Recovery of Santa Gilla Lagoon
The Santa Gilla lagoon, a crucial wetland in the Cagliari metropolitan area of Sardinia, has been the focus of several interventions aimed at restoring and preserving its natural and socio-economic functions. The overarching goal of these projects is to rehabilitate the lagoon's ecosystems, improve public accessibility, and promote sustainable economic activities such as eco-tourism and fishing. One significant intervention is the restoration of pedestrian and cycling paths around the lagoon, managed by CACIP (Consorzio Industriale Provinciale di Cagliari) in collaboration with the Metropolitan City of Cagliari. With over two million euros in funding, this project aimed to recover the original profiles of the lagoon's embankments, while removing waste from the area and enhancing the paths for non-motorized mobility (2). Another crucial development was the legal action taken by the Corpo Forestale (Forestry Corps) in 2020 to address illegal constructions and pollution along the lagoon's eastern shores. This action included the sequestration of areas used for illegal fishing activities, where hazardous materials and waste were improperly disposed of, leading to environmental degradation (1). Furthermore, environmental groups have made continuous efforts to address illegal dumping near the lagoon, particularly along the SS 195 highway. These groups have actively sought the intervention of local authorities to initiate cleanup operations and enforce regulations against illegal waste disposal (4). The projects were implemented primarily to address the significant environmental hazards facing the Santa Gilla lagoon, including pollution from illegal dumping, habitat degradation due to unauthorized constructions, and the overall loss of biodiversity. These activities also aimed to mitigate the socio-economic risks posed by the deteriorating environmental conditions, such as the decline in tourism and sustainable fishing practices (1,2,4).
Urban Farming Education Garden Install at Valencia Newcomer School
In Phoenix, over half a million people are facing hunger, including schoolchildren, working parents, seniors on fixed incomes, and other marginalized groups. Factors such as limited food access and poor food quality—commonly referred to as 'food deserts'—worsen the problem. Food deserts are areas where residents have little to no access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Of the 55 food deserts in Maricopa County, 43 are located in Phoenix, affecting nearly half of the city's population
Agave Environmental Contracting, an NGO, is working to address food scarcity through education. The organization founded the Urban Farming Education (UFE) program to teach people how to grow their own food as a solution to food insecurity and to promote agricultural opportunities throughout the Valley. The goal of UFE is to educate individuals on creating their own gardens for sustenance, ecotherapy, social impact, and even urban farming for profit.
The program specifically targets schools, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, foster care prevention centers, and communities with disabled or elderly residents. In 2024, UFE partnered with the Valencia Newcomer School to install raised garden beds filled with roses and fruit trees. This project provided hands-on STEM learning during the installation, fostered networking opportunities through industry experts and community members, and helped promote the UFE program. It also highlighted how the initiative contributes to urban farming education and empowers local communities. (1-5, 7)
Agave Environmental Contracting, an NGO, is working to address food scarcity through education. The organization founded the Urban Farming Education (UFE) program to teach people how to grow their own food as a solution to food insecurity and to promote agricultural opportunities throughout the Valley. The goal of UFE is to educate individuals on creating their own gardens for sustenance, ecotherapy, social impact, and even urban farming for profit.
The program specifically targets schools, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, foster care prevention centers, and communities with disabled or elderly residents. In 2024, UFE partnered with the Valencia Newcomer School to install raised garden beds filled with roses and fruit trees. This project provided hands-on STEM learning during the installation, fostered networking opportunities through industry experts and community members, and helped promote the UFE program. It also highlighted how the initiative contributes to urban farming education and empowers local communities. (1-5, 7)
Productive Forest’ reforestation project
The rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Legal Amazon in 2023 was consolidated at 9,064 km2. Initiatives that promote forest restoration in this biome are emerging to overcome this scenario. One such initiative is Floresta Productiva which aims to reforest more than 200 hectares of degraded land in the southwest of the Brazilian Amazon, known as the ‘arc of deforestation’ (1). Led by the Instituto Socioambiental in partnership with the NGO Rioterra, it focuses on creating and disseminating native forest restoration models that combine ecosystem recovery with income generation for rural producers in Porto Velho (2). By fully integrating local communities, the project promotes traditional agroforestry practices (muvuca) and trains communities to maintain the planted land. This not only restores the forest but also provides economic benefits through the cultivation of timber, fruit trees and other species (2), strengthening sustainable agriculture, breaking the cycle of deforestation and restoring deforested areas through various native species grown in nurseries (1). The project is being developed in the cultivation area of the Amazon Bioeconomy Centre (CBCA), from 2023 to 2025, where it will directly benefit the rural community of Vila Nova de Teotônio (3).
