Restoration of derelict areas

The Bee Park Molentargius is a project located in the Molentargius-Saline Regional Natural Park, in Cagliari. It is part of a broader effort to regenerate abandoned and underutilised urban spaces, transforming them into areas that support biodiversity, promote sustainability, and engage the local community in environmental stewardship (3,4). The primary goal of the Bee Park Molentargius project is to restore specific areas of the Molentargius Park to their original ecological and productive functions. It aims to enhance biodiversity, support sustainable agricultural practices, and promote environmental education. The project includes the creation of shared gardens and an educational apiary, designed to reclaim the park’s identity and encourage local participation in the management and preservation of this important natural resource (1,3). It was developed with financial support from the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the European Union's Horizon Europe Framework Programme. Inaugurated in March 2024, the project is a collaborative initiative involving local citizens, institutions, and park beneficiaries. It includes various educational components, such as beekeeping and olive growing training courses, along with sensory analysis workshops for honey and olive oil. These activities are intended to educate the public while fostering a sense of community ownership and responsibility toward the park​ (1,2). The project indirectly addresses environmental hazards related to the degradation of urban green spaces and loss of biodiversity. By restoring the park’s natural and productive functions, the Bee Park Molentargius helps mitigate risks associated with urbanisation, such as habitat loss and the decline of pollinator populations, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and food security​ (3)

The Fairy Garden, also known as the WOW Recreational Park, is a distinctive green space located near Diósgyőr Castle in Miskolc, Hungary. Since its opening in April 2020, the park has quickly gained popularity, earning third place in the 2020 Tourism Attraction of the Year award in the professional category. Once a neglected and polluted site with historical significance, the area was transformed by a local entrepreneur. After removing over sixty containers of waste, including hazardous materials, a park was created that harmonizes with the natural environment, preserving existing willow trees and integrating water features fed by local streams. When creating the park, the creators respected the plants of the area to the maximum, not a single tree was cut down, and the fruit trees were also kept.
The park boasts various decorative elements, including a carousel, a garden cinema, and other amenities. However, in September 2021, it was closed indefinitely for renovations. Gábor Vaszil, the lessee who had rented the land from the Miskolc municipality, intended to purchase the property for further development. Despite initial support from the local government, the transaction was halted due to concerns raised by the regional Water Management and Protection Authority regarding the protection of Miskolc's drinking water resources. Their ongoing investigation has delayed any further decisions about the sale or the future of the park. In the meantime, the garden remains open to the public for leisurely walks, similar to other municipal parks in Miskolc.
(Ref.1-4)

In Sjöhåla, west of Kungälv, an abandoned pasture on a wet meadow by the coast was restored by reintroducing grazing, clearing bushes and reeds, digging ponds and renovating stone walls. The aim was to increase biodiversity in the area and to promote the production of local organic meat. Additionally, the project made it easier for visitors to pass through the area for recreational purposes. The project was carried out by the municipality of Kungälv and the non-profit organisation Omställning Kungälv, and involved other local associations, farmers and citizens. It was funded through the "Local nature conservation investment" by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. As a result of the project, the area is more accessible, and many species of plants, insects, and birds have been found. [Ref. 1-3]

The John Michuki Memorial Park was transformed from a vast dumpsite in 2008 and established in honor of John Michuki, the Environment Minister during the Kibaki administration, in 2012. Michuki garnered admiration and accolades for his enthusiasm and determination to clean and preserve the environment (Ref 1, 2). Situated along the Nairobi River, the park serves as a historically rich recreational facility (Ref 3).
However, several issues arose after the park was transferred to the county administration in 2013 (Ref 2). A section of the Nairobi River flowing through the park experienced severe environmental degradation due to illegal discharges and poor waste management, negatively impacting the riparian ecosystem and biodiversity (Ref 4). Additionally, the park became a refuge for drug users, street children, and thieves, with stray dogs posing safety threats in the area (Ref 1, 2).
As the first project within the Cleaning Up Kenya Campaign, the restoration of Michuki Memorial Park was launched in 2020 by the government (Ref 5). The park is now managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) following a directive from the national government (ibid.). With funds from the treasury, a perimeter fence was erected, a 2.4 km walkway was constructed, and 4,200 seedlings and 6,357 indigenous trees were planted, along with the establishment of a nursery (Ref 1, 6). A total of 20,000 tons of solid waste were removed (Ref 6). Additionally, a community forest association was formed to ensure community engagement (Ref 2).

