Renatura pilot: Fast Forests for Lisbon
The Mediterranean climate in Lisbon, already characterised by low precipitation, has been further exacerbated by climate change. The city faces challenges related to biodiversity loss, urban loneliness, and climate anxiety (1). To address these issues, Lisbon's urban development plans have prioritised the re-naturalisation of urban spaces and the integration of ecological networks. Urban nature is now a central component of the city's Master Plan (2012) and other strategic agendas (1).
It is being developed by the LISGREEN project, which aims to enhance ecological connectivity and mitigate the effects of urban heat islands in Lisbon. By establishing nature-based solutions, it aims to restore forests within the city (1, 2, 3). This project encompasses different strategies, such as the RENATURA pilot project. It is a collaboration with the NGO URBEM and involves active public participation in tree planting and forest maintenance. This initiative aims to educate the community about nature, promote well-being, and mitigate extreme climate events (1), through the creation of urban forests.
The main strategy is to create fast forests using the Miyawaki method, which involves dense planting of native trees, removal of invasive plants, and intensive initial care. This approach accelerates the growth of natural forests within a short period, using native species and reducing the need for watering (1)
The first fast forest was developed in Parque Casal Vistoso within Bela Vista Park, within the Eastern Green Corridor of Lisbon. The park is being underutilised because of the lack of shade (1). Thus, this initiative encouraged volunteers to participate in tree planting and forest maintenance activities (3). The NbS intervention began with a 300m² experimental plot near the Vale da Montanha pedestrian bridge and has since expanded to a new 1,500m² plot on the opposite side of the bridge (2). Over 500 volunteers joined the effort, planting more than 3,800 trees (1)
It is being developed by the LISGREEN project, which aims to enhance ecological connectivity and mitigate the effects of urban heat islands in Lisbon. By establishing nature-based solutions, it aims to restore forests within the city (1, 2, 3). This project encompasses different strategies, such as the RENATURA pilot project. It is a collaboration with the NGO URBEM and involves active public participation in tree planting and forest maintenance. This initiative aims to educate the community about nature, promote well-being, and mitigate extreme climate events (1), through the creation of urban forests.
The main strategy is to create fast forests using the Miyawaki method, which involves dense planting of native trees, removal of invasive plants, and intensive initial care. This approach accelerates the growth of natural forests within a short period, using native species and reducing the need for watering (1)
The first fast forest was developed in Parque Casal Vistoso within Bela Vista Park, within the Eastern Green Corridor of Lisbon. The park is being underutilised because of the lack of shade (1). Thus, this initiative encouraged volunteers to participate in tree planting and forest maintenance activities (3). The NbS intervention began with a 300m² experimental plot near the Vale da Montanha pedestrian bridge and has since expanded to a new 1,500m² plot on the opposite side of the bridge (2). Over 500 volunteers joined the effort, planting more than 3,800 trees (1)
The Line Park: Redeveloping old Railway Tracks
The "Line Park" project in Belgrade aims to create a continuous green belt spanning 4.6 kilometres and covering over 48 hectares. As such, the project will revitalize the former railway corridor from "Beton Hala", just below the Belgrade Fortress, to the Pancevac Bridge. Inspired by notable urban parks like New York's "High Line", Moscow's "Zagrađe," and Toronto's "Rail Corridor," it will become a major recreational destination and also help to alleviate the pressures from the city's heavy air pollution and summer heat (Ref. 5, 6).
The park will be divided into ten thematic sections dedicated to aromatic plant and flower gardens, urban gardening and beekeeping, sports facilities, a newly built university campus and more. Additionally, there will be an amphitheatre and facilities for outdoor education. To further integrate green infrastructure, new buildings will have green roofs and walls (Ref. 2,5). Ultimately, the park integrates a number of amenities into the entire city.
The development of the park also introduced innovative co-creation mechanisms in terms of governance and planning. Since Belgrade is part of the multinational CLEVER Cities Initiative, the city's Secretariat for Environmental Protection suggested the use of the site as a pilot test for introducing nature-based solutions in urban planning and with diverse stakeholders' input. Several workshops, focus groups, and consultations took place between 2019 and 2021, which facilitated the diversity of ideas that have been adopted into the official construction plan (Ref. 1, 2). Despite these successes, civil society groups raise concerns over the extraordinary cost of 70 million euros, displacement of Roma communities and the interest of real estate developers that may undermine the project's original cause (Ref. 3, 8).
The park will be divided into ten thematic sections dedicated to aromatic plant and flower gardens, urban gardening and beekeeping, sports facilities, a newly built university campus and more. Additionally, there will be an amphitheatre and facilities for outdoor education. To further integrate green infrastructure, new buildings will have green roofs and walls (Ref. 2,5). Ultimately, the park integrates a number of amenities into the entire city.
The development of the park also introduced innovative co-creation mechanisms in terms of governance and planning. Since Belgrade is part of the multinational CLEVER Cities Initiative, the city's Secretariat for Environmental Protection suggested the use of the site as a pilot test for introducing nature-based solutions in urban planning and with diverse stakeholders' input. Several workshops, focus groups, and consultations took place between 2019 and 2021, which facilitated the diversity of ideas that have been adopted into the official construction plan (Ref. 1, 2). Despite these successes, civil society groups raise concerns over the extraordinary cost of 70 million euros, displacement of Roma communities and the interest of real estate developers that may undermine the project's original cause (Ref. 3, 8).