The project started in 2019 and has impacted other communities in the area, such as the communities in Nova Mutum Paraná and Ji-Paraná (1). During these years, more than 123,000 trees have been planted in agroforestry on about 110 hectares of land, and edible forests have been created. Since 2022, a new planting phase has been underway, to plant more than 100,000 trees of 87 native species on 40 hectares of degraded forest (4). In conclusion, this project focuses on the development of agroforestry in the face of widespread monospecific soybean fields and intensive cattle ranching (3); the creation of edible forests (3); and the restoration of forest cover to ensure the long-term resilience of the forest (3).
The project started in 2019 and has impacted other communities in the area, such as the communities in Nova Mutum Paraná and Ji-Paraná (1). During these years, more than 123,000 trees have been planted in agroforestry on about 110 hectares of land, and edible forests have been created. Since 2022, a new planting phase has been underway, to plant more than 100,000 trees of 87 native species on 40 hectares of degraded forest (4). In conclusion, this project focuses on the development of agroforestry in the face of widespread monospecific soybean fields and intensive cattle ranching (3); the creation of edible forests (3); and the restoration of forest cover to ensure the long-term resilience of the forest (3).
The Dublin Open Air Laboratory
The Ringsend Open-Air Laboratory project in Dublin, Ireland, is part of a broader effort to adapt urban areas to increasing climate change risks. This initiative focuses on installing green roofs and deploying a network of environmental sensors to enhance urban resilience. Launched in 2018 under the Horizon 2020 OPERANDUM project, the effort seeks to find nature-based solutions for climate change impacts worldwide. Led by the University of Bologna, OPERANDUM involves over 20 partners, primarily in Europe, working together to address environmental challenges like flooding, drought, and coastal erosion through the establishment of ten "Open Air Laboratories" globally.
In Dublin, the project aims to bolster flood resilience in Ringsend, a critical economic area near the city’s tech district, which faces substantial flood risks due to its low elevation and proximity to the Dodder River. This river, which flows through both rural and urban areas before meeting the River Liffey near Ringsend, has caused property and infrastructure damage from extreme rainfall and combined river and tidal flooding.
Green roofs play a key role in mitigating urban flood risks in this project. These rooftop gardens absorb large volumes of rainfall before it reaches the streets, easing the load on existing flood prevention systems like storm drains and gullies and reducing the need for additional "grey" infrastructure. Based on community insights and recommendations, construction has begun on a green roof on top of the CHQ building in Dublin’s Docklands, in partnership with Dogpatch Labs.Complementing this, over 100 sensors have been deployed in recent research trials across Dublin. OPERANDUM researchers are now building on this foundation to create a denser, more reliable, and cost-effective sensor network, with data from earlier low-cost sensor trials made publicly accessible via Dublinked, Dublin’s open data platform, and exploring the use of LPWAN for environmental sensing. (1-5, 7)
In Dublin, the project aims to bolster flood resilience in Ringsend, a critical economic area near the city’s tech district, which faces substantial flood risks due to its low elevation and proximity to the Dodder River. This river, which flows through both rural and urban areas before meeting the River Liffey near Ringsend, has caused property and infrastructure damage from extreme rainfall and combined river and tidal flooding.
