Local government/municipality

The Agenda working group called "Natural gardens in Wachtberg" aims at the development and promotion of nature-based construction solutions and increased use of local wild plants since 1998. In this pursuit, it managed to acquire land (400 sqm) from the municipality of Berkum and, transform the lawn area into a near-natural garden showcasing nature-based gardening elements with the help of other environmental associations and sponsors (1,2,7). Apart from securing and enhancing local biodiversity, the garden serves as a display of possible elements and solutions of a nature-based garden for interested parties. Moreover, through information boards, workshops and a detailed brochure on implementation guidelines, the project can spark interest and empower local residents to implement such nature-based elements in their own garden (1, 3, 4,7).

“An integrated solution for groundwater, rainwater, waste water, streams and ponds creates attractive housing in a new suburb (NyE), with room for exciting architecture. The water cycle plays a key role in urban development in Denmark, and water is one of the ever-present elements in our lives. Århus needs to prevent flooding caused by climate change, avoid polluting our groundwater, and improve the environment in streams and ponds to allow the use of water to create recreational value for the residents. This way, Århus can build a balanced aquatic environment, which will ultimately create a better city.” (Ref. 1)

The establishment of the first stage consisting of 650 homes, day care center and grocery store was initiated in the autumn of 2016 after more than 10 years of planning, and in the summer of 2018, the first residents moved into Nye. More homes are on the way. (Ref 14). In its current form of just over 150 ha, it has a capacity of approx. 15,000-20,000 inhabitants or approx. 10,000 homes at full expansion (Ref 15)

Athens' first vertical garden has been installed temporarily at the entrance to the City of Athens administrative building at 22 Liossion St during the city's first green cultural festival, the Green Design Festival in 2008. Such gardens have a positive impact on the environment as the plants trap carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, absorb harmful atmospheric pollution and reduce air temperature in summer, which assists in cooling the building's interior (Ref 1).

The botanical garden of Athens was reconstructed in 2004 to protect and maintain the biodiversity of the area. Covering a land of 1,860 sq.m., this Botanical Garden hosts over 2,500 different kinds of plants from all over the world and a rich variety of flora. All the plants and trees are protected in the park. The community also sends seeds all over the country to spread and maintain biodiversity throughout the region and hold agroecological events to increase the concern and educate the locals (Ref 1,3). The park also has a lake and a library inside it. (Ref 2)

The garden was established in 2012 by self-management of the community of Exarcheia. The site is a former parking lot in public land, historically reclaimed by the neighbourhood as a green zone. People occupied the space, designed the park, and constructed it. The former parking lot was owned by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TCG). A weekly assembly manages the site and activities. The aim of the community garden is formative, to show how to grow food, reproduce and collect seeds. The park has encompassed multiple functions in addition to community food-producing garden, such as children's playground, a place for cultural events, gathering and emancipation (Ref 1, 2, 3).

Restructuring a public derelict land into few private vegetable and fruit gardens. The gardeners practice organic gardening making it more sustainable. This provides foods as well as increasing the soil fertility, and reduction of the soil erosion. This also creates some extra vegetable and fruit market in the city. 20 % of the food produced is donated to the food bank. The project is a community project which also helps to bring people together. Started in April 2012 (Ref 1,4). The project is one of the initiatives by the Greek municipalities allotting land to local citizens with the purpose of increasing food security for the underprivileged, educating the younger generation, and providing their citizens with a retreat from city life (Ref 3).

The project primarily aimed to replace the largely underused 2-hectare public green space, Chavasse Park by creating a new public park that forms the centrepiece of the Liverpool One development.
The park, designed under the collaboration of BDP and Architect Pelli Clarke Pelli, was envisioned to become a green oasis within the city centre, with the ability to accommodate a lively programme of outdoor events (Reference 1). It comprises a ‘Grand Lawn’, richly planted terraced and walled gardens, sites for beautiful pavilion buildings, sheltered seating, trees, planting and multifunctional paving areas (Reference 2). Chavasse Park was awarded Green Flag status and is home to a nature trail and a unique species - Speckled Bush Cricket. The Park is home to more than 150 species of insects, birds and animals (Reference 4)

The City Council has passed an ambitious woodland plan designed to protect the municipality's groundwater.By planting woods in vulnerable areas where boreholes have been drilled for drinking water, the use of pesticides or other pollutants in the immediate area can be avoided. Aarhus residents will be ensured clean drinking water in 20 years even though the population is rising.(Ref. 2) New woodlands west of Aarhus will be a magnet for lovers of the open air, and secure clean drinking water for the city's population.(Ref. 1)

A restructuring of the National Park of Athens is being done from the last few years to revitalize one of the tourists' attractions in the city. The restructuring is mainly focused on the conservation of animal species found in the park. The project also aims to transform the park into a meeting point for culture and sports as well as activities including workshops, yoga, pilates, music, theater, tours and educational games for kids (Ref 7). The park contains a duck pond and a small zoo. In addition to this, it opened a botanical museum and a library for children for educational purposes (Ref 1,2,3). The project was planned to carry out in two stages. In the first stage, Athens will tender a 2.9 million euros upgrade of the infrastructures, and a study that is budgeted at 370,000 euros for the restoration of the Garden’s zoological park, botanical museum, the famed Roman mosaic area, and restoration of the Herod Atticus wall. The second stage concerns restoration of the Garden’s flora and removal of damaged shrubbery (Ref 6).

The intervention included the renovation of lake Jarun and its surrounded park and recreational centre. Efforts were made to improve the amenities at the lake and park in order to bring it closer to the citizens, particularly to disadvantaged groups. It provides facilities for walking, bicycling, various outdoor sports, trim-track of 6500 meters of length, roller skating, etc. Sports facilities are related to an impressive 2250 meters long regatta path where international and world rowing, canoe and kayak contests are held. With daily training and performances, they give Jarun a special, sporting atmosphere (Ref 1, 2, 3, 4).