Collection of monitoring data at specific time intervals during the project to aid evaluation

Grassland habitats are considered among the most threatened ecosystems in Europe, in particular, dry grasslands which are being constantly and significantly reduced (ref.9).
The NBS intervention consists of the restoration and conservation of two priority habitats of dry grassland (protected areas):(i) Festuco-Brometalia grasslands, are among the most species-rich plant communities in Europe and contain a large number of rare and endangered species; (ii) Pseudo-steppe of Thero-Brachypodietea (ref.1).
The project will take place in three sites on the Apennines: two within the Rome Province and one within the Potenza province, both part of the Mediterranean biogeographical region (ref.9).

The project focuses on the conservation of a locally rare plant (Dictamnus albus L.) and the community of its natural pollinators. At present, European natural populations of Dictamnus albus are declining because of the scarcity of pollination service; in addition to this, suitable habitats (woodland fringes and clearings) are becoming rare due to land-use changes as a result of the abandonment of traditional agro-sylvo-pastoral activities. This project assesses these issues by re-introducing and monitoring the plant in its natural habitat while re-establishing a suitable habitat for the plants and their natural pollinators (1).

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is endorsing - Edinburgh Adapts - the city’s first climate change adaptation action plan as a demonstration site of the ClimateXChange project. The 2012 persistent heavy raining incident brought flooding and damage to beds, lawns and paths at RBGE. A study is being carried out to see the impact of weather events on their gardens and how this can be used to best deal with projected climate change. Horticulture and visitor services staff at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and its Regional Gardens are already adapting to climate uncertainty. (ref 2, 3)

Craigmillar Town Centre Temporary Greening project transformed a vacant development site in Craigmillar which is reserved for a new high school, not scheduled to be built until late 2020, into a temporary green space. The site is at the centre of the wider Craigmillar regeneration area, adjacent to the newly-built Community Hub and neighbouring plots at varying stages of development. EDI's PARC Craigmillar Ltd is responsible for the regeneration in Craigmilar, working in partnership with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) and the City of Edinburgh Council. The initiative will create a meanwhile space for community use, while works begin on the town centre development. The greening will allow the area to become an active space for the local community to enjoy and ease the construction process. Craigmillar Town Centre Temporary Greening forms part of a wider plan for the redevelopment of Craigmillar Town Centre. The masterplan, which was approved in December 2014, includes 330 homes, a retail centre, restaurant, community play area and high school – where the temporary greenspace will be situated until building commences. (ref 1, 3)

The park of "Bois d'Avaize", with an area of 30 ha, is located south-east of Saint-Étienne on a hill site between 540 and 640 m altitude. A former mining site, operated from the 15th century until 1931, it was gradually reclaimed by vegetation before being converted into a municipal park in 1996 (Ref. 1). In 2016, the site was selected for the development of a project to enhance biodiversity by creating of a conservatory orchard, increasing amphibian-friendly habitats (with creation of ponds), and improving the connection of the park with the Pilat massif (a mountainous area) (Ref. 1). It is classified with the label "Natura 2000" for the conservation of natural environments for the richness of its fauna and flora (Ref. 1). Work was undertaken between 2017-2018 with management and monitoring set to occur from 2018-2050 (Ref. 1).

The lagoon has a great local significance for its biodiversity with the presence of certain species of rare birds regularly stationed in this area. Much of the biotope was degraded in the last