Green roofs play a key role in mitigating urban flood risks in this project. These rooftop gardens absorb large volumes of rainfall before it reaches the streets, easing the load on existing flood prevention systems like storm drains and gullies and reducing the need for additional "grey" infrastructure. Based on community insights and recommendations, construction has begun on a green roof on top of the CHQ building in Dublin’s Docklands, in partnership with Dogpatch Labs.Complementing this, over 100 sensors have been deployed in recent research trials across Dublin. OPERANDUM researchers are now building on this foundation to create a denser, more reliable, and cost-effective sensor network, with data from earlier low-cost sensor trials made publicly accessible via Dublinked, Dublin’s open data platform, and exploring the use of LPWAN for environmental sensing. (1-5, 7)
Al-Samad Preparatory and Secondary Schools Tree Planting
Alexandria is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable cities, facing serious environmental challenges that threaten its landscape, culture, and livability. The city is grappling with rising sea levels, pollution, extreme fluctuations in temperature, and the intensifying urban heat island effect, all of which are worsened by climate change. The past decade has seen a steady decline in Alexandria’s parks and green areas, a trend that has raised significant concerns among environmentalists and the public. The shrinking green spaces are largely due to rapid urban expansion and the development of commercial projects, which are gradually pushing Alexandria's environmental balance and cultural heritage to the edge.
In recognition of these pressing issues, Egypt launched the "100 Million Trees Initiative" in 2022 as part of its Egypt Vision 2030, a national plan for sustainable development. The initiative aims to increase the per capita share of green space throughout the country, with objectives that include improving air quality, enhancing public health, countering the urban heat island effect, and reducing greenhouse gases. The initiative is also focused on improving the beauty and cultural value of Egypt's urban areas, aligning with broader goals to build sustainable and climate-resilient cities. Alexandria, being a coastal city that is both environmentally sensitive and culturally significant, has been a focal point of these efforts.
As part of this national campaign, the Governor of Alexandria was tasked with overseeing the enhancement and expansion of green spaces across the city, focusing on both the aesthetics and cultural aspects of the urban landscape. In 2023, these efforts took root in the Al-Muntazah 2 neighborhood, where 596 trees were planted as a contribution to the 100 Million Trees Initiative. This project included the Al-Samad Preparatory and Secondary Schools campus as one of its primary planting sites. (1-5)
In recognition of these pressing issues, Egypt launched the "100 Million Trees Initiative" in 2022 as part of its Egypt Vision 2030, a national plan for sustainable development. The initiative aims to increase the per capita share of green space throughout the country, with objectives that include improving air quality, enhancing public health, countering the urban heat island effect, and reducing greenhouse gases. The initiative is also focused on improving the beauty and cultural value of Egypt's urban areas, aligning with broader goals to build sustainable and climate-resilient cities. Alexandria, being a coastal city that is both environmentally sensitive and culturally significant, has been a focal point of these efforts.
As part of this national campaign, the Governor of Alexandria was tasked with overseeing the enhancement and expansion of green spaces across the city, focusing on both the aesthetics and cultural aspects of the urban landscape. In 2023, these efforts took root in the Al-Muntazah 2 neighborhood, where 596 trees were planted as a contribution to the 100 Million Trees Initiative. This project included the Al-Samad Preparatory and Secondary Schools campus as one of its primary planting sites. (1-5)
A Paceño, a Tree
The initiative consists of an afforestation campaign promoted by the local government of La Paz, with the objective of planting 10,000 trees and shrubs (1 & 2). Carried out between 2023 and 2024, the campaign included plantations across all the macrodistricts of La Paz (1). To ensure the campaign's success, the municipality encouraged the participation of volunteers from various institutions, such as public services, environmental groups, schools and universities, neighborhood associations, church groups, and even Army and Navy units (1 & 2). The trees play specific roles in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, reducing odors from nearby landfills, and decreasing the risk of landslides and soil erosion (3 & 4). Furthermore, the campaign aims to foster environmental awareness among citizens and replace trees lost due to illegal deforestation (1).
The species selected for planting were provided by EMAVERDE, the public company responsible for managing green spaces in the city. The selection included primarily native species, along with a few introduced ones, all chosen for their resilience to La Paz's varying climate conditions (1, 2 & 4). Given the challenging climate and difficult soil conditions, the municipality informed volunteers about the importance of maintaining the saplings, particularly during drought periods, to ensure their proper growth (1 & 2). The campaign also supported the municipality’s urban development plan (Plan Territorial de Desarrollo Integral "Para Vivir Bien") and the "Plan Integral de Recuperación de la Tormenta a la Esperanza," the latter developed in response to extreme rain events and floods that occurred during the campaign months (5).
