High

The project aims to protect seagrass meadows, which are vital habitats for the prey of resident dolphins and essential to the local fishing economy. The initiative involves local fisherwomen, called "Keepers of the Sea," in activities such as marine education, awareness campaigns, and monitoring the health of the seagrass meadows (Ref 1). Founded in 2015, Ocean Alive aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ocean conservation, gender equality, quality education, and climate action (Ref 4). The project is supported by partnerships with UNESCO and other organizations, and it extends its efforts to Portuguese-speaking African countries. Ocean Alive’s activities also include advocacy for blue carbon ecosystems and programs that involve community engagement and social innovation (Ref 2, Ref 5).
One of several implementation projects targeted safeguarding the young seagrass meadow at Cambalhão Bay, at the entrance of the Sado estuary, as an Ocean Alive’s initiative in partnership with SeaTrees by Sustainable Surf (Ref. 2). The Cambalhão meadow is made up of 202 patches of seagrass. Unregulated shipping is one of the factors in the degradation of the prairie, and to protect it, Ocean Alive is running a campaign to raise awareness about recreational boating (Ref. 6).

Over the past 10 years, Lima's population has grown from 8.2 to 9.6 million people. As the city's urban sprawl and population density have increased, green spaces have been replaced by grey infrastructure. Consequently, it has become challenging to ensure that residents enjoy a good quality of life (1, 2, 3). In December 2019, Lima City Hall launched "Limeños al Bicentenario," an initiative to revitalise the city's public spaces (1, 3). This program seeks to transform public areas through low-cost interventions, based on criteria such as vulnerability, citizen participation, and catalytic potential, among others (3). It also aims to foster social cohesion by involving residents in the maintenance of these newly renovated areas, while improving the city's resilience to climate change (1, 2, 3). Since its inception, the project has reclaimed 17 public spaces, covering an area of 41,000 m² (3). 430 trees have been planted, and the project has benefited from the collaboration of civil society and private sector partners (3). The programme also focuses on addressing climate change. Heat waves, droughts, floods and mass migration are the main climate-related risks affecting the city. In particular, the expansion of grey infrastructure at the expense of green spaces has exacerbated the risk of heat waves, causing temperatures to rise by up to 3.5 °C in certain areas of Lima (3).
One of the projects involved the recovery of public spaces in Teniente Pavia. For many years, the space was used as a public parking lot, and at night it accumulated garbage, there was alcohol consumption, drug use, and other problematic issues. There was no vegetation, benches or infrastructure for recreation. The neighbours, especially children, did not have access to green areas or recreational spaces (5). For this reason, in 2020 the project was initiated to repair sidewalks, plant vegetation, create gardens, and install infrastructure for play, rest, and exercise (3, 4).

D-Town Farm, located within Detroit’s River Rouge Park, is a landmark urban agriculture initiative led by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN). Since its establishment in 2008, this seven-acre farm—the largest in Detroit—has embodied the organization’s commitment to food sovereignty, justice, and security for the city’s African American community. Each year, the farm cultivates over 30 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs using sustainable and regenerative practices. Key operations include large-scale composting, rainwater retention, solar energy generation, and beekeeping, all of which support its ecological and educational missions.
Beyond production, D-Town Farm serves as a community hub. From May through September, it hosts public events that offer educational and recreational opportunities for children and families. The farm also provides hands-on training for aspiring growers through internships and volunteer programs, fostering community engagement and agricultural skill development. Volunteers play a crucial role in daily operations, with ongoing opportunities available throughout the growing season.
D-Town Farm’s mission extends beyond agriculture, serving as a platform for broader advocacy. By challenging barriers to food access, it addresses food deserts with a focus on empowerment and education. The farm supports the local economy by supplying fresh produce to restaurants, farmers markets, and residents, while its health-focused initiatives, such as the youth-centered Food Warriors Development Program, aim to reduce health disparities within the community.
The DBCFSN’s work at D-Town Farm exemplifies a model of community cooperation and self-determination, promoting equity and justice in the food system. By engaging with both local and broader urban communities, D-Town Farm not only strengthens Detroit’s leadership in urban agriculture but also contributes to food justice movements nationwide.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)

