A Million of Corals for Colombia
The "Un Millón de Corales por Colombia" project is a national initiative aimed at the restoration and conservation of coral reefs across Colombia. Initiated in 2021, this ambitious project seeks to rehabilitate 200 hectares of coral reef by planting one million coral fragments across seven departments in Colombia, spanning both the Caribbean and Pacific regions (ref 1,2). It was developed as a response to the significant degradation of coral reefs caused by climate change, coastal development, overfishing, and pollution. These factors have led to the loss of about 80% of coral reefs in the Caribbean region.
The initiative, led by the Colombian government in partnership with organizations such as Conservación Internacional, Parques Nacionales Naturales, Corales de Paz, and several regional environmental authorities, focuses on restoring this vital ecosystem (ref 2). The project encompasses constructing and maintaining coral nurseries and training local community members, including fishermen, as "coral gardeners." These gardeners are taught scientifically proven coral restoration techniques, including microfragmentation and larval rearing methods. A key aspect of the project involves continuous education and involvement of the community and stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability (ref 4, 5). In Cartagena, the project plays a vital role in the restoration and conservation of coral reefs in this region, which is a key site for the initiative (ref 4).
The initiative, led by the Colombian government in partnership with organizations such as Conservación Internacional, Parques Nacionales Naturales, Corales de Paz, and several regional environmental authorities, focuses on restoring this vital ecosystem (ref 2). The project encompasses constructing and maintaining coral nurseries and training local community members, including fishermen, as "coral gardeners." These gardeners are taught scientifically proven coral restoration techniques, including microfragmentation and larval rearing methods. A key aspect of the project involves continuous education and involvement of the community and stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability (ref 4, 5). In Cartagena, the project plays a vital role in the restoration and conservation of coral reefs in this region, which is a key site for the initiative (ref 4).
Filter Ecosystem in Molentargius
The Filter Ecosystem project, completed in 2007, aims to improve water quality and enhance the ecological health of the Molentargius wetland area in Sardinia, Italy, also known as the Molentargius Saline Regional Nature Park. This diverse territory includes freshwater basins such as Bellarosa Minore and Perdalonga, saline water basins like Bellarosa Maggiore and Stagno di Quartu, and the predominantly dry area known as Is Arenas.
The Molentargius ecosystem is a crucial European site for various aquatic birds and features diverse flora, including endemic species and endangered plants on the "Red List." It is one of the few globally recognized wetlands of international importance for aquatic birds located entirely within a large urban center, protected as a biotope by the RAMSAR Convention in Sardinia's major urban area. Since the 1980s, it has suffered environmental degradation due to inadequate infrastructure for wastewater management and human pressures.
Implemented by the city of Cagliari, the project employs a phytoremediation technique to supply water to the ponds. This involved constructing a phytoremediation system between the Bellarosa Maggiore and Bellarosa Minore ponds, functioning as a surface flow filter ecosystem resembling a marsh or wetland.
The system enhances natural self-purification processes, promoting prolonged contact between water, organic matter, and plants. This setup creates microhabitats that support microbial flora crucial for purification. The project's primary goal is to treat wastewater from the Is Arenas treatment plant, ensuring that the treated water meets optimal conditions for sustaining the wetlands' biodiversity. Additionally, the project will expand reed bed areas, vital habitats for avian species, and is designed to purify up to 300 liters of water per second to meet the area's needs (Refs. 1, 2, 3).
The Molentargius ecosystem is a crucial European site for various aquatic birds and features diverse flora, including endemic species and endangered plants on the "Red List." It is one of the few globally recognized wetlands of international importance for aquatic birds located entirely within a large urban center, protected as a biotope by the RAMSAR Convention in Sardinia's major urban area. Since the 1980s, it has suffered environmental degradation due to inadequate infrastructure for wastewater management and human pressures.
Implemented by the city of Cagliari, the project employs a phytoremediation technique to supply water to the ponds. This involved constructing a phytoremediation system between the Bellarosa Maggiore and Bellarosa Minore ponds, functioning as a surface flow filter ecosystem resembling a marsh or wetland.
The system enhances natural self-purification processes, promoting prolonged contact between water, organic matter, and plants. This setup creates microhabitats that support microbial flora crucial for purification. The project's primary goal is to treat wastewater from the Is Arenas treatment plant, ensuring that the treated water meets optimal conditions for sustaining the wetlands' biodiversity. Additionally, the project will expand reed bed areas, vital habitats for avian species, and is designed to purify up to 300 liters of water per second to meet the area's needs (Refs. 1, 2, 3).
Pedagogical Arboretum in schools
This project, implemented in several schools across Fort-de-France in 2018, focuses on creating arboretums in schools to educate children about Martinique's native natural heritage and raise awareness of biodiversity loss. An arboretum is a curated collection of trees selected for scientific, conservation or public enjoyment.
The initiative, led by the Martinican National Botanical Conservation, is supported technically by the municipal landscaping department and administratively by the city of Fort-de-France and the Martinican School Rectorate. It includes three main activities: a seminar on Martinique's rich yet fragile botanical heritage, an excursion into a forest, and a tree planting event at schools featuring native or endangered plant species. The program has reached at least six schools in and around Fort-de-France.
(Ref. 1,2,5)
The initiative, led by the Martinican National Botanical Conservation, is supported technically by the municipal landscaping department and administratively by the city of Fort-de-France and the Martinican School Rectorate. It includes three main activities: a seminar on Martinique's rich yet fragile botanical heritage, an excursion into a forest, and a tree planting event at schools featuring native or endangered plant species. The program has reached at least six schools in and around Fort-de-France.