The Therapy Forest project in Nolan, Detroit, initiated in 2022 and completed in 2024, represents a step forward in urban renewal and ecological restoration, led by Rescue MI Nature Now (RMNN) and local volunteers. RMNN, founded in 2019, aims to transform vacant lots in the Nolan neighborhood—an area heavily impacted by the mortgage lending crisis—into green spaces that combat urban decay. The Therapy Forest, a 2.25-acre site, is designed as an accessible, restorative environment inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku,” or forest bathing, which encourages individuals to engage with nature through all their senses.
This project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood but also serves as a habitat for native plants and pollinators, such as goldenrod and honeybees. Through a participatory planning and design process, RMNN has actively involved community members, particularly youth, in the development and ongoing maintenance of the forest. The project includes flowering beds, perennial gardens, and other landscaping features aimed at creating a serene and therapeutic environment.
The Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund provided key financial support, recognizing the project's potential to transform neighborhood decay into a green space that serves both ecological and social purposes. The Therapy Forest is expected to become a communal asset, offering hands-on learning opportunities for local students while also providing a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors.
By converting over 2.25-acre of vacant land, RMNN’s Therapy Forest stands as a model for how urban areas can reclaim unused spaces, fostering resilience, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. This initiative not only revitalizes the Nolan neighborhood but also serves as a beacon of hope and renewal, demonstrating the impact of green spaces on urban communities.
(Ref.1-4)

The PARC Rain Garden project in Plymouth, Michigan, is an innovative initiative led by the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex (PARC) and Friends of the Rouge, aimed at addressing stormwater management and enhancing local environmental quality. Supported by a $400,000 grant from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) through its Nonpoint Source Program, this project will involve the construction of over 31,500 square feet of rain gardens located on the property of Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex (PARC). These gardens are designed to filter up to 240,000 gallons of stormwater per rainfall event, preventing runoff from entering local waterways like the Tonquish Creek. The rain gardens will also mitigate flooding, reduce pollution, and create a more stable water flow in the Rouge River watershed, which is heavily impacted by urban development.
In addition to their environmental benefits, the rain gardens will provide aesthetic and ecological value to the PARC campus. The plantings, featuring native Michigan species, will create habitats for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, complementing the existing beehives on the PARC rooftop. The project aims to showcase the feasibility of integrating green infrastructure into routine construction, encouraging its adoption in other urban areas and residential spaces.
Ultimately, the PARC Rain Garden project will not only improve stormwater management but also serve as a model for sustainable urban development, enhancing the landscape while fostering environmental stewardship in the Plymouth community.
(Ref.1,2)

This initiative was launched by the local government of La Paz, focusing on afforestation of the Mallasa landfill, which was closed in 2004 (1-4 & 6-10). While some plantations were established in the area when the landfill was closed, the overall plan aimed to manage the waste until the site was sufficiently clean for new projects—a process expected to take at least a decade (6). By 2021, signs of biodiversity, including flora and fauna, had begun to return to the former landfill. In response, the municipality of La Paz implemented a project to plant 6,000 native tree species, along with other shrub species, to further enhance biodiversity regeneration and establish a second urban forest in the city (3 & 4 & 7 & 8).

The afforestation efforts took place between 2021 and 2022, coordinated through "forestry brigades" made up of diverse volunteer groups. These groups included members from public institutions, private company representatives, NGOs (both environmental and non-environmental), universities, religious organizations, and local citizen groups (8-10). A total of 12 hectares were reforested out of the 33-hectare area (1 & 7). Following this, the area was closed to the public and is expected to become a biodiversity sanctuary within ten years, with ongoing monitoring by the municipal environmental agency (7). Among the trees planted, some were chosen to attract birds with their fruit, others to support the pollination of hummingbirds and bees, while others were intended to enrich the soil with nutrients—all species being native to the region (3 & 7).

Additional goals of the initiative include raising awareness about climate change, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship through community engagement, and advancing the municipality's decarbonization plans (3 & 9). Some of the seedlings and saplings were purchased by the municipality at a cost of 6,160 euros, with private companies also contributing financial support to the initiative (1 & 7).

The Metropolitan Linear Park is a project initiated by the national government of Bolivia, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) (1-8). The proposed park will be located along a disused railway corridor between the cities of La Paz and El Alto, spanning 18.2 km (8, p. 8). The project involves the construction of a linear park, divided into five sections, each with distinct objectives, uses, and designs (8, p. 9). This large-scale initiative aims to improve access to public spaces in La Paz and El Alto, enhance connectivity between the two cities, protect surrounding biodiversity and natural spaces, and strengthen resilience to and mitigate the effects of climate change (3 & 8, pp. 11-12).
To achieve these goals, the project design includes outdoor sports and recreational facilities, pedestrian and cycling circuits, as well as the restoration of parks, squares, and public spaces adjacent to the park corridor (8, p. 9). Some features include balcony corridors, flower and food-producing urban gardens, and viewpoints (5). The project also plans for the re-vegetation of the area with native species and aims to stop the environmental degradation of surrounding natural environments, such as the Pura Pura forest, which has been suffering from ongoing deforestation and waste dumping (8, p. 9). These efforts are expected to increase and support biodiversity in the area (7 & 8, p. 12).
Additionally, the project emphasizes social inclusion, with policies designed to incorporate women, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities (8, pp. 7-8). The park is intended to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity, ultimately improving the quality of life and health of nearby residents and the citizens of La Paz and El Alto (8, p. 13).

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 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).