The species selected for planting were provided by EMAVERDE, the public company responsible for managing green spaces in the city. The selection included primarily native species, along with a few introduced ones, all chosen for their resilience to La Paz's varying climate conditions (1, 2 & 4). Given the challenging climate and difficult soil conditions, the municipality informed volunteers about the importance of maintaining the saplings, particularly during drought periods, to ensure their proper growth (1 & 2). The campaign also supported the municipality’s urban development plan (Plan Territorial de Desarrollo Integral "Para Vivir Bien") and the "Plan Integral de Recuperación de la Tormenta a la Esperanza," the latter developed in response to extreme rain events and floods that occurred during the campaign months (5).
Nairobi River Basin Programme (NRBP)
Rapid urbanization and a population density of 6,247 people per km² have placed significant stress on Nairobi's natural resources (Ref 1). The 40-km long Nairobi River Basin, originating from the Ondiri Swamp, serves as a vital water source for the city (Ref 1, 2). However, it has suffered severe pollution from untreated sewage, solid waste, industrial contaminants, plastics, and agricultural runoff (Ref 1, 3). This degradation has had a serious impact on the ecosystem, local residents, and biodiversity (Ref 3).
To address these issues, the Nairobi River Basin Programme (NRBP), sponsored by UNEP, was launched in 1999 (Ref 4). Since then, government and non-state actors have worked together on solid waste management, riparian restoration, and wastewater control (Ref 1). The program was implemented in two phases: Phase I (2003–2006) and Phase II (2006–2009), involving stakeholders from the government, private sector, and civil society (Ref 1, 4, 5). Despite these efforts, a study from 2017 found significant tree removal along the river, and between 1988 and 2014, encroachment into the 30-meter riparian buffer zone dramatically increased, particularly between 2010 and 2014, further degrading the river’s health (Ref 1).
To address these issues, the Nairobi River Basin Programme (NRBP), sponsored by UNEP, was launched in 1999 (Ref 4). Since then, government and non-state actors have worked together on solid waste management, riparian restoration, and wastewater control (Ref 1). The program was implemented in two phases: Phase I (2003–2006) and Phase II (2006–2009), involving stakeholders from the government, private sector, and civil society (Ref 1, 4, 5). Despite these efforts, a study from 2017 found significant tree removal along the river, and between 1988 and 2014, encroachment into the 30-meter riparian buffer zone dramatically increased, particularly between 2010 and 2014, further degrading the river’s health (Ref 1).
Planting the Future and Cultivating Life
The project ‘Planting the Future and Cultivating Life’ aims to create an ecological corridor in the city by reforesting an area of 28 hectares, under the direction of the Porto Velho City Council. It encourages citizen participation in tree planting activities or the management of green areas. To this end, the municipality is carrying out tree planting programmes in parks, squares and along public roads, encouraging citizens to get involved in this endeavour by actively participating in tree planting actions, caring for trees already on their property or raising awareness of the importance of these actions. (1) They seek to involve organisations such as schools, colleges, companies, associations and public organisations to increase the community's and young people's interest in responsible practices and positive attitudes to value and preserve the environment (1).
To achieve this goal, the Porto Velho city council organised a tree-planting day on October 23rd 2023, where 31,000 tree seedlings of native and fruit trees were planted in the Park Passarela Espaço Alternativo (1, 7). This was done with the support of the Municipal Secretariat of Environment and Development (1). This activity is part of the project Virada Ambiental, which seeks to promote the planting of native trees in municipalities across the country, raising awareness of the importance of planting native species and training municipal civil servants and the general public (3, 5). The National Confederation of Municipalities also supports this project and aims to mobilise society to encourage the planting of native trees to rescue biodiversity and recover environmental services, favouring social welfare by promoting tourism, and outdoor sports activities (6), providing shade, protecting the soil and combating high temperatures (2).
