Lightning Point Restoration
The Lightning Point Restoration Project focuses on protecting Bayou La Batre, one of the Gulf Coast’s few remaining working waterfronts. The community relies on fishing and seafood industries but faces increasing hazards from shoreline erosion, storm surge, hurricanes, and tropical storms. Past events such as Hurricane Katrina (2005) and oil spill (2010) caused major damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, highlighting the need for greater coastal resilience
Led by The Nature Conservancy and partners, the project combines engineered and natural approaches to safeguard the shoreline while supporting local livelihoods. Core activities include constructing approximately 1–1.5 miles of segmented breakwaters and jetties at the mouth of the Bayou La Batre River, and creating about 28–40 acres of coastal marsh, tidal creeks, and upland habitats using beneficially reused dredged material. Native planting and long-term monitoring support habitat performance and adaptive management.
These solutions aim to reduce wave energy, limit erosion, buffer storm surge, and maintain navigation, while restored marshes provide habitat for fish, shellfish, and birds. Designed to withstand nearly one foot of projected sea-level rise over the next 25 years, the project enhances shoreline protection, restores critical coastal habitats, and helps secure a resilient waterfront for Bayou La Batre’s economy and community (Ref. 1 - 4).
Led by The Nature Conservancy and partners, the project combines engineered and natural approaches to safeguard the shoreline while supporting local livelihoods. Core activities include constructing approximately 1–1.5 miles of segmented breakwaters and jetties at the mouth of the Bayou La Batre River, and creating about 28–40 acres of coastal marsh, tidal creeks, and upland habitats using beneficially reused dredged material. Native planting and long-term monitoring support habitat performance and adaptive management.
These solutions aim to reduce wave energy, limit erosion, buffer storm surge, and maintain navigation, while restored marshes provide habitat for fish, shellfish, and birds. Designed to withstand nearly one foot of projected sea-level rise over the next 25 years, the project enhances shoreline protection, restores critical coastal habitats, and helps secure a resilient waterfront for Bayou La Batre’s economy and community (Ref. 1 - 4).
Lower Perdido Islands Restoration
The Lower Perdido Islands – Bird, Robinson and Walker Islands – are located in the Perdido Pass, in Orange Beach. The area is a popular destination, attracting many visitors due to its blue-green water and diverse wildlife, which, however, leads to erosion from boat wakes and marine debris. Its popularity impacts these wildlife habitats, including the seagrasses, marsh and forests which provide habitat for nesting birds and nurseries for local fish. Therefore, the Nature Conservancy, the City of Orange Beach, Moffatt & Nichol, and Olsen Associates Inc. started working together in 2017 to create a conservation management plan for the Perdido Islands, as well as develop some restoration initiatives to support this critical habitat for the future [1,3]. This Lower Perdido Islands' restoration project is part of a larger Perdido Bay Watershed restoration plan [2]
Coffee Island Restoration
Located southeast of Bayou La Batre, Coffee Island is a barrier island that provides a buffering capacity for shorelines in Mobile County [5]. Since 1950, the shoreline on the island has been eroding. In response, the Nature Conservancy has put in a ‘’living shoreline’’ construction in 2010 to reduce wave energy and decrease erosion the island has been facing [1]. A ‘’living shoreline’’, ‘’refers to the use of nature-based techniques and materials such as oyster shells, reef blocks, bagged shells, live shellfish, and plants to help protect eroding shorelines’’ [2]. While the living shorelines constructed in 2010 still provide habitat benefits, these efforts no longer protect the shoreline from erosion. This in turn threatens not only the island's buffering capacity, but also the integrity of the marsh on the island [5]. Therefore, the Nature Conservancy has secured funding for a second project on the island, the Coffee Island Restoration project (in 2023) that aims to implement a (longer) 5,000-foot living shoreline breakwater, including the use of ‘’super sacks’’ – a specific kind of sediment barriers functioning as dikes – to protect the coastline while enhancing habitat [4, 6]
Agoa Sanctuary
The creation of the AGOA Sanctuary was first envisioned in 2006, officially established in 2010, and continues to evolve as a vital initiative for marine conservation. Located in the waters of the French Antilles, the sanctuary encompasses the entire Exclusive Economic Zone of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, and Saint-Barthélemy. Spanning 143,256 square kilometers, it is the second-largest marine protected area in France, just behind the Coral Sea Natural Park in New Caledonia.
