Create new habitats

The likely impacts of climate change in South Dublin County include an increased risk of flooding, more frequent summer droughts, deteriorating air and water quality, and biodiversity loss (1). To address these climate challenges, the county developed the County Development Plan 2016-2022 as part of the South Dublin Climate Action Plan, aiming to establish a comprehensive legislative and policy framework for green infrastructure (GI) planning (1).
The plan outlines various objectives, including creating a coherent, integrated, and adaptable GI network across South Dublin County. One key initiative is the establishment of native mini woodlands throughout the city, designed to form strategic links and integrate the GI Strategy’s objectives into all relevant land-use plans and development across the county (1).
The purpose of these mini woodlands is to connect green spaces across the city (minimum size of 100 sq m), sequester carbon, and promote biodiversity in suitable locations, such as built-up areas, low-grade parkland, and other zoned areas deemed appropriate (1). Given the long time required for tree growth, the project employs the Miyawaki method, planting a high density of diverse native species to create mature forests up to ten times faster than traditional plantations (2). These forests are estimated to host 20 to 100 times more biodiversity and absorb carbon up to 40 times more effectively, without the use of chemicals or fertilizers; key factors include ground preparation, planting density, and species diversity (2).
In 2022, the project held a planting day for the mini woodlands initiative on Mill Lane, where 1,200 native trees and shrubs were planted with the help of volunteers from local schools, the community, a corporate group, and the Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Emma Murphy (2).

The stretch of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem from southern Lake Huron through western Lake Erie forms a unique urban refuge where life thrives with beauty and resilience. Known as Metropolitan Detroit, this region is where the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and many partners are working to create The Great Lakes Way by connecting 160 miles of greenways and 156 miles of water trails (1).
The vision for the Great Lakes Way project is to ensure that all residents and visitors of southeast Michigan—people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, and interests—feel connected to the water resources, welcomed on its trails, and able to enjoy the benefits and opportunities these access points provide (1). To bring this vision to life, the project plans to link 160 miles of greenways and 156 miles of blueways, connecting people to a range of world-class freshwater, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. These include fishing areas, bird migration pathways, parks, working waterways, preserved woodlands, and restored wetlands (2).
The Great Lakes Way project connects existing assets, supports accessibility and equity, and promotes the Great Lakes Way to both residents and visitors through marketing and communication efforts (2). There are 26 points of interest that will serve as connection hubs along the Great Lakes Way (2). In Detroit specifically, the focus is on connecting 13 culturally or historically significant destinations, as well as locations known for their environmental and ecological importance or as regional landmarks (2).
Rich in world-class fisheries, migratory flyways, parks, urban centers, small towns, preserved old-growth woodlands, and restored wetlands, the Great Lakes Way offers unique experiences that can only be found here. By uniting the natural and cultural assets the Great Lakes Way designation aims to emphasize and expand the essential linkages needed to further connect this remarkable region. (2,3)

MINI Ireland, in collaboration with conservation charity Earthwatch Europe, has launched Ireland's first "Tiny Forest" at the Tolka River Project, a community-driven rehabilitation program in Co. Dublin. In a space the size of a tennis court (195m²), nearly 600 native trees have been planted, creating a densely packed, environmentally efficient green area.
This partnership with Earthwatch aims to raise awareness for local environmental projects and foster community bonds. Green spaces like this offer valuable areas for people to connect with nature, exercise, unwind, and reduce stress—one reason the Tolka River Project center was chosen as an ideal location. "Tiny Forests" are remarkable for their impressive efficiency within a small footprint: by planting 600 native trees closely together, the forest grows naturally with increased density, achieving up to 30% more plant density, ten times faster growth, and up to thirty times better carbon dioxide absorption. Over the next three years, this forest is expected to attract more than 500 animal and plant species, transforming into an accessible mini-ecosystem.
The project uses a variety of locally sourced native trees, including silver birch, alder, hazel, hawthorn, and gorse, which together will form the natural layers of a forest. Ireland's first Tiny Forest was planted on March 22, 2023, at the Tolka River Project site in Dublin's Buzzardstown area. The Tiny Forest, located near the center, will serve as a space for reflection and recovery, supporting clients on their journey to rehabilitation. The planting event was a day of celebration, with Tolka River Project clients and MINI Ireland staff working side-by-side to create this thriving green space.. The space is utilized to create recovery-focused programs, including mindfulness and yoga, while functioning as a social gathering area (7).

