across Maricopa County. Phoenix is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with extensive concrete and asphalt, increased pollution, higher population densities, and concentrated infrastructure that exacerbate the urban heat island effect, drought, and extreme weather. Moreover, the heat disproportionately impacts lower-income and Hispanic neighborhoods, which tend to have less tree canopy and fewer resources to cope with rising temperatures.
To address these challenges and promote tree equity in underserved neighborhoods, the City of Phoenix, along with the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, launched the Community Canopy Grant Program in 2023. The concept of tree equity refers to identifying areas with low tree coverage and high social need, then prioritizing investments in these areas. By improving tree equity, the program aims to assist neighborhood associations and community members in areas that need it most.
The Community Canopy Grant Program targets neighborhoods within Qualifying Census Tracts across Phoenix, and one of the first neighborhoods to benefit was Westwood. In early 2024, community members gathered to plant 200 box trees for residents who received grants, marking the largest City-sponsored neighborhood tree planting event of the season. These tree plantings aim to provide much-needed shade for homes while fostering community engagement, helping to mitigate heat stress and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. (1-5)

In Phoenix, many residents live in dead zones with little or no access to fresh food. These zones are called 'food deserts,' which represent a low-income area with low access to a grocery store (3). Out of the 43 food deserts identified by the city, 18 are fully or partly in south Phoenix (2-3). In 2017, Two researchers from Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability and Leuphana University Lüneburg in Germany began exploring the idea of creating a sustainable food forest cooperative in Phoenix to provide fresh, healthy food, supporting local entrepreneurs, and promote environmental sustainability (1). The project's development team spent months immersing themselves in the world of food forests, by exploring different types of community gardens, discussing preferred characteristics, anticipating local challenges, and identifying potential collaborators (1). As a result, The Food Forest Cooperative was established and planted roots in a 0.5 acre (0.20 ha) plot within the Spaces of Opportunity Community Garden in 2022 (1). This food forest engages the local community by offering educational opportunities around the value of culturally relevant, whole fruits and vegetables, medicine making, and learning about the many uses of edible/medicinal plants (4). The Food Forest Cooperative as a multi-generational project that members preserve for their children, and their children’s children (2). The intention behind the project is to address food insecurity in south Phoenix and empowering the community to take ownership of it and reconnect with their ancestors through the land and food (2). Through the Cooperative, members can contribute different skills, from administrative work to manual labor to community education and traditional medicine (2). It was created to empower community members and challenge the patterns of our food system through the blending of environmental, social and economic goals (4).

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).

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)

The "Un Millón de Corales por Colombia" project is a national initiative aimed at the restoration and conservation of coral reefs across Colombia. Initiated in 2021, this ambitious project seeks to rehabilitate 200 hectares of coral reef by planting one million coral fragments across seven departments in Colombia, spanning both the Caribbean and Pacific regions​ (ref 1,2). It was developed as a response to the significant degradation of coral reefs caused by climate change, coastal development, overfishing, and pollution. These factors have led to the loss of about 80% of coral reefs in the Caribbean region.
The initiative, led by the Colombian government in partnership with organizations such as Conservación Internacional, Parques Nacionales Naturales, Corales de Paz, and several regional environmental authorities, focuses on restoring this vital ecosystem (ref 2). The project encompasses constructing and maintaining coral nurseries and training local community members, including fishermen, as "coral gardeners." These gardeners are taught scientifically proven coral restoration techniques, including microfragmentation and larval rearing methods. A key aspect of the project involves continuous education and involvement of the community and stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability (ref 4, 5). In Cartagena, the project plays a vital role in the restoration and conservation of coral reefs in this region, which is a key site for the initiative (ref 4).

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 Cartagena-Barranquilla Road Corridor project, led by the National Infrastructure Agency (Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura (ANI)), covers 146.7 km to enhance connectivity between Cartagena and Barranquilla (ref 2). While primarily a transportation initiative, the project stands out for its focus on environmental conservation and community development. A major goal is the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity protection. To this end, over 40,000 mangrove seedlings have been planted in the 34.13-hectare Ciénaga de la Virgen, a vital coastal wetland in Cartagena. These mangroves play a crucial role in restoring habitats, capturing carbon, and acting as natural flood barriers, thereby safeguarding nearby communities (ref 1,4,6). The project also tackles hazards like wildlife-vehicle collisions and habitat fragmentation. Seven wildlife crossings have been built to facilitate the safe movement of species, including the endangered Blue Crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) in the Ciénaga de Mallorquín. These crossings are essential for preserving local wildlife (ref 1,7).
In terms of socio-economic impact, the project has created over 9,000 jobs and established six bioclimatic nurseries, which provide sustainable livelihoods for communities in La Boquilla, Villa Gloria, Tierra Baja, and Puerto Rey. These nurseries support mangrove restoration and offer local people opportunities to participate in planting, monitoring, and maintenance activities. This approach fosters a circular economy, empowering community members, both men and women, to engage in sustainable economic practices (ref 1,2,6).
Overall, the Cartagena-Barranquilla Road Corridor is more than a transport project; it acts as a green corridor with a comprehensive approach that combines environmental conservation, hazard mitigation, and socio-economic development.

Historically, the area of San Paolo in Cagliari has suffered from environmental degradation and illegal dumping, making it an unsightly entrance to the city. In 2022, the Città Metropolitana di Cagliari, initiated a project to transform this degraded area into a urban park featuring 7,000 new plants, including olive trees, junipers, lentisks, myrtle, rosemary, tamarisks, and Aleppo pines. Managed by the municiplaity of Cagliari, and funded by a €500,000 grant from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, this initiative will cover 4.7 hectares between Via San Paolo and the Santa Gilla Lagoon, creating a natural corridor connecting the city to the lagoon. The project aims not only to restore the land but also to enhance both metropolitan and municipal environmental requalification plans.
A multidisciplinary team, including a forestry technician, agronomist, and biologist, developed the project to ensure it is environmentally sustainable and suited to the local ecosystem.
The work on the project began in June of 2022 with land preparation, removal of invasive species, and waste collection, resulting in the clearing of over 5 tons of rubbish. By December, around 3,000 plants had already been planted, with the remaining work, including the installation of an irrigation system, scheduled for completion by January 2023. The selected plant species are fast-growing, and within two years, the shrubs are expected to reach a height of about two meters. The park is planned to open to the public in 2024, providing a new green space for walking and outdoor activities.
The San Paolo urban park project has encountered obstacles, mainly due to the expropriation of buildings, leading to legal disputes, permit delays, and a temporary halt caused by a tender-related issue. The site is currently overgrown and unused, showing clear signs of neglect. (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).