AGOA was established to ensure a favorable conservation status for marine mammals, aiming to protect both the species and their habitats through a combination of direct and indirect actions. The sanctuary’s long-term strategy is grounded in five core principles: reducing harmful interactions between human activities and marine mammals; enhancing scientific understanding of these species, their habitats, and the pressures they face; increasing public awareness and disseminating knowledge about the sanctuary; strengthening collaboration with governmental agencies for effective surveillance and enforcement; and fostering regional cooperation with Caribbean nations under the Cartagena Convention and its SPAW Protocol.
Together, these guiding principles reflect AGOA’s commitment to sustainable stewardship of marine biodiversity in the French Antilles, creating a lasting sanctuary for marine mammals in the Caribbean. (1, 2, 3)
AGOA was established to ensure a favorable conservation status for marine mammals, aiming to protect both the species and their habitats through a combination of direct and indirect actions. The sanctuary’s long-term strategy is grounded in five core principles: reducing harmful interactions between human activities and marine mammals; enhancing scientific understanding of these species, their habitats, and the pressures they face; increasing public awareness and disseminating knowledge about the sanctuary; strengthening collaboration with governmental agencies for effective surveillance and enforcement; and fostering regional cooperation with Caribbean nations under the Cartagena Convention and its SPAW Protocol.
Together, these guiding principles reflect AGOA’s commitment to sustainable stewardship of marine biodiversity in the French Antilles, creating a lasting sanctuary for marine mammals in the Caribbean. (1, 2, 3)
River Dodder Rainscapes
Pollution from roadways is often carried by rainwater into gullies, which then direct this runoff to the nearest watercourse, ultimately polluting local rivers and degrading water quality (1). To address this issue, Dublin City Council is exploring potential green infrastructure solutions to reduce roadway pollution in rivers, focusing on nine pilot sites within the Dodder catchment area (1). Green infrastructure has the advantage of treating pollutants before they enter rivers or watercourses, which can significantly improve water quality in the area (1).
In addition to enhancing water quality, green infrastructure helps manage flood risks by slowing water flow to rivers, which can lessen the frequency and severity of flood events (1). These green spaces also foster biodiversity, creating more pleasant and ecologically supportive environments for the community (1). As an added benefit, green infrastructure serves as an important climate change adaptation strategy (1).
Upon completion of these pilots, Dublin City Council plans to expand successful methods to other locations across the city and potentially further afield (1). The project will involve creating new green spaces, enhancing existing ones, and transforming certain hard surfaces, all of which will contribute to protecting the Dodder and Santry rivers. By treating roadway runoff before it reaches the rivers, the initiative will also offer valuable benefits to the local community (2).
The proposed changes will be designed to support health and well-being, provide informal play areas, attract desirable wildlife, reduce flood risks, and help urban areas adapt to the impacts of climate change (2). The Council also plans to monitor the performance of these green infrastructure measures to assess their effectiveness in filtering pollutants from roadway runoff (1).
In addition to enhancing water quality, green infrastructure helps manage flood risks by slowing water flow to rivers, which can lessen the frequency and severity of flood events (1). These green spaces also foster biodiversity, creating more pleasant and ecologically supportive environments for the community (1). As an added benefit, green infrastructure serves as an important climate change adaptation strategy (1).
Upon completion of these pilots, Dublin City Council plans to expand successful methods to other locations across the city and potentially further afield (1). The project will involve creating new green spaces, enhancing existing ones, and transforming certain hard surfaces, all of which will contribute to protecting the Dodder and Santry rivers. By treating roadway runoff before it reaches the rivers, the initiative will also offer valuable benefits to the local community (2).
The proposed changes will be designed to support health and well-being, provide informal play areas, attract desirable wildlife, reduce flood risks, and help urban areas adapt to the impacts of climate change (2). The Council also plans to monitor the performance of these green infrastructure measures to assess their effectiveness in filtering pollutants from roadway runoff (1).
Mini Woodlands in South Dublin
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 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).
Treetroit
Over the past century, vast portions of the world’s oldest forests have been lost to clear-cutting and managed forestry (1). Arboretum Detroit is working to counter this trend by reforesting Detroit’s urban landscape, transforming abandoned city blocks into thriving groves of trees (1). Each parcel of land features trees that showcase the unique contours and characteristics of specific species, creating a diverse urban forest mosaic across the city (1). These "forest patches" are protected, designed to mature safely for generations, offering a space of tranquility and natural beauty for all Detroiters (1).