(Ref. 1,2,5)
Lacides Segovia Urban Park
Parque Lácides Segovia is an urban park located on Isla de Manga in Cartagena, Colombia. The park was inaugurated and revitalizated in June 2014 to serve as a multifunctional green space promoting cultural, social, and environmental activities. Named after General Lácides Segovia, a notable figure in Cartagena's history, the park aimed to provide a family-friendly and culturally enriching environment (ref 1). The primary goal was to transform a neglected urban area into a dynamic public space that fosters community interaction and enhances local culture. The park aimed to create a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for residents of all ages, promoting social integration and cultural activities. Additionally, the project sought to establish a green area contributing to the ecological health of the city through urban greenery (ref 1, 2).
The first revitalization in 2014 involved facilities, planting native trees, and setting up public amenities such as Wi-Fi, seating, and cultural spaces(1, 2, 3).
This new revitalization in 2024, led by the local government of Cartagena, will focus on enhancing the infrastructure of both the park and the surrounding sports area in Manga to improve sustainability. The project has an estimated budget of approximately USD 675,000. The improvement works to provide better facilities and infrastructure to support recreational and sports activities, benefiting the community and promoting a healthier urban environment (ref 6). The park is essential for the community; it was recently the subject of several citizen science projects led by the Montessori School, including research identifying the park's ecosystem services (ref 3).
The first revitalization in 2014 involved facilities, planting native trees, and setting up public amenities such as Wi-Fi, seating, and cultural spaces(1, 2, 3).
This new revitalization in 2024, led by the local government of Cartagena, will focus on enhancing the infrastructure of both the park and the surrounding sports area in Manga to improve sustainability. The project has an estimated budget of approximately USD 675,000. The improvement works to provide better facilities and infrastructure to support recreational and sports activities, benefiting the community and promoting a healthier urban environment (ref 6). The park is essential for the community; it was recently the subject of several citizen science projects led by the Montessori School, including research identifying the park's ecosystem services (ref 3).
Medicinal plant library in Tivoli
The first medicinal plant library in Martinique was created by the Ypiranga Martinique association, which inaugurated the project in 2019. The initiative was developed to preserve and revitalize traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Martinique, integrating agroecology , modern scientific understanding, and ancestral practices.
The project is located on land provided by the municipality in the Tivoli neighborhood, and it serves as an educational resource, a functional pharmacy, and includes a small shared vegetables garden. Visitors, local residents, and researchers can access information on over 150 native Caribbean plants and their medicinal properties. The site includes two educational trails: one following the river that crosses the garden and a sensory trail designed to help visitors "reconnect with nature." Each plant is identified with information boards detailing its medicinal uses, including whether these uses are scientifically validated.
The project also aims to address social exclusion by offering reintegration workshops to troubled teenagers and the unemployed.
The project was financed through a combination of sources: an EU-funded call for projects, a crowdfunding campaign, and regional and national public subsidies.
As a result of its success, in 2021 the initiative was formally replicated with the support of the Caribbean Interreg "OSAIN" project, which led to the creation of 14 additional plant libraries in schools and public spaces. Volunteers and community-based efforts continue to sustain the project, and it has become a model for similar initiatives. (Ref. 1,2,4,5,6,7)
The project is located on land provided by the municipality in the Tivoli neighborhood, and it serves as an educational resource, a functional pharmacy, and includes a small shared vegetables garden. Visitors, local residents, and researchers can access information on over 150 native Caribbean plants and their medicinal properties. The site includes two educational trails: one following the river that crosses the garden and a sensory trail designed to help visitors "reconnect with nature." Each plant is identified with information boards detailing its medicinal uses, including whether these uses are scientifically validated.
The project also aims to address social exclusion by offering reintegration workshops to troubled teenagers and the unemployed.
The project was financed through a combination of sources: an EU-funded call for projects, a crowdfunding campaign, and regional and national public subsidies.
As a result of its success, in 2021 the initiative was formally replicated with the support of the Caribbean Interreg "OSAIN" project, which led to the creation of 14 additional plant libraries in schools and public spaces. Volunteers and community-based efforts continue to sustain the project, and it has become a model for similar initiatives. (Ref. 1,2,4,5,6,7)
Requalification of Poetto Beach
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).
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).
Corridor of Cartagena - Barranquilla
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.
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.
Miraflores Bicentennial Park
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).
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).
Green in School Gardens - Cagliari
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).
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).
Requalification of Buoncammino Avenue
The requalification project for Viale Buoncammino in Cagliari aims to revitalize the historic promenade while preserving its original layout and functions. Launched in September 2022 and completed in 2023, the project focused on enhancing the area’s aesthetic and environmental appeal. Key improvements include expanding green spaces by adding 560 new square meters, enhancing vegetation, and reducing surface runoff. This involves increasing permeable surfaces around existing trees to boost natural vegetation, improve bioclimatic comfort, and manage runoff during heavy rains.
The project also includes reconstructing pavements, optimizing seating areas, and repositioning urban furniture for better functionality and aesthetics. A modern LED lighting system will be installed to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, supporting the project's sustainability goals. The area is included between via Anfiteatro, viale Buoncammino and viale Giussani and also includes the squares F.Pilia and Marongiu-Pernis. The project aims to restore Viale Buoncammino as a dynamic social and cultural hub in Cagliari, appealing to both residents and visitors. (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).
The project also includes reconstructing pavements, optimizing seating areas, and repositioning urban furniture for better functionality and aesthetics. A modern LED lighting system will be installed to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, supporting the project's sustainability goals. The area is included between via Anfiteatro, viale Buoncammino and viale Giussani and also includes the squares F.Pilia and Marongiu-Pernis. The project aims to restore Viale Buoncammino as a dynamic social and cultural hub in Cagliari, appealing to both residents and visitors. (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).