To achieve this goal, the Porto Velho city council organised a tree-planting day on October 23rd 2023, where 31,000 tree seedlings of native and fruit trees were planted in the Park Passarela Espaço Alternativo (1, 7). This was done with the support of the Municipal Secretariat of Environment and Development (1). This activity is part of the project Virada Ambiental, which seeks to promote the planting of native trees in municipalities across the country, raising awareness of the importance of planting native species and training municipal civil servants and the general public (3, 5). The National Confederation of Municipalities also supports this project and aims to mobilise society to encourage the planting of native trees to rescue biodiversity and recover environmental services, favouring social welfare by promoting tourism, and outdoor sports activities (6), providing shade, protecting the soil and combating high temperatures (2).
Wet meadow restoration in Sjöhåla
In Sjöhåla, west of Kungälv, an abandoned pasture on a wet meadow by the coast was restored by reintroducing grazing, clearing bushes and reeds, digging ponds and renovating stone walls. The aim was to increase biodiversity in the area and to promote the production of local organic meat. Additionally, the project made it easier for visitors to pass through the area for recreational purposes. The project was carried out by the municipality of Kungälv and the non-profit organisation Omställning Kungälv, and involved other local associations, farmers and citizens. It was funded through the "Local nature conservation investment" by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. As a result of the project, the area is more accessible, and many species of plants, insects, and birds have been found. [Ref. 1-3]
Chickasabogue Park upgrade
Chickasabogue Park, a 1,100-acre outdoor recreation facility and wildlife refuge in Eight Mile, Alabama, is the largest park in Mobile County (Ref 3). Since 2022, the park has undergone extensive renovations aimed at increasing public access to green spaces and shoreline recreational areas, particularly along Chickasabogue Creek, while offering a variety of outdoor activities in a natural setting and preserving local biodiversity (Ref. 3).
The improvements focus on enhancing the day-use area, including upgrades to the playground, a splash pad, basketball courts (adapted to heavy rains with water-permeable materials), and a ball field (Ref 1, Ref 2). Additionally, a new pavilion site and an events and interpretive centre are being developed (Ref 1, Ref 2). Sidewalks and family-friendly walking trails are being built, and improvements are also being made to the park's mountain bike trail and disc golf course (Ref 2), providing more opportunities for outdoor physical activities in nature. Other significant upgrades include the creation of a restroom and a new parking lot with permeable pavers to prevent flooding (Ref 2). Critical infrastructure work is underway, including the installation of underground utilities, water, sewer systems, and roadwork (Ref 2). Furthermore, a new Recreational Vehicles (RV) campground with 38 spaces is in the works (Ref 2).
These upgrades are part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring the public can quickly access and enjoy natural resources (Ref 2). The renovation also emphasises the cultural heritage and historical significance of the park, with plans to use architecture, design, and artefacts to honour the different cultures that once lived in the area (Ref 2). The next phase includes seeking funding to renovate the beach area and construct a new boat ramp (Ref 1).
The improvements focus on enhancing the day-use area, including upgrades to the playground, a splash pad, basketball courts (adapted to heavy rains with water-permeable materials), and a ball field (Ref 1, Ref 2). Additionally, a new pavilion site and an events and interpretive centre are being developed (Ref 1, Ref 2). Sidewalks and family-friendly walking trails are being built, and improvements are also being made to the park's mountain bike trail and disc golf course (Ref 2), providing more opportunities for outdoor physical activities in nature. Other significant upgrades include the creation of a restroom and a new parking lot with permeable pavers to prevent flooding (Ref 2). Critical infrastructure work is underway, including the installation of underground utilities, water, sewer systems, and roadwork (Ref 2). Furthermore, a new Recreational Vehicles (RV) campground with 38 spaces is in the works (Ref 2).
These upgrades are part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring the public can quickly access and enjoy natural resources (Ref 2). The renovation also emphasises the cultural heritage and historical significance of the park, with plans to use architecture, design, and artefacts to honour the different cultures that once lived in the area (Ref 2). The next phase includes seeking funding to renovate the beach area and construct a new boat ramp (Ref 1).