"Urban Natural Area Ciric" is an initiative aimed at designating the forest and lakes of the Ciric area, located on the outskirts of the city of Iași, as an Urban Natural Area. To achieve this goal, the initiating organizations—NGO Civica and the Ornithological Association of Iași (SOR)—have developed a comprehensive report focused on the Ciric natural area, which monitors species and habitats while identifying pressure points on biodiversity and necessary conservation actions, as well as the benefits these areas provide.
In the Ciric area, various flora and fauna species have been identified, with some holding high protection status (14 bird species) or being of community importance and conservation interest. However, this ecological richness faces threats, as factors such as rapid urbanization, water pollution, and waste disposal have been identified as significant risks to the ecosystems.
In response to these challenges, the NGO aims to collaborate with the municipality to create protective municipal laws that will not only recognize the area as an Urban Natural Area but also ensure its inclusion in development plans. This partnership seeks to establish regulatory measures and strategies that will safeguard and enhance the biodiversity and ecosystems of Ciric. Additionally, the organizations have highlighted the social and physical benefits of the area for residents, including flood regulation and prevention, pest control, provision of clean air, and recreational and scientific opportunities.
To further raise support and awareness for their efforts, SOR and Civica conduct guided tours, educational workshops, and photographic exhibitions. They have also set up two informational panels in the area that highlight the biodiversity of Ciric. Furthermore, the two NGOs have partnered with regional organizations to create the "Rețeaua națională de arii naturale urbane" (The National Network of Urban Natural Areas) and have received funding from the EEA Grants. (1-8)

The Prinzessinnengarten Kollektiv Berlin is a community garden in the New St Jacobi Cemetery in Berlin-Neukölln that invites people to join in gardening and experience nature. As part of open gardening days, people can participate in the design of the garden areas and gain experience in the local, ecological cultivation of useful plants. The main aim of their work is to provide opportunities for education and participation. Activities are open to everyone and range from sowing, planting and harvesting to seed production, processing and preserving vegetables, keeping bees to questions of community-based urban habitat design.The community also has its own farm shop where seeds, food and processed products are sold. (Ref. 1; Ref. 4) Numerous projects for recycling and upcycling, innovative cultivation methods, organic beekeeping, composting methods and post-fossil mobility use the Prinzessinnengarten as a platform for sustainable urban living. Artists also work in the garden with participatory methods on the question of how cities and their coexistence can be designed in a sustainable and resource-saving way. Outside the Prinzessinnengarten, offshoot gardens are set up and collaborations are developed to build nationwide and European networks. Through lectures, workshops, study visits and participatory research in the garden, we endeavour to include and further develop the topics associated with the Prinzessinnengarten in discussions and education. (Ref. 7)

The project is located on a cemetery, which has been partially closed since 2016. This means that burials are no longer carried out on the site and the existing rights of use of the 500 or so remaining graves will no longer be extended after expiry. The church association lends the land to the project in exchange for maintenance work on the surrounding grounds. (Ref. 6)

Established in 1996, the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN's official headquarters in Africa, located just 9.7 km from the heart of Nairobi. In line with the UN's global sustainability goals, the office took significant steps to reduce its environmental footprint as it expanded. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), buildings contribute to a third of global energy use and are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. To address these issues, new buildings were designed to prioritize energy and water efficiency, with a focus on sustainability.
Completed in 2011, the new headquarters reflect the UN's broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The design includes 6,000 m² of solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, energy-efficient lighting, and natural ventilation, making the complex energy-neutral and water-efficient. It generates as much solar energy as it consumes, supporting over 1,200 staff members. Additionally, the project carefully preserved indigenous trees and created micro-ecosystems within the interior gardens, further aligning with the UN’s environmental mission.
By embedding these green features, the UNON complex serves as a model for sustainable development in urban settings, echoing the UN’s efforts to combat climate change and promote ecological resilience globally. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4)

