Kipos3 urban community gardens project
Thessaloniki has a dense urban structure with limited open and green spaces. As a coastal city severely impacted by climate change, it faces multiple interconnected challenges, including extreme weather events, flooding, and peri-urban forest fires. These issues are further compounded by the city's aging infrastructure and deteriorating buildings, increasing its vulnerability (Ref 1).
Kipos 3, a community garden, is part of the "Green Neighborhoods" project proposed in the Thessaloniki 2030 municipal resilience strategy (ibid.). Established in 2015 on a 600-square-meter plot donated by the municipality, the garden is now managed by 30 local families under the continued stewardship of the Municipality (Ref 2, 3). The garden's creation was supported by a team of architects, landscape architects, and agriculturists, and features a variety of herbs and edible plants grown using permaculture methods (Ref 3).
The garden hosts a greenhouse along a range of environmental, recreational, and educational activities, providing an opportunity to foster a more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient community. It also serves as a space for synergies and discussions about the future of the city (Ref 3, 4). Recognized as a good practice, the intervention has been showcased in national, European, and international networks (Ref 2, 4).
Kipos 3, a community garden, is part of the "Green Neighborhoods" project proposed in the Thessaloniki 2030 municipal resilience strategy (ibid.). Established in 2015 on a 600-square-meter plot donated by the municipality, the garden is now managed by 30 local families under the continued stewardship of the Municipality (Ref 2, 3). The garden's creation was supported by a team of architects, landscape architects, and agriculturists, and features a variety of herbs and edible plants grown using permaculture methods (Ref 3).
The garden hosts a greenhouse along a range of environmental, recreational, and educational activities, providing an opportunity to foster a more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient community. It also serves as a space for synergies and discussions about the future of the city (Ref 3, 4). Recognized as a good practice, the intervention has been showcased in national, European, and international networks (Ref 2, 4).
Renovating a park to increase resilience
Parque Central Hermanos Escobar had been neglected for years, but in 2022, it was fully reopened following a public investment aimed at redesigning some of its features. The renovations provided better amenities, new and improved recreational opportunities, and enhanced the city's resilience to flooding and water stress. Although the park already had a dedicated blue space, the renovations increased permeable surfaces (e.g., parking lots) and boosted its water retention capacity with cisterns, stormwater basins, and an artificial lake designed to function "like a natural one" (Ref 1).
The artificial lake was one of the most anticipated additions with a depth of one meter and being used for recreational purposes. It is supplied with water from the existing treatment plant in the park’s western section, which complies with the National Water Commission (Conagua) standards. The lake features recreational facilities, such as boats and a pier, and serves as a habitat for local wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and several amphibian species that have already begun to naturally populate the area. (1,2)
Overall, the improvements were intended to enhance the park's recreational offerings while strengthening the city's defenses against flood risks and water shortages. The local community will have a space to relax and enjoy various facilities, including an open-air auditorium, scenic viewpoints, an indoor pool, and a baseball field, among many other features.
The artificial lake was one of the most anticipated additions with a depth of one meter and being used for recreational purposes. It is supplied with water from the existing treatment plant in the park’s western section, which complies with the National Water Commission (Conagua) standards. The lake features recreational facilities, such as boats and a pier, and serves as a habitat for local wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and several amphibian species that have already begun to naturally populate the area. (1,2)
Overall, the improvements were intended to enhance the park's recreational offerings while strengthening the city's defenses against flood risks and water shortages. The local community will have a space to relax and enjoy various facilities, including an open-air auditorium, scenic viewpoints, an indoor pool, and a baseball field, among many other features.
Fjärding Park
Fjärdingsparken is a city park that has been constructed in two phases, the second finishing in 2023 [Ref. 1]. The initial phase of the plan focuses on building a new kindergarten, and it includes developing the park surrounding the kindergarten to increase locals' access to green space and recreation. The first phase also involved building a football field at the park's edge [Ref. 1, 4, 5]. The second phase continued the park's development focusing on rain water management and biodiversity. The park was constructed so that up to 900 m3 of rainwater can be managed in the park during a 100-year rain, protecting the surrounding area from flooding. This is part of a flooding strategy for the city. The park includes a meadow, aiming to provide habitat for flowers and plants supporting pollinators and butterflies. It also contains amenities such as an outdoor gym, a dog park, and a "play forest" designed for children. The climate impact of constructing the park was evaluated in an attempt to reduce GHG emissions [Ref. 1-3].
