Earmarked public budget

Alexandria is one of the vulnerable cities facing climate change (1). From rising sea levels, pollution, extreme rise and fall in temperature and the urban heat island effect, Alexandria is battling significant challenges (1). The city is also worldly renowned for it beaches and gardens that act as the lungs through which the city breathes, and are considered a haven for its people (1). Unfortunately, in the last ten years, there has been a decrease in parks and green areas, which is a cause for concern (1). This shrinkage comes at the expense of urban expansion and the establishment of Commercial and profitable projects, which is a challenge facing the environmental balance and cultural heritage of the city (1). To address the nature of the challenges and climate changes and their effects in Egypt, the president launched the "The 100 Million Trees Initiative" was brought into action in 2022 as part of the Egypt 2030 Vision (2-3). The campaign is meant to double the per capita share of green spaces across the country, improve air quality and people’s health, and reduce greenhouse gases. It will also aim to recoup economic benefits from the trees, including wood and olive oil (3). As part of this initiative, the governor of Alexandria was tasked with taking care of the green spaces and improving the aesthetic and civilizational level, within the scope of Alexandria's neighborhoods and centers (4). In 2023, the gardens department carried out the planting of 812 trees and shrubs of various types within the scope of Al-Muntazah 2 Neighborhood during Week 25 to continue the work of the presidential initiative to plant 100 million trees in the governorate's neighborhoods (4).

The Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge is a natural oasis in the heart of Lima. It is considered a marsh of international Ramsar importance, as it is home to a large number of species of flora and fauna. It includes 5 bodies of water with about 210 species of birds, 13 species of fish, and 5 species of amphibians and reptiles, among others (1). It was created in 2006, by Supreme Decree N°055-2006-AG, which established the definitive category for the Pantanos de Villa, under the name of The Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (2). This protected area was established over an area of 263.27 ha, and its main goal is to conserve a representative sample of the Marshes of the Subtropical Pacific Desert, including important plant communities, as well as migratory and resident avifauna, focusing mainly on species with some degree of threat (1, 2, 6).
In 2016, a Master Plan was approved aimed at strengthening the conservation of the biological diversity of this coastal marsh and ensuring conditions to promote inter-institutional cooperation and participatory management, including neighbours, authorities, municipalities and interested institutions (2).
This Master Plan establishes environmental, economic and cultural indicators defined to be met over 5 years. These are focused on protecting water resources, conserving migratory and resident bird species, ensuring the conservation of the cattail, promoting tourism and recreational activities, fostering environmental awareness activities and engaging citizens in the management of the Refuge (2)
This plan seeks to confront a series of threats that endanger the conservation of this ecosystem. Among the main problems are the illegal extraction of natural resources, such as cattail; the improper use of the space for activities such as bonfires, consumption of illicit substances and pet walks; the change in land use due to urban expansion; pollution from effluent discharges and solid waste disposal; and illegal fishing (2)

The Stora Amundö and Billdal archipelago nature reserve is in the southernmost part of the City of Gothenburg. The proximity to the city makes it a popular recreational destination, with about 73000 visitors each year. In 2018, the area was protected as a nature reserve to preserve its recreational, natural and historical values. The status as a nature reserve prohibits any exploitation and other harmful activities in the area. The area of the reserve is 1103 ha, of which 259 ha is land area and the rest is water [Ref. 1-3]. The management of the reserve includes promoting recreational and educational activities by creating new entrances, paths and signs, as well as holding guided tours. The management also includes restoring and improving terrestrial ecosystems such as grasslands through mowing and grazing and deciduous forests through selective clearing. A wetland has been restored to promote biodiversity further [Ref. 2, 4]. The reserve was created and is managed by the City of Gothenburg, the process of creating it involved consultation of stakeholders such as land owners, government agencies and NGO's [Ref. 1]. Some local landowners disagreed with the borders of the nature reserve having an impact on their land, leading to an appeal that was ultimately denied [Ref. 5, 6]