Situated in the southern suburbs of Kunming City, Dianchi is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Yunnan and the sixth largest in China (Refs 1, 2). However, due to rapid industrial development, agricultural activities around the lake, land reclamation, and population growth, Dianchi Lake became severely polluted, ranking among the most contaminated lakes in China. This pollution threatened biodiversity and degraded natural habitats (Refs 1, 2, 3). The introduction of exotic species further disrupted the lake’s ecological balance (Ref 1).
In response, the Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ), with funding from the Chinese Government, World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) launched the Lake Dianchi Freshwater Biodiversity Restoration Project. This initiative aimed to restore natural habitats, improve water quality through biological means, and foster community engagement and institutional capacity, creating a sustainable framework for the long-term conservation of Dianchi's unique freshwater biodiversity (Refs 1, 4).
The project was implemented across four key components: Wetland Management and Restoration, Surveys and Monitoring of Species Conservation, Capacity Building and Training, and Public Awareness (ibid.). The project was rated 'Satisfactory' in terms of outcomes, sustainability, and execution under a comprehensive evaluation framework that employed multiple indicators (Refs 4, 5).

Earthworks Urban Farm, located on Detroit's east side, is a pioneering initiative of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen that integrates sustainable agriculture, social justice, and community development. The Capuchin Soup Kitchen is a religiously affiliated soup kitchen and non-profit organization located in Detroit, Michigan. It was founded by the Capuchin friars to provide food for the poor during the Great Depression and is sponsored by the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph. The farm was founded in 1998 by Brother Rick Samyn, and began as a small garden focused on educating local youth about healthy food and its origins. Over time, this modest garden expanded into a 2.5-acre urban farm, including 1.5 certified organic acres—making it Detroit's only certified organic farm.
The farm’s growth included adding a large plot behind its partner, Gleaners Community Food Bank, as well as establishing an apiary with up to 40 hives, a greenhouse for transplant production, a hoop house for year-round crops, and a community orchard. Earthworks' work has evolved along with its physical space, significantly extending its reach.
A wide variety of vegetables are cultivated here without herbicides or pesticides, with harvests distributed to local residents and included in meals at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, ensuring fresh, nutritious food for those in need. Beyond agriculture, Earthworks serves as a community hub, engaging volunteers, offering educational tours, and supporting thousands of community gardens across Detroit with transplants and expertise.
Committed to evolving its programs, Earthworks has experimented with mobile markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and local market stands, demonstrating its dedication to meeting community needs through sustainable practices.
(Ref.1,2)

The Köprüköy Mosque in Adana, commonly named "green mosque", is one of a kind in Türkiye (Ref. 2,5). Its building and minaret are almost entirely covered by poison ivy and appear in vivid green colour from afar. Founded in 1929, it had to be remodelled in the early 60s as it couldn't sufficiently accommodate worshippers in the growing district. The mosque was then entirely built and rebuilt by the community, with its maintenance overseen by the mosque's protection association (Ref. 4). In the 70s, the ivy was planted and has since helped to protect the building from environmental stressors and keep visitors inside the garden and mosque cool during the summer heat (Ref. 4,5,6) Furthermore, the mosque’s well-maintained garden, home to around 280 species, is adored by local, national, and international visitors and tourists, as well as the media (Ref. 1,3,7). Frequent maintenance and rotation of the garden's flowers keep its appearance and function intact, one of which is the profound impact on visitors’ well-being, with many praising the unique atmosphere of the mosque that evokes peace, comfort, and spirituality (Ref. 1,3,4).
During COVID-19, the mosque could only host worshippers during praying hours, after which it quickly continued to bring people back together to garden, rest and socialize throughout the day (Ref. 1).

The Avas Tomato Community Garden, located in a formerly neglected area of the Avas hill of Miskolc, has transformed from an overgrown, rat-infested, and litter-strewn space into a thriving community garden. Just a few years ago, this site was a source of concern for local residents, plagued by issues such as homelessness and illegal dumping. Today, however, it stands as a flourishing green space with fresh garden beds, composting boxes, a pavilion offering shade to gardeners, and a renewed sense of community spirit.
The seeds of the Avas Tomato Community Garden project were planted in the fall of 2014, led by Zsolt Jakab and Ákos Káli-Nagy. The initiative began with the establishment of the "Panelkertész" club, and by 2016, with the support of a local representative, the garden began to take shape. The gardening community that blossomed in the spring of 2017 was built upon the strong relationships within the established Avas neighborhood. Working together, members constructed the garden beds according to a precise schedule and, through frequent discussions, developed a close-knit community. The garden now consists of 20 large and 6 smaller beds, with 18 families actively growing vegetables, herbs, and spices, alongside raspberry and strawberry plants by the fence.
The community has greatly benefited from both the professional support and supply donations provided by the Miskolc Ecological Institute Foundation. Additionally, the Dialóg Association has played a key role in organizing the garden users and fostering collaboration. Initially, Dialóg appointed a coordinator for the garden, but this responsibility has since been handed over to the gardeners themselves. Owned by the Municipality of Miskolc, the Avas Tomato Community Garden continues to thrive as a model of successful urban gardening, uniting people with a shared passion for gardening and a commitment to building a strong, supportive community.
(Ref.1,2,3)