Joe Louis Greenway
The Joe Louis Greenway is a 27.5-mile recreational pathway designed to create safe, connected, and equitable spaces throughout Detroit. It will link 23 neighborhoods across Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, and Dearborn, connecting them to each other and to the Detroit riverfront. The greenway will transform a blighted, abandoned rail corridor into a park that runs through the heart of Detroit's communities. (Ref. 2, 3)
This project is guided by a Framework Plan funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and shaped by extensive community input. Residents voiced a strong desire for the greenway to provide off-street recreation and increased access to green spaces across Detroit. Additionally, they advocated for the restoration and remediation of former industrial sites, which the Conrail section of the greenway will address. (Ref. 4) The design incorporates stormwater management to mitigate flooding, native meadow plantings to support bird habitats, and tree-lined paths for shade and improved air quality. The Framework Plan ensures the Joe Louis Greenway will transform infrastructure that once divided neighborhoods into one that unites them, reconnects natural systems, drives economic redevelopment, and fosters a resilient social network. (Ref. 13)
The concept originated in 2007 with the Friends of the Inner Circle Greenway local NGO and became part of the Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision in 2009. The Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision is a comprehensive plan developed by the Detroit Greenways Coalition (NGO), an organization dedicated to promoting non-motorized transportation and green infrastructure throughout the city. After years of advocacy and collaboration with the city of Detroit, the project’s route was finalized. In 2017, Mayor Mike Duggan announced the greenway would be renamed in honor of Joe Louis, the legendary boxer and Detroit native who championed African Americans' rights and symbolized social justice. (Ref. 1, 2,)
This project is guided by a Framework Plan funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and shaped by extensive community input. Residents voiced a strong desire for the greenway to provide off-street recreation and increased access to green spaces across Detroit. Additionally, they advocated for the restoration and remediation of former industrial sites, which the Conrail section of the greenway will address. (Ref. 4) The design incorporates stormwater management to mitigate flooding, native meadow plantings to support bird habitats, and tree-lined paths for shade and improved air quality. The Framework Plan ensures the Joe Louis Greenway will transform infrastructure that once divided neighborhoods into one that unites them, reconnects natural systems, drives economic redevelopment, and fosters a resilient social network. (Ref. 13)
The concept originated in 2007 with the Friends of the Inner Circle Greenway local NGO and became part of the Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision in 2009. The Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision is a comprehensive plan developed by the Detroit Greenways Coalition (NGO), an organization dedicated to promoting non-motorized transportation and green infrastructure throughout the city. After years of advocacy and collaboration with the city of Detroit, the project’s route was finalized. In 2017, Mayor Mike Duggan announced the greenway would be renamed in honor of Joe Louis, the legendary boxer and Detroit native who championed African Americans' rights and symbolized social justice. (Ref. 1, 2,)
There is Life in My Neighborhood
The "Há Vida no Meu Bairro" project is an innovative urban initiative led by the Lisbon City Council aimed at transforming the city into a "15-minute city." This concept ensures that all essential urban functions, such as commerce, green spaces, education, sports, culture, health, and social support, are within a 15-minute walk from residents' homes. The project promotes neighbourhood identity, quality of life, active mobility, and the development of safer, more comfortable public spaces. By integrating these elements, the initiative seeks to create multifunctional neighbourhoods where daily needs can be met locally, reducing dependence on cars and enhancing pedestrian accessibility (Ref 1).
Lisbon's approach is both city-wide and neighbourhood-specific, with pilot projects being developed in collaboration with the city's 24 parishes. These projects focus on improving public spaces and pedestrian mobility, reinforcing the city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement (Ref 2). The initiative also emphasizes the importance of public participation, encouraging residents to contribute to the design and development of their neighbourhoods and enhancement of local identity and green spaces (Ref 3).
Lisbon's approach is both city-wide and neighbourhood-specific, with pilot projects being developed in collaboration with the city's 24 parishes. These projects focus on improving public spaces and pedestrian mobility, reinforcing the city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement (Ref 2). The initiative also emphasizes the importance of public participation, encouraging residents to contribute to the design and development of their neighbourhoods and enhancement of local identity and green spaces (Ref 3).
A Green Promenade for Cagliari
Cagliari's waterfront is currently characterized by extensive soil sealing, which has rendered the soil impermeable, leading to a loss of biodiversity and contributing to the urban heat island effect. Additionally, the waterfront is disconnected from the city due to heavy traffic. In 2023, the Municipality of Cagliari launched the "Green Promenade for Cagliari’s Seafront" project, aimed at revitalizing the waterfront and reconnecting the city with its coastal heritage. Led by Stefano Boeri Architetti, the project seeks to transform the area into a continuous green space that integrates pedestrian pathways with shaded public areas, functioning as a "green lung" to mitigate urban heat and enhance biodiversity.
