A. All stakeholders benefit fairly from the project

Phoenix is one of the hottest cities in the United States, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F) for more than 90 days each year. The urban heat island effect is severe here, posing a significant health risk. Many communities in Phoenix lack equal access to shade cover—often, the impact of extreme heat disproportionately affects low-income neighborhoods that lack resources for tree planting and maintenance. In contrast, wealthier areas tend to have more trees and are visibly greener, which helps reduce the heat residents experience.
To address these disparities, the City of Phoenix partnered with SRP, a not-for-profit public power utility, to launch the "Right Tree, Right Place" program in 2018. This initiative aims to bring shade relief to areas most in need, such as parks, public transit stops, and schools, while replacing older trees that interfere with SRP power lines. SRP and the city work together to identify trees that pose risks to overhead power lines, and for each tree removed, three new trees are planted—either in a different location or with a species better suited to coexist with power lines.
One of the program’s notable projects took place in West Phoenix’s Cortez Park, where 24 drought-tolerant trees from four different species were planted. This diversity helps protect the trees against pests and other natural threats, ensuring their longevity and resilience. Through initiatives like these, the "Right Tree, Right Place" program contributes to Phoenix’s larger goal of developing a robust, biodiverse urban forest. By expanding green infrastructure, the city aims to reduce local temperatures, improve air quality, and create cooler, healthier neighborhoods for all residents. (1-8)

The Köprüköy Mosque in Adana, commonly named "green mosque", is one of a kind in Türkiye (Ref. 2,5). Its building and minaret are almost entirely covered by poison ivy and appear in vivid green colour from afar. Founded in 1929, it had to be remodelled in the early 60s as it couldn't sufficiently accommodate worshippers in the growing district. The mosque was then entirely built and rebuilt by the community, with its maintenance overseen by the mosque's protection association (Ref. 4). In the 70s, the ivy was planted and has since helped to protect the building from environmental stressors and keep visitors inside the garden and mosque cool during the summer heat (Ref. 4,5,6) Furthermore, the mosque’s well-maintained garden, home to around 280 species, is adored by local, national, and international visitors and tourists, as well as the media (Ref. 1,3,7). Frequent maintenance and rotation of the garden's flowers keep its appearance and function intact, one of which is the profound impact on visitors’ well-being, with many praising the unique atmosphere of the mosque that evokes peace, comfort, and spirituality (Ref. 1,3,4).
During COVID-19, the mosque could only host worshippers during praying hours, after which it quickly continued to bring people back together to garden, rest and socialize throughout the day (Ref. 1).

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 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).

Maskinparken is a new park covering 3700 m2 in the Lindholmen district, a new neighbourhood in a previous industrial/harbour area [Ref. 5]. The park is described as a well-needed green oasis or green lung in the developing area. The park finished construction in 2022 and is intended to provide access to green space for people living and working nearby. It is also designed as a blue-green stormwater management solution, where about 500 m3 of rainwater can be stored in the lower areas during heavy rainfall. Stormwater will be leaked from surrounding grey areas to the park to protect them from flooding. The Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) has highlighted the park as a good example of climate adaptation in urban planning. The park has a variety of plants such as different tree species and flowering meadows, and plants that can withstand being soaked in the lower areas. Plants can grow in different landscape structures, such as hills and a pergola. The park also has amenities such as benches and lights, which are designed to mirror the style of the surrounding, older industrial brick buildings [Ref. 1-4].

The project at Poetto Beach in Cagliari, Italy, implemented by the municipality of Cagliari, began in 2022. It focuses on protecting and restoring the dune system while raising public awareness about the importance of preserving the coastal ecosystem. The project recognizes the delicate balance between environmental preservation and public enjoyment of Poetto Beach.
Key activities include installing barriers and signs to prevent trampling and littering, modifying beach access points to reduce erosion, and implementing significant interventions to restore the beach. These interventions involve strengthening anti-erosion measures with dune confinement and sand retention systems, as well as creating natural barriers (natural repopulation of native plants ) to protect the seashore. Public education initiatives aim to encourage responsible beach use and enhance understanding of the dunes' fragility. Additionally, new access walkways will be installed, and existing ones will be improved, including the creation of four wheelchair-accessible pathways to the water, designed for easy entry.
This comprehensive plan for protecting and enhancing Poetto's environmental resources is valued at €945,000 and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Overall, the goal is to enhance environmental quality, promote sustainable beach use, and prevent both natural and economic losses. By balancing enjoyment of Poetto's natural resources with their protection, the project aims to ensure the long-term preservation of this valuable coastal area (Ref. 1, 2 & 4).