Arboretum Detroit’s main goal is to cultivate environmental consciousness, inspiring the community to consider our interconnectedness with nature and our impact on it (1). Through their reforestation mission, they demonstrate the ecological, cultural, aesthetic, and economic value of trees, both locally and globally (1). Trees alter our environment by using their leaves to filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles. Deciduous shade trees cool homes in the summer and allow the winter sun to heat homes when they lose their leaves. Trees can serve as a windbreak. The more compact the foliage on the group of trees the more effective the windbreak. Their pilot project, launched on Earth Day 2019, brought these values to life. Volunteers and members planted 21 trees across the site, including species like Princeton Sentry Ginkgo, Redpoint Red Maple, Paper Birch, Cedar, Yew, and understory trees like Kousa Dogwood and Forest Pansy Redbud, enhancing the habitat for local pollinators and birds (2). The trees were arranged in trios, interspersed with native seeds, soil, compost, and glacial boulders to create a healthy and engaging environment for all (2).
Arboretum Detroit’s main goal is to cultivate environmental consciousness, inspiring the community to consider our interconnectedness with nature and our impact on it (1). Through their reforestation mission, they demonstrate the ecological, cultural, aesthetic, and economic value of trees, both locally and globally (1). Trees alter our environment by using their leaves to filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles. Deciduous shade trees cool homes in the summer and allow the winter sun to heat homes when they lose their leaves. Trees can serve as a windbreak. The more compact the foliage on the group of trees the more effective the windbreak. Their pilot project, launched on Earth Day 2019, brought these values to life. Volunteers and members planted 21 trees across the site, including species like Princeton Sentry Ginkgo, Redpoint Red Maple, Paper Birch, Cedar, Yew, and understory trees like Kousa Dogwood and Forest Pansy Redbud, enhancing the habitat for local pollinators and birds (2). The trees were arranged in trios, interspersed with native seeds, soil, compost, and glacial boulders to create a healthy and engaging environment for all (2).
Greening Colombo
The financial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is the fastest-growing city in Sri Lanka, and as such, it is constantly changing. Most expansions in urban areas are taking place without proper planning, which can cause damage to existing pockets of forests, landscapes and green areas in and around the city (1). The environmental impacts of this rapid urbanisation include increased pollution, increased heat due to the expansion of roads/pavements, tall structures that block out light and wind and reduced biodiversity in fauna and flora (1).
To face these challenges, the Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO) proposed a city-wide Tree Planting Campaign to create an Urban Forest Strategy in public and private lands in the greater Colombo area (1). The plan is to kick-start the program at the Borella Cemetery as it has a large land area available for planting, specifically 178062 sq meters (3). The project started to be implemented in July 2020 with the seasonal rains (1). This project aims to grow urban trees to help mitigate some of the negative impacts of unplanned and rapid urbanisation, thus making the city more resilient to these changes (1).
The trees that will be planted will be mostly native species and also exotic plants will be selected based on specific requirements (1, 3). It is also planned to have flowering plants and shrubs to encourage butterflies, bees and birds to interspace the trees (1). The new parking space near the Borella Cemetery will also be planted with deep root shading trees interspaced with flowering plants (1).
The project aimed to include a large number of stakeholders including the government, the private sector and the residents of Colombo (1). And they have also reached schools in Colombo and hope to involve environmental associations to further the cause (3).
To face these challenges, the Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO) proposed a city-wide Tree Planting Campaign to create an Urban Forest Strategy in public and private lands in the greater Colombo area (1). The plan is to kick-start the program at the Borella Cemetery as it has a large land area available for planting, specifically 178062 sq meters (3). The project started to be implemented in July 2020 with the seasonal rains (1). This project aims to grow urban trees to help mitigate some of the negative impacts of unplanned and rapid urbanisation, thus making the city more resilient to these changes (1).
The trees that will be planted will be mostly native species and also exotic plants will be selected based on specific requirements (1, 3). It is also planned to have flowering plants and shrubs to encourage butterflies, bees and birds to interspace the trees (1). The new parking space near the Borella Cemetery will also be planted with deep root shading trees interspaced with flowering plants (1).
The project aimed to include a large number of stakeholders including the government, the private sector and the residents of Colombo (1). And they have also reached schools in Colombo and hope to involve environmental associations to further the cause (3).
