Coastal wetlands

Perch Creek is one of the many meanders that drain into Dog River (Ref 2), located just west of Mobile Bay (Ref 3). These areas include sensitive, tidally influenced marshes and flats where the brackish water of the Bay meets fresh waters (Ref 1). The Perch Creek Nature Trail & Preserve project aims to protect 96 acres on Perch Creek (Ref 3). It is part of efforts to revitalise Mobile’s coastal community and improve the water quality of the city's urban river (Ref 2), following the devastation of the BP oil disaster in 2010.
The project focuses on two main aspects: creating a low-impact recreational destination to spark economic redevelopment, and preserving Mobile’s coastal wetlands (Ref 1).
The conservation aspect involves wetland acquisition, marsh restoration, and invasive species management, improving water quality in both waterbodies (Ref 1). The area, rich in wildlife, requires habitat protection, including for migrating birds, foxes, alligators, manatees, and bald eagles (Ref 1). Brackish marshes on the property serve as nurseries for fish, while forested areas provide natural corridors for wildlife (Ref 3). The wetlands also play a role in flood control, acting as natural sponges to absorb rising tides and cleanse stormwater runoff before it reaches Mobile Bay (Ref 1). Additionally, they store stormwater, helping mitigate flooding as storms intensify (Ref 3).
The recreational aspect includes developing nature-based recreation, such as nature trails and kayak launches, as well as expanding public access to natural resources (Ref 3). In 2018, the Perch Creek section was added to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, with educational signage for kayakers (Ref 1).
This comprehensive project preserves vital habitats and flood-absorbing wetlands, while providing outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting the coastal community's recovery (Ref 2). It combines high-quality water resources, wildlife connectivity, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation (Ref 3).

A new park is being planned for the Cypress Shores area in Mobile (Ref 1). Five civil engineering students from the University of South Alabama contributed to the design of the park (Ref 1). This collaboration offers students practical experience while providing city designers with innovative ideas for the site (Ref 2). The design emphasizes sustainability and cost-effectiveness (Ref 3). The project will feature a small park and boat launch on a 5.6-acre plot (Ref 1) located within a residential neighbourhood (Ref 3).
The park's societal goal is to improve public access to Halls Mill Creek, giving the community a new way to enjoy the waterway, and this focus aligns with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) goals (Ref 3). Historically, the property was used as a shipyard with a nearby railroad crossing (Ref 1), marking its transition from an industrial site to a public park.
Several amenities have been identified for the park’s development, including a boat ramp and kayak launch, a boardwalk adapted to sea-level rise, a pavilion and gazebo designed for flood resilience, a wetland nature trail with solar lighting and educational signage, and composting toilet restroom facilities (Ref 3). An armoured shoreline will be implemented to withstand medium water currents, and wave action will be constructed. Additionally, a living shoreline will be restored with local plants (Ref 3). While the project is still in its preliminary design phase, the timeline for completion is estimated at 12 to 18 months (Ref 1). The designers highlighted a potential trade-off, noting that an influx of visitors to the park could disturb the surrounding residential area (Ref 3).

The Recovery of Cienaga Juan Polo project is primarily aimed at reopening the natural mouth of the Manzanillos to restore water flow between the sea and the Juan Polo coastal wetland, which has been affected by human activities leading to high salinity and water stagnation issues (ref 2). The project is led by Fundacion Serena del Mar. Environmental and social sustainability are core components of the project design, which has included extensive community consultations since 2013. These consultations have resulted in agreements covering employment opportunities, education, and infrastructure development (ref 2). Key implementation activities include the reforestation of mangroves and targeted interventions to address ecological degradation, such as increased salinity, water stagnation, and biodiversity loss (ref 2). The project also seeks to enhance the quality of life for surrounding communities by restoring traditional economic activities, particularly fishing, and integrating sustainable urban planning elements such as canals, sluices, and navigable waterways. These features are designed to support the development of a "blue corridor" for aquatic mobility within Serena del Mar (ref 2, 3). In addition, it also contributes to local capacity building through environmental education programs that engage community members, researchers, and NGOs in biodiversity monitoring and sustainable practices​ (ref 1).

The Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge is a natural oasis in the heart of Lima. It is considered a marsh of international Ramsar importance, as it is home to a large number of species of flora and fauna. It includes 5 bodies of water with about 210 species of birds, 13 species of fish, and 5 species of amphibians and reptiles, among others (1). It was created in 2006, by Supreme Decree N°055-2006-AG, which established the definitive category for the Pantanos de Villa, under the name of The Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (2). This protected area was established over an area of 263.27 ha, and its main goal is to conserve a representative sample of the Marshes of the Subtropical Pacific Desert, including important plant communities, as well as migratory and resident avifauna, focusing mainly on species with some degree of threat (1, 2, 6).
In 2016, a Master Plan was approved aimed at strengthening the conservation of the biological diversity of this coastal marsh and ensuring conditions to promote inter-institutional cooperation and participatory management, including neighbours, authorities, municipalities and interested institutions (2).
This Master Plan establishes environmental, economic and cultural indicators defined to be met over 5 years. These are focused on protecting water resources, conserving migratory and resident bird species, ensuring the conservation of the cattail, promoting tourism and recreational activities, fostering environmental awareness activities and engaging citizens in the management of the Refuge (2)
This plan seeks to confront a series of threats that endanger the conservation of this ecosystem. Among the main problems are the illegal extraction of natural resources, such as cattail; the improper use of the space for activities such as bonfires, consumption of illicit substances and pet walks; the change in land use due to urban expansion; pollution from effluent discharges and solid waste disposal; and illegal fishing (2)

The Molentargius-Salt Works Regional Natural Park, spanning approximately 1,600 hectares, is located in South Sardinia between the towns of Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena, adjacent to the Poetto seafront. The park features diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and salt flats, and houses the Orto Botanico di Cagliari, which showcases native Mediterranean plants.
In 2016, a project was initiated by a group of stakeholders to preserve and enhance biodiversity within the park. The project's goals are to protect and promote the unique ecosystems, such as the fossil beach, and manage invasive species like the Louisiana crayfish. Through various activities—educational programs, public engagement, and conservation efforts—the initiative aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of local biodiversity and its historical evolution.
A primary focus of the project is the conservation of the Orto Botanico area in Is Arenas, which contains a fossil beach that offers valuable geological insights into the region's past. Planned activities include cleaning and securing the area, creating educational pathways, and employing multimedia tools to engage visitors. The emphasis is on teaching the public, especially students, about biodiversity as a result of environmental adaptation through practical learning and cultural exchanges.
Another critical aspect of the project is the study and control of the invasive Louisiana crayfish, which threatens the park’s biodiversity by contributing to riverbank erosion and impacting native fauna. The project will incorporate scientific research on the crayfish and develop strategies to limit its spread, aiming to protect the park’s delicate ecosystems from further disruption by invasive species.
Lastly, the project emphasizes cultural exchange and social inclusion and fosters dialogue on the shared ecological challenges in Parco Molentargius. (Refs. 1, 2 & 5)

The Olaya Herrera neighbourhood in Cartagena has been the focus of a series of projects that involve ecological restoration, environmental education, and community resilience building. These initiatives have centred around the restoration of the Ciénaga de la Virgen, an ecologically significant but heavily degraded coastal wetland bordering the neighbourhood. The primary goals of the projects in Olaya Herrera include the restoration of degraded mangrove ecosystems, mitigation of flooding and water pollution, strengthening community participation in environmental management, and promoting sustainable urban environments (ref 1, 2). The project is led by the EPA Cartagena, which coordinates actions such as collecting solid waste, planting timber trees and ornamental plants, and restoring green spaces that had become informal dumping grounds (ref 1). It also includes a community-led initiative called Los Guardabosques de Olaya that focuses on reforestation and environmental stewardship, it involves children, youth, and local mothers in reforesting mangrove areas around the Ciénaga de la Virgen. The community has established a mangrove nursery and employs innovative waste management practices, such as installing traps in canals to prevent solid waste from entering the Ciénaga (ref 2). The project also involves the private sector in 2022, the EPA led a campaign with local companies like Konfirma, Acuacar, and Pacaribe that focused on improving environmental health through the removal of 10 cubic meters of waste, promoting healthy living environments and fostering community participation in environmental monitoring and waste management practices​ (ref 4). Also, in collaboration with community leaders and local companies, the ANDI-TRASO Alliance supports large-scale reforestation and restoration activities in the southern parts of the Ciénaga de la Virgen adjacent to Olaya Herrera. The alliance plans to plant 40,000 mangrove seedlings (ref 6).