The Färjenäs Agroforestry Garden started in 2013 in the Färjenäs park in Hisingen, Gothenburg. A group of people interested in agroforestry started a study circle on the topic the year before and then formed an association to apply their knowledge in practice. The City of Gothenburg helped the project get started by providing some funding and finding a 2000 sqm spot for the garden on land owned by the city. The Färjenäs agroforestry garden association is run by volunteers, who have planted about 200 different species of trees, bushes and herbs that produce produce. The planting and management of the garden aims to promote soil health and biodiversity. The association received funding from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in 2020 and partnered with the Natural History Museum in Gothenburg to further promote biodiversity and wild pollinators, and has partnered with a local beekeeping association to establish a beehive in the garden. The garden is open to the public and invites the public to educational activities and working events such as planting. The association aims to be a meeting place for locals and visitors from all over the city, with different cultural backgrounds and generations. Several courses and educational programs within agroforestry, agriculture and gardening have been held at the garden. [Ref. 1-7]

In 2024, Ozanam (a housing private company) and the French Development Agency (AFD) formalized a partnership to modernize an ecological wastewater treatment plant in Saint-Joseph, a neighborhood in Fort de France. The project focuses on replacing an outdated 30-year-old installation that no longer meets current standards with a plant-based water filtration system based on the ‘Rhizosph’air’ patent. This innovative treatment process utilizes "filter gardens," which combine mechanical systems, a gravity network, and a phytoremediation approach. The system employs filters made of gravel and the roots of local plants, specifically Strelitzia reginae and Cyperus alternifolius, to naturally and effectively filter wastewater without odor (Refs 2, 3, 4).
The nature-based system purifies wastewater over an area of 2,000 square meters, with a capacity equivalent to serving 900 residents. This approach offers several advantages, including reduced maintenance costs due to its simplicity, decreased energy consumption compared to traditional treatment methods, and improved water quality released back into the environment (Ref 2). Beyond its technical efficiency, the filter gardens enhance biodiversity (Ref 2) by improving the quality of water discharged into the environment and providing habitats for various species. The solution also integrates seamlessly into the landscape, showcasing vibrant flowers native to the area (Ref 1).
Additionally, the project implementers plan to construct a walking path, provide recreational equipment, and install benches to encourage residents to utilize the area as a public green space (Refs 2, 5).

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 Çukurova University Botanical Garden was initiated in 1972 by the Department for Landscape Architecture to protect and conserve the rich native and non-native biodiversity of the region for future generations (Ref. 5,9). Its establishment responds to the lack of Botanical Gardens in Türkiye despite the country's great diversity. The Garden also wants to offer protection for increasingly threatened species in the face of rapid and uncontrolled urbanization (Ref. 5,9). Being located close to two Deltas and an important agricultural region, the collection also aims to include a great number of wetland and agricultural species, drawing public attention to the importance of these ecosystems (Ref. 6). As such, the University invites every school in Adana to visit and participate in its ongoing educational activities and primary school children are offered hands-on gardening programmes (Ref. 1,2). Furthermore, visitors can immerse themselves and learn about various vegetation zones, including endemic maquis, where stairs, walking paths and information boards have been installed (Ref. 4). The University maintains research activities in the Botanical Garden and in on site laboratories, which regularly host interns (Ref. 4). To ensure the stready supply of plant material for landscaping and education, nurseries have been set up and in 2020 a 250 m² medicinal and aromatic plant greenhouse was added where students of the Faculty of Agriculture are trained and endemic species grown (Ref. 9,10).