In 2021-2022, the fenced grassy area beside the Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre was transformed into a welcoming 'people’s park'—an open green space for the community (2). Designed by Dublin City Council’s Parks, Biodiversity, and Landscape Services, the park reflects ideas from local residents gathered over eight months of on-site conversations and two community consultation events.
The new park features a winding perimeter path, earth mounds planted with a variety of trees and plants for seasonal color, and infrastructure to support small community gatherings. An open pergola and a designated market space for food, plant, and craft markets provide inviting spots for social events. Along the park’s edge, a movement trail with playable elements for exercise and play adds a dynamic feature to the space.
Furthermore, a Jackstraws See-Saw is ideal for older children to play in groups and learn about movement whilst also being a tremendous informal seating area for them to gather and chat. Trees cover the See-Saw, offering shade and shelter from the weather, making it a great social space all year round. A Rope Course provides a physical challenge for older children to climb and balance at height while exploring the area. Informal play opportunities are found throughout the park to, with trees, fallen logs, benches and planting that create sensory, imaginative and physical play experiences. (5-7)
Additionally, an edible garden is planned to be developed collaboratively with local residents over the next 2-3 years (4).

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest urban center, is a key hub for economic growth and outward trade in the Balkans. The city hosts the country’s second-largest export port, which plays a crucial role in connecting European trade routes with Asia and China. However, until 2014, Thessaloniki's waterfront was poorly maintained, largely inaccessible, and unattractive. Moreover, major flooding events, connected to extreme weather events, exposed significant deficiencies in the city's flood mitigation infrastructure, leading to damage to housing and critical services. (5, 10, 11)
To address these issues, the Municipality of Thessaloniki launched an International Architectural Competition for the redevelopment of the New Waterfront. From 2006 to 2014, Thessaloniki's waterfront underwent a significant regeneration aimed at benefiting the city's population of 1.1 million and stimulating the local economy. The revitalized waterfront now stretches 3 kilometers between land and sea, featuring 58,000 acres of green space an playgrounds.. In total, 2,353 new trees and 118,432 plants were added across an area of 238,800 m² (Refs 1, 3, 4).
The project also introduced walking routes, sports and recreational facilities, seating areas, and scenic viewing points. The waterfront now has a bicycle path along the entire walkway, and an arbour of 660 umbrella pine trees, serving as shade from the midday sun. Completed in 2014, the New Waterfront has already become a vibrant urban green space, enjoyed by both Thessaloniki's citizens and visitors alike (Ref 4).

Minimizing heat stress is a top priority for Phoenix, the hottest major city in the U.S. In 2023, extreme heat contributed to at least 359 deaths across Maricopa County. Phoenix is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with extensive concrete and asphalt, increased pollution, higher population densities, and concentrated infrastructure that exacerbate the urban heat island effect, drought, and extreme weather. Moreover, the heat disproportionately impacts lower-income and Hispanic neighborhoods, which tend to have less tree canopy and fewer resources to cope with rising temperatures.
To address these challenges and promote tree equity in underserved neighborhoods, the City of Phoenix, along with the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, launched the Community Canopy Grant Program in 2023. The concept of tree equity refers to identifying areas with low tree coverage and high social need, then prioritizing investments in these areas. By improving tree equity, the program aims to assist neighborhood associations and community members in areas that need it most.
The Community Canopy Grant Program targets neighborhoods within Qualifying Census Tracts across Phoenix, and one of the first neighborhoods to benefit was Westwood. In early 2024, community members gathered to plant 200 box trees for residents who received grants, marking the largest City-sponsored neighborhood tree planting event of the season. These tree plantings aim to provide much-needed shade for homes while fostering community engagement, helping to mitigate heat stress and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. (1-5)

The 28th of October Street (28ης Οκτωβρίου) was one of the most neglected streets on the eastern side of Thessaloniki, completely devoid of trees despite its central importance. Additionally, the street suffered from severe flooding during heavy rainfall. In 2011, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, in collaboration with Konstantinos Zervas, the Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Quality of Life, and Free Space, proposed a redevelopment project aimed at transforming the street through the planting of trees and the installation of flower beds that would function as rain gardens (Refs 3, 5). This initiative was part of the "Integrated Green Cities" action, which falls under the European territorial cooperation program Greece-Bulgaria 2007-2013 (Refs 1, 2, 3, 6).