The Dog River Watershed Restoration project aims to protect and enhance the chemical, biological, and cultural integrity of the Dog River Watershed in Mobile County, Alabama (Ref 1). Guided by the Dog River Watershed Management Plan (WMP), the project addresses key issues such as pollution, litter, stormwater management, and habitat degradation (Ref 2). Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund and completed in partnership with stakeholders, the project focuses on implementing targeted restoration activities to improve water quality, protect critical habitats, and increase public awareness and access to the watershed (Ref 2). The Dog River Watershed faces significant hazards, including pollution, sedimentation, erosion, and the impacts of urban development (Ref 3). These challenges are intensified by the watershed’s role as an urban estuary, where land use heavily influences water quality and habitat conditions (Ref 3). To mitigate these threats, the project incorporates pollution prevention measures, shoreline restoration efforts, and community engagement initiatives (Ref 4). By prioritizing scientifically supported actions and aligning with broader environmental goals, the project seeks to restore ecological balance and ensure the long-term health and resilience of the watershed and its connected ecosystems in Mobile Bay (Ref 4).
The Watershed Management Plan for the Dog River Watershed is a key component of the Mobile Bay Shore Habitat Conservation and Acquisition Initiative, which focuses on acquiring, restoring, and preserving habitats and wildlife species affected by the environmental disasters of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that occurred in 2010 (Ref 6). The project spans three critical areas: 300 acres in the Dog River Watershed (as detailed in this project profile), 450 acres within the Three Mile Creek Watershed, and 40 acres in the Garrows Bend Watershed (not in focus here) (Ref 7).

The Çukurova University Botanical Garden was initiated in 1972 by the Department for Landscape Architecture to protect and conserve the rich native and non-native biodiversity of the region for future generations (Ref. 5,9). Its establishment responds to the lack of Botanical Gardens in Türkiye despite the country's great diversity. The Garden also wants to offer protection for increasingly threatened species in the face of rapid and uncontrolled urbanization (Ref. 5,9). Being located close to two Deltas and an important agricultural region, the collection also aims to include a great number of wetland and agricultural species, drawing public attention to the importance of these ecosystems (Ref. 6). As such, the University invites every school in Adana to visit and participate in its ongoing educational activities and primary school children are offered hands-on gardening programmes (Ref. 1,2). Furthermore, visitors can immerse themselves and learn about various vegetation zones, including endemic maquis, where stairs, walking paths and information boards have been installed (Ref. 4). The University maintains research activities in the Botanical Garden and in on site laboratories, which regularly host interns (Ref. 4). To ensure the stready supply of plant material for landscaping and education, nurseries have been set up and in 2020 a 250 m² medicinal and aromatic plant greenhouse was added where students of the Faculty of Agriculture are trained and endemic species grown (Ref. 9,10).

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.

The D'Olive Creek Restoration project is designed to address the significant environmental challenges facing the D’Olive Creek Watershed and its tributaries (Tiawasee and Joe’s Branch), primarily caused by increased urbanization. Over the last several decades, the area has experienced severe erosion, sedimentation, and habitat degradation due to stormwater runoff from new residential and commercial developments. This runoff has led to stream channel instability, loss of wetlands, and impaired water quality in both D'Olive Creek and Mobile Bay, threatening aquatic and wildlife habitats (Ref 2).
The project involves restoring degraded streams and implementing management measures to reduce the downstream impacts within the watershed. Key activities include stormwater retrofits, stream restorations, and continuous monitoring. These efforts aim to stabilize stream segments and significantly reduce sediment loading into the northeast quadrant of Mobile Bay. This is crucial for improving water quality and clarity, which is necessary for re-establishing submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds that serve as critical nursery areas for shellfish and finfish (Ref 1). By using natural materials like rock and living plants, the project also seeks to create a sustainable and ecologically balanced watershed system (Ref 3).
The anticipated outcomes include enhanced water quality in D'Olive Creek and Mobile Bay, reduced erosion and sedimentation, and the restoration of vital habitats, which will contribute to the region's overall ecological health (Ref 1, 3). This restoration project is part of a broader strategy outlined in the 2002 Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for the Mobile Bay Estuary (Ref 1).