Over the past two decades, as Phoenix’s population has surged since the 1990s, large expanses of farmland have been paved over to make way for urban development. This transformation has increasingly disconnected the city from its agricultural roots. In 2000, Janna Anderson recognized a growing need for local farms to strengthen their ties with the community and for increased access to fresh, locally sourced produce. With a vision to reconnect the community with its agricultural heritage, she purchased a historic orchard property in southern Phoenix, near South Mountain, in 2011. The property, which included a 1918 adobe home, was transformed into a thriving mixed-fruit orchard.
At Pinnacle Farms, Janna planted over 1,200 trees, including peaches, apricots, and rare Maktoom Dates, which were brought to the U.S. from Iraq in 1910. These heritage crops have unique flavors and textures not commonly found in grocery stores. In 2015, the farm became certified organic, underscoring Janna’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. Her focus is on cultivating varieties that are uniquely suited to the arid Southwest climate, using methods that conserve water and promote soil health.
Janna’s approach to farming also highlights the potential of heritage varieties to support food security in the desert. By growing these rare and resilient crops, she not only preserves biodiversity but also brings attention to how such practices can contribute to a more sustainable, local food system. Pinnacle Farms serves as a living reminder of Phoenix’s agricultural history, a place where fertile soil and sustainable farming practices continue to thrive. The farm embodies the deep agricultural roots of the region, connecting Phoenix’s past to its future and proving that the city’s rich farming tradition is far from lost. (1, 2, 6, 8)

The last large-scale park in Iași was opened in 1923, and since then, the city has lacked any significant new green spaces. With the European Union recommending at least 26 square meters of green space per resident and the city's increasing urban density, the need for a new park is undeniable.
To address this, the Municipality of Iași is launching its first major park project in over a century. The project aims to transform the current CTP depot (tram station) into a 4.5-hectare, accessible green space in a densely populated area with strong development potential. This new park is envisioned as a green oasis that will enhance residents' quality of life while promoting environmental sustainability and urban renewal.
The initiative has received widespread public support, with citizens proposing the creation of a local museum to honor the tram station’s historical significance—one of the oldest in the city, with over 100 years of history. A consultation process has been established, involving local residents, NGOs, and a group of experts, including urban planners, architects, and mobility and environment officials, all contributing to the planning stage. Public suggestions for the park include underground parking, recreational and exercise facilities, and a diverse range of vegetation. Ensuring accessibility for all citizens and visitors is also a key priority in the park's design.
The municipality has allocated 300,000 euros for a solutions contest to finalize the approach to redeveloping the tram station. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9)

Phoenix is grappling with severe urban heat problems. As the city continues to grow, it is expected to experience a rise in temperatures of three to five degrees on average in the coming years. This makes urban heat a significant concern, especially for vulnerable populations. Phoenix’s extensive urban sprawl, combined with a lack of green space, has exacerbated the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas due to the high concentration of concrete, asphalt, and infrastructure. In 2022, Nick Lodato, the principal of Emerson Elementary School, wanted to mark the school's 100th anniversary in a meaningful way. He decided that planting trees would be the perfect way to celebrate this milestone while also benefiting the community. The tree planting event not only symbolized the school's strong sense of community but also represented an investment in its sustainable future. Prior to the project, Emerson had only 9% tree canopy cover, which was far below what is necessary to address some of the pressing environmental challenges Phoenix faces.
Tree cover has become critical infrastructure for heat mitigation. Trees provide natural shade and help cool the environment by reducing surface temperatures, which in turn lowers energy consumption and promotes better public health. In addition to offering shade, the native, drought-tolerant trees and plants planted at Emerson will also contribute to carbon sequestration, purify the air, and improve mental health by creating more green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities.
To complete this project, Emerson Elementary partnered with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance (ASA), a local nonprofit. Together, they planted over 100 trees and plants across the school’s campus, with approximately 125 people attending the event. Volunteers included students and their parents, Tau Psi Omega fraternity members, APS employees, neighbors, former Emerson students and teachers. (1-3)