To achieve the dual goals of sustainable rainwater management and urban beautification, decorative trees were planted in specially constructed bioretention tree stands. These stands, along with the flower beds, were designed to collect rainwater, which would then be used to irrigate the trees along the road and the plants forming the rain gardens. Rainwater was gathered from the road surface, pavements, and the gutters of apartment buildings through these bioretention systems (Refs 1, 2). This sustainable water management solution significantly reduced rainwater runoff, improved water quality, and enhanced the area’s aesthetic appeal (Refs 2, 6, 7).

The Leopold-Rister park, named after a former district officer, is located in the Margareten district in Vienna and was renovated in 2023 based on the community's wishes for recreational opportunities. The park is surrounded by residential buildings and featured a playground for children, some greens and a football pitch. (Ref. 1) On the initiative of the city government, local residents and people using the park were surveyed on their preferences and needs for a potential redesign of the park. (Ref. 8) Within a year, the park was remodelled, featuring the wished for elements by locals, and was opened in 2024.
Spaces for recreation like playgrounds, benches, and gaming tables were increased or installed. To reduce the heat stress of the urban environment, trees were planted that provide shadow and water play for children to cool down were implemented. Already existing lawns and greens were restored, and new shrubs were added to provide habitats for different local insect and bird species. (Ref. 1; Ref. 6)
The project was initiated and financed by the City of Vienna and presents one of many greening activities that the city pursues to adapt to climate change. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2)

The Garden Under the Walls, also known as the Garden of the Brothers Giuseppe and Vittorino Fiori, is a green space located in the historic Villanova district of Cagliari, along Viale Regina Elena. Inaugurated on 28 March 2014, the project transformed a long-neglected area beneath the Castello walls into a garden promenade. Closed to the public for many years due to ongoing construction, this green space has been reopened and returned to the city.
The garden spans 500 meters in length and covers an area of 6,500 square meters. The total renovation cost was 1.8 million euros.
The project focused on preserving the historical significance of the area while ensuring the safety of the Castello walls. The accessible pathway, designed to accommodate people with disabilities, features seven sculptures by renowned Sardinian artist Pinuccio Sciola, adding an artistic dimension to the space. This project successfully blends green spaces, accessibility, and culture (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).

This mega-project is part of the Agenda for the Commemoration of the Bicentenary of the Independence of Peru (3). It is the new ecological lung of Ventanilla where families have free access to a meeting point where they can carry out sports, recreational, leisure and cultural activities (1, 2, 3). This park is the largest emblematic work carried out in Callao and one of the largest in extension at the national level, built in commemoration of the 200 years of independence (1, 2, 3). It was built on vacant land, where there was no possibility of meeting or recreation for the neighbours (1).
In addition to offering recreational spaces, it is a cultural work that seeks to teach the population about the history of independence, making the public space a commitment to a citizen-centred public policy with an intercultural approach (3). In addition, its financing was part of the second phase of the economic reactivation plan for public investment, encouraging local economic development and generating more than 1,300 direct and indirect jobs (3). This work is an investment of the Executive together with the Regional Government of Callao and the labour force of the municipality of Ventanilla (1, 2). Its facilities are freely accessible and will contribute to the social development and well-being of the citizens (3).
Inaugurated in 2022, it has cultural components, such as squares and amphitheatres, playgrounds, campsites and more than 30,000 m2 of green and blue areas (1).