San Borja has 1,347,000 square metres of green areas, equivalent to 12 square metres of green space per inhabitant, one of the highest ratios in the capital (1, 2). In total, there are 75 parks within its jurisdiction (1, 3). However, in recent years it has consolidated its role as a metropolitan urban centre and has become denser with new multi-family construction projects replacing traditional single-family homes with gardens (2). As a result, tree cover has decreased, affecting the creation of shaded areas and air quality, putting the health of residents at risk (2). Nevertheless, this municipality has reaffirmed its participation in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, committing to implement policies and take measures to reduce (or limit where appropriate) greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change, as it is vulnerable to heat waves and droughts, as well as high wind and thunderstorm hazards and fires (1). Thus, since 2014, 56,000 trees have been planted, which is one tree for every two residents in the district (2). The mitigation programme includes 40 measures, including the creation and conservation of green areas, which involve planting trees to create urban forests to help regulate temperature, prevent heat waves, improve CO2 absorption, and preserve endemic species (1). In addition, the programme promotes the use of organic farming practices and the propagation of plants using natural methods (1).
One of the sectors where there has been the most progress is Sector 12, with 31% of the green areas created (3). Within this sector, the district is planting and creating an urban forest within the premises of the Army Headquarters, better known as ‘Pentagonito’. Its objective is to educate neighbours and promote greater environmental awareness (3, 4, 5).

The Green Wall of Tomesti was an initiative launched by the commune of Tomesti to combat air pollution from the nearby city of Iasi, which often drifted into the area (1, 2). The municipality decided to implement this solution after consulting specialists on how to address pollution from the main urban area. It was also integrated into the objectives of their 2014 General Urbanistic Plan, which aimed to transform Tomesti into a "modern, clean, and ecological area" (1, 2, 5). In addition to mitigating air pollution, the forest wall was expected to help lower local air temperatures (1).
The municipality purchased seedlings and planted the trees at the end of 2019, near the D.D. Patranascu school (1-3). While the overall goal was to protect the entire commune and improve the health of Tomesti's residents, particular attention was given to safeguarding the school closest to Iasi (1, 2). Before planting, the organizers called for volunteers to help with the plantation (3). In total, approximately 1,500 trees were planted (linden, acacia, oak and willow), with a space of 1,5 m between each other (2).
The action also follows on a 20-year national plan to increase forest walls to improve the quality of the air in the country (6).

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)

The Horta Nova Urban Park, located in the Carnide parish (Lisbon), is a recently inaugurated green space that combines horticulture with community recreation. The Carnides neighbourhood is characterised by an inspiring history of overcoming hardship, with residents turning food shortages into opportunities by cultivating community gardens since the 70s. Currently, "the neighbourhood continues to be an example of solidarity, innovation and community spirit" (Ref. 2). In 2013, as a response to food scarcity caused during the post-Troika economic crisis, a group of local residents created an unauthorised vegetable garden overnight, on previously derelict space in the neighbourhood. Only in 2021 did the local authorities officially recognise the vegetable gardens, which since 2013 had operated under an informal agreement (Ref. 3). With the official establishment of the horticultural park, in addition, the park has a newly planted broad lawn, an open-air gym, and a dedicated dog park, creating a versatile space for residents (Ref 3).
Currently, this park features 80 vegetable plots, each with a dimension of 100 m2 per plot, attributed by the municipality through an official application process (Ref. 1). The park is a great reflection of the neighbourhood’s resilience and its history of small-scale citizen-oriented agricultural production that began as a response to social difficulties (Ref 1, 2).