The initiative will introduce over 200 new trees and 5,700 square meters of green space, creating a park that beautifies the area, improves air quality, and lowers local temperatures. A key focus of the project is fostering cultural and social inclusion by developing new community hubs that encourage diverse activities and strengthen social cohesion. Additional features include recreational areas, sports fields, and outdoor seating. (Ref. 1, 2,3)
The project also aims to enhance social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and urban connectivity, ultimately transforming the waterfront into a vibrant public space that reflects Cagliari’s identity.
However, the lengthy construction process has disrupted local businesses and reduced foot traffic, making the area less attractive during the redevelopment phase. (Refs. 10, 11, 12 & 13).
The initiative will introduce over 200 new trees and 5,700 square meters of green space, creating a park that beautifies the area, improves air quality, and lowers local temperatures. A key focus of the project is fostering cultural and social inclusion by developing new community hubs that encourage diverse activities and strengthen social cohesion. Additional features include recreational areas, sports fields, and outdoor seating. (Ref. 1, 2,3)
The project also aims to enhance social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and urban connectivity, ultimately transforming the waterfront into a vibrant public space that reflects Cagliari’s identity.
However, the lengthy construction process has disrupted local businesses and reduced foot traffic, making the area less attractive during the redevelopment phase. (Refs. 10, 11, 12 & 13).
Vertical Biogarden
The Surco district of Lima has implemented a vertical bio-garden occupying a 685 square meter area within El Aire Park. The garden comprises a 600-meter linear structure supporting 11,000 planters fabricated from recycled plastic bottles. This system yields a substantial crop production of between 400 and 1,500 varieties on a 20-day cycle (1).
Initiated by the Municipality of Santiago de Surco, the bio-garden is designed to contribute to the district's economic, nutritional, and environmental sustainability (1, 2, 3, 5). By cultivating high-protein, nutrient-rich crops, the municipality provides essential sustenance to 24 local community kitchens (1), a local market (3), parishes, and social aid organizations (1).
To optimize crop yield, the municipality has implemented specialized techniques, including seedling cultivation, harvesting, and organic fertilization, to prevent pest and disease infestations (1). Since its implementation in 2020 with an initial 7,000 planters, the project has expanded by 300% to accommodate 11,000 (1). Cultivated plant varieties include medicinal herbs, leafy greens, root vegetables, and infusion ingredients (2, 5).
Additionally, the initiative serves as an educational platform, demonstrating and spreading sustainable home gardening practices utilising recycled materials such as plastic bottles (3, 5).
Initiated by the Municipality of Santiago de Surco, the bio-garden is designed to contribute to the district's economic, nutritional, and environmental sustainability (1, 2, 3, 5). By cultivating high-protein, nutrient-rich crops, the municipality provides essential sustenance to 24 local community kitchens (1), a local market (3), parishes, and social aid organizations (1).
To optimize crop yield, the municipality has implemented specialized techniques, including seedling cultivation, harvesting, and organic fertilization, to prevent pest and disease infestations (1). Since its implementation in 2020 with an initial 7,000 planters, the project has expanded by 300% to accommodate 11,000 (1). Cultivated plant varieties include medicinal herbs, leafy greens, root vegetables, and infusion ingredients (2, 5).
Additionally, the initiative serves as an educational platform, demonstrating and spreading sustainable home gardening practices utilising recycled materials such as plastic bottles (3, 5).
Green Corridor "Lazaro Cardenas" in New Belgrade
Named after the former Mexican president Lázaro Cárdenas, this green corridor project stretches over 4,5 km throughout one of the most densely populated areas in Belgrade. It was first built in the 1970s, connecting the building blocks 45, 44 and 70 of Novi Beograd, but has deteriorated since then (Ref. 4,9). Given the fact that close to 40.000 people live in the area which its highly vulnerable to climate change, action was taken to fully reconstruct the corridor for the benefit of local and surrounding residents (Ref. 3,4).
The project was implemented in three phases, according to the three blocks adjacent to the construction site starting in 2019. During the third implementation phase in 2022, however, major delays occurred due to disagreements with the local neighbourhood association "Common Action Block 70 and 70a", which demanded to be taken into consideration in the project's design (Ref. 2,5). Despite some cooperation between the responsible authority (Greenery Belgrade) and the association, demands could not be met (Ref. 5). In the end, the project was carried out as originally planned by the authorities, with a delay of approximately one year. Ultimately, the green corridor provides ample amenities for sports (bicycle lanes, basketball courts, playgrounds, etc.) and recreational activities (benches, chess area) as well as low-barrier infrastructure for all age groups (Ref. 9).