Metta Garden
Public spaces in Colombo are disappearing due to rising land prices, causing infrastructure issues that harm citizens' health, especially in low-income areas (3). One proposed solution to address the problems caused by rapid urbanization is the creation of community gardens, which can at least improve low-income residents' diets and immune systems and address malnutrition (3).
Considering the limited urban space for both citizens and other living beings, the organization Eco-friendly Volunteers decided to create a community garden. The Metta Garden in Colombo (1, 2) aims to bring back urban biodiversity through organic home gardening, generating healthy food for people and creating living space for many other animals and plants (2). Following the Buddhist concept of Metta (loving-kindness to all beings), it promotes walking meditation paths and facilities to experience nature using all five sensory organs (1), in addition to being a place for experiencing loving-kindness for both human and non-human living beings, seen and unseen (4, 5).
It has become a training institute for many stakeholders seeking to grow organic food and earn a better income through the high demand for organic products (2). At the same time, it serves as a biodiversity spot, attracting butterflies, bees, and other forms of wildlife to an urban environment (2).
The area is located in the middle of a semi-urbanized area, on the outskirts of Boralesgamuwa (2, 3). Maintained by a group of volunteers, it features a greenhouse and a plot of land of around 5,000 sq feet, populated with vegetable patches, a butterfly garden, flowers and rare medicinal plants (3, 4). The garden was divided into four sections representing the Buddhist elements: water, heat, air, and solid. Each section features specific plants and designs, like a pond for water, a compost pit for heat, tall plants for air, and a rock garden for solid. The layout follows a mandala design based on permaculture principles (4).
Considering the limited urban space for both citizens and other living beings, the organization Eco-friendly Volunteers decided to create a community garden. The Metta Garden in Colombo (1, 2) aims to bring back urban biodiversity through organic home gardening, generating healthy food for people and creating living space for many other animals and plants (2). Following the Buddhist concept of Metta (loving-kindness to all beings), it promotes walking meditation paths and facilities to experience nature using all five sensory organs (1), in addition to being a place for experiencing loving-kindness for both human and non-human living beings, seen and unseen (4, 5).
It has become a training institute for many stakeholders seeking to grow organic food and earn a better income through the high demand for organic products (2). At the same time, it serves as a biodiversity spot, attracting butterflies, bees, and other forms of wildlife to an urban environment (2).
The area is located in the middle of a semi-urbanized area, on the outskirts of Boralesgamuwa (2, 3). Maintained by a group of volunteers, it features a greenhouse and a plot of land of around 5,000 sq feet, populated with vegetable patches, a butterfly garden, flowers and rare medicinal plants (3, 4). The garden was divided into four sections representing the Buddhist elements: water, heat, air, and solid. Each section features specific plants and designs, like a pond for water, a compost pit for heat, tall plants for air, and a rock garden for solid. The layout follows a mandala design based on permaculture principles (4).
Gothatuwa Wetland Park
Sri Lanka, particularly its low-lying coastal areas, faces recurring flooding challenges exacerbated by climate change, coastal erosion, and urbanization (1). Wetlands have emerged as crucial ecosystems in mitigating these risks, acting as natural sponges during heavy rainfall and releasing water gradually as flood levels subside (1). Beyond flood control, wetlands play a vital role in environmental quality. Their biodiversity helps filter pollutants and chemicals from the air and water, creating a healthier environment for both humans and wildlife (1). In 2018, Colombo was designated as a Global Wetland City under the Ramsar Convention, becoming the first and only capital city to receive this recognition (1). Recognizing the significance of wetlands as nature-based solutions, international institutions have prioritized their conservation through financing programs (1), and the city has developed projects to raise awareness and involve its citizens in their protection (1). These efforts have resulted in the creation of four wetland parks in the city, that comparing to a wetland, the wetland parks have more human intervention. Thus, they are focused on different topics and activities (2): Diyasaru Park, Beddagana Wetland Park (managed by the Urban Development Authority), Kotte Rampart Wetland Park (managed by the Urban Development Authority), and the Gothatuwa Wetland Park (managed by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation) (2). Gothatuwa Park is the newest wetland park and it is located in the flood-prone Gothatuwa neighbourhood (1). Inaugurated in 2024, It has a recreational focus, with trails for cyclists and hikers, and together with the other wetland complex, this park is designed to make the wetlands a cornerstone of local people's lives (1). Currently, environmental education activities are carried out in the park, focusing on managing aquatic invasive plants, tree planting and solid waste collection (3).
