Public local authority budget

Rike Park, centrally located on the riverbank of the Kura River, is one of the most recently developed Parks in Tbilisi. It was announced by the city hall in 2009 with the aim to increase the amount of accessible green space in the densely developed city center and stretches over an area of 7.5 ha (Ref. 1). Being the only location in the city where such a project could have been developed, it also serves as a pedestrian-friendly way to cross from the newer part of the city towards the old town via the adjacent "Peace Bridge" (Ref. 1,3). Next to its various amenities for recreation, the park has become a symbol of national identity through its design (Ref. 2). From above, one can identify the grid abstraction of the map of Georgia while in the center of the park lies a large Rose shaped mosaic, making a symbolic reference to the Rose Revolution (Ref. 3,5). Furthermore, Rike Park hosts several cultural festivities and artistic performances that invite the public to interact and socialize (Ref. 4).
Despite the park's success, its development has been criticised due to the city hall's exclusion of public consultations and transparency (Ref. 1).

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).

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).

A biodiversity park was built on an abandoned plot of land that felt unsafe to local residents. In the future, the plot may eventually be used for the construction of something more permanent. In the meantime, this project seeks to increase safety and access to greenspace while benefiting biodiversity, specifically flowers and insects.
Recycled materials were used to create the structure of the park, places to sit and insect hotels, while trees and a flowering meadow were planted. A mix of annual and perennial flowers was used to promote biodiversity over time. The locals are reported to be happy with the project. Familjebostäder i Göteborg AB, a publicly owned real estate company, conducted the project. [Ref. 1-5]

Maya’s Farm is a small, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) sustainable urban farm located in Phoenix, Arizona, where urban development has limited farmland availability. In 2020 alone, Phoenix lost nearly 200 acres of farmland to urban sprawl, putting farms like Maya’s at risk. The farm faced potential closure until the City of Phoenix intervened, providing funding through the Farm Preservation Program, which established the city's first urban agricultural conservation easement. Maya's Farm strives to inspire a local appreciation for sustainable food and to bring renewed value to local food systems.
The farm’s mission is to provide accessible, fresh, locally grown produce to the community while promoting awareness of healthy, sustainable food practices. Through its CSA program, members receive a weekly produce box and have opportunities to come together, honor food traditions, and share stories over locally harvested food. As a CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certified organic farm, Maya’s Farm is committed to organic practices that exclude GMOs, nurture the soil, foster biodiversity, and innovate growing systems. These methods result in healthy soil and cleaner air, contribute to carbon sequestration, and support critical wildlife habitats.
To broaden educational outreach, Maya’s Farm offers several programs that promote sustainable food practices, including its CSA program, an edible classroom series, and a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). Through this ASU partnership, students gain hands-on experience by participating in daily farm operations.
Building stronger community connections is another cornerstone of Maya's Farm’s work. The farm collaborates with local restaurants, farmers' markets, and community groups to expand its impact. Maya’s Farm, ASU, and Arizona Sustainability Alliance launched an agrivoltaics project with solar-shaded crops. (2, 9, 11, 13, 15)

St. Anne's Urban Farm and Ecology Center, nestled within Dublin’s historic St. Anne’s Park and surrounded by the suburban neighborhoods of Dublin 3 and 5, is a unique not-for-profit initiative dedicated to community engagement, environmental awareness, and sustainable urban agriculture. Established in 2019, this farm is the first urban farm within Dublin City Council’s boundaries and aims to reach even more people, believing that every child and adult should have access to a garden space and that everyone in the garden is equal.
Run by a team of over 20 dedicated community volunteers, the farm provides hands-on educational experiences for visitors of all ages and a safe, open space for sharing knowledge and learning from others. Featuring traditional Irish farm animals, such as heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, and goats, alongside native plants grown from heirloom seeds, the farm preserves Ireland’s agricultural heritage while promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
With a goal of becoming 75% self-sustaining, the farm is working toward off-grid solutions through solar power and eco-friendly techniques. St. Anne’s Urban Farm empowers local residents with its community allotments and self-management model, which foster greater control and pride in maintaining the shared space. Aligned with Dublin’s Climate Change Action Plan, the farm aspires to improve the quality of life within the city by promoting healthy neighborhoods and sustainable communities. Through this green space, St. Anne’s Urban Farm encourages social and environmental engagement, aiming to ensure that gardens and green spaces remain accessible, welcoming, and educational for generations to come. The initiative is supported by a €50,000 donation from Google and is designed to serve as a community resource rather than a traditional petting farm.
(1-6)

The Miraflores Bicentennial Park has been built on the Malecón de la Reserva and the Quebrada de Armendáriz. It was inaugurated in June 2022 as one of the created projects within the framework of the commemorations of the 200 years of Independence celebrations (1). It is considered a new green lung of Lima (2), as it has a green area of 30,400 square metres and stands on one of the cliffs of the Costa Verde (1). It has a system of terraces that replicates the construction model of the Incas, which has made it possible to additionally reinforce the soil and the slopes with the use of retaining walls up to 10 metres high, with horizontal geogrids and vertical geocells (1, 2). It was structured on a stabilised slope in order to mitigate the risk of landslides (4), and an irrigation system was implemented to stabilise the soil (4).
This space was built as a biodiversity garden with more than 160,000 xerophilic coastal species with low water consumption, 300 trees and 80 palm trees. It also offers places for tourism, such as viewpoints and squares, where cultural events, open-air activities and rest areas are held (1). It also aims to connect aspects of landscape conservation, preservation of biodiversity in the city, and the construction of a cultural landscape in which human action is complementary and friendly to the natural environment (9). Finally, it seeks to contribute to the reduction of the municipality's carbon footprint by reducing the harmful effects of urban expansion on the Lima cliff ecosystem, such as deforestation, water pollution and loss of biodiversity (9).

In 2023, the municipality of Cagliari initiated a project to transform 50 school gardens into vibrant, multifunctional outdoor spaces that enhance education and recreation. Co-funded under an EU program, this initiative aims to create environments where students can learn and play outdoors, taking advantage of the city’s favorable climate. The gardens are being upgraded with new features, such as trees, educational vegetable plots, diverse plant species, playground equipment, and furniture, to provide versatile spaces for learning, sports, and play.
Automated irrigation systems are being installed in each garden, conserving water by adjusting based on soil humidity and detecting leaks. This technological upgrade ensures efficient maintenance of the green spaces.
Overall, the project seeks to enrich the educational experience by integrating nature into daily school life. It aims to promote students' physical and psychological well-being through more opportunities for outdoor learning and activities, fostering a connection with nature, and improving the overall quality of the school environment (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).

The Ciénaga de las Quintas is a coastal wetland located alongside one of Cartagena’s main roads, adjacent to the public market square and situated between the Jiménez and Bazurto Bridges. It is home to two predominant mangrove species (Ref 1). The wetland currently faces pollution problems because it is used for the disposal of solid waste, such as plastics and construction materials, and it receives wastewater and household garbage from nearby residences. Las Quintas is also the main waste disposal area for the Bazurto market, which handles 43,430 tons of food products each month (ref 3). The recovery initiatives for the Ciénaga de las Quintas are led by the Environmental Public Establishment of Cartagena (EPA Cartagena) in collaboration with other public institutions, the private sector, and citizens, with the main goal of achieving the ecological restoration of the city's water bodies and to maintain and preserve our mangrove ecosystems (ref 2). Since 2020, key implementation activities have included the removal of solid waste, planting of native tree species, dismantling of informal structures within the mangrove zone, and the rehabilitation of areas previously occupied by debris (Refs 4, 5).