The project was initiated by President Aleksandar Vučić and supported by the current mayor of Belgrade, Šapić, who both have roots in the district (Ref. 4,6).
The project was implemented in three phases, according to the three blocks adjacent to the construction site starting in 2019. During the third implementation phase in 2022, however, major delays occurred due to disagreements with the local neighbourhood association "Common Action Block 70 and 70a", which demanded to be taken into consideration in the project's design (Ref. 2,5). Despite some cooperation between the responsible authority (Greenery Belgrade) and the association, demands could not be met (Ref. 5). In the end, the project was carried out as originally planned by the authorities, with a delay of approximately one year. Ultimately, the green corridor provides ample amenities for sports (bicycle lanes, basketball courts, playgrounds, etc.) and recreational activities (benches, chess area) as well as low-barrier infrastructure for all age groups (Ref. 9).
The project was initiated by President Aleksandar Vučić and supported by the current mayor of Belgrade, Šapić, who both have roots in the district (Ref. 4,6).
Mangrove Spirit Park
The "Parque Espíritu del Manglar" in Cartagena is a multi-zone public space designed to promote recreation, environmental awareness, and cultural identity. The park, which has undergone a significant reconstruction, offers a wide array of recreational equipment and spaces for contemplation in a natural setting. It is divided into six thematic zones: Entrance Zone; Sports Area, Open-Air Theatre, the Tertulia Island, offering scenic views, public restrooms, and statues such as the iconic "Macondo" tree, a tribute donated by Gabriel García Márquez’s family; Children’s Central Zone, featuring a pirate-themed mangrove ship and an Environmental Observation Deck. (ref 1).
With the reopening of the park, EPA Cartagena introduced an ecological trail on Tertulia Island, where a mangrove restoration process has been carried out, focusing on plant health and climate resilience. This area also hosts wildlife such as macaws, sloths, turtles, raccoons, and green herons—species that cannot be reintroduced into their natural habitats. (ref 2)
The park now serves as an active site for environmental education, particularly for children, with programs addressing solid waste separation, climate change, and the protection of natural resources. Its reopening has also been recognized as a key step in strengthening family-oriented tourism and promoting sustainable urban development in Cartagena. (ref 2)
With the reopening of the park, EPA Cartagena introduced an ecological trail on Tertulia Island, where a mangrove restoration process has been carried out, focusing on plant health and climate resilience. This area also hosts wildlife such as macaws, sloths, turtles, raccoons, and green herons—species that cannot be reintroduced into their natural habitats. (ref 2)
The park now serves as an active site for environmental education, particularly for children, with programs addressing solid waste separation, climate change, and the protection of natural resources. Its reopening has also been recognized as a key step in strengthening family-oriented tourism and promoting sustainable urban development in Cartagena. (ref 2)
GLAS Community Garden in Blanchardstown
A community garden opened in 2023 on the Technological University (TU) Dublin Blanchardstown campus. This environmental education and social inclusion project is a collaborative effort involving Fingal County Council, Global Action Plan Ireland, TU Dublin, and the local community. It provides a space for local groups and schools to grow fresh produce, reconnect with nature, and foster a stronger sense of community.
Rooted in a successful template developed by Global Action Plan in Ballymun, this initiative promotes social and cultural inclusion alongside environmental education. The Green Living & Sustainability Community Garden (GLAS) aims to create an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. More than a site for cultivating plants, flowers, and vegetables, the garden serves as a hub for fostering social connections, enhancing well-being, and offering valuable educational opportunities.
The garden provides individuals with the chance to engage in social horticulture, exploring the connections between food, health, biodiversity, and global issues such as climate change. It operates on organic and regenerative principles, with all tasks and harvests shared by volunteers. Additionally, the garden will support youth gardening projects and public workshops on topics such as growing food, composting, water harvesting, and waste management. Beyond its environmental benefits, the garden helps people connect with one another, positively impacting social, physical, and mental well-being.
Rooted in a successful template developed by Global Action Plan in Ballymun, this initiative promotes social and cultural inclusion alongside environmental education. The Green Living & Sustainability Community Garden (GLAS) aims to create an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. More than a site for cultivating plants, flowers, and vegetables, the garden serves as a hub for fostering social connections, enhancing well-being, and offering valuable educational opportunities.
The garden provides individuals with the chance to engage in social horticulture, exploring the connections between food, health, biodiversity, and global issues such as climate change. It operates on organic and regenerative principles, with all tasks and harvests shared by volunteers. Additionally, the garden will support youth gardening projects and public workshops on topics such as growing food, composting, water harvesting, and waste management. Beyond its environmental benefits, the garden helps people connect with one another, positively impacting social, physical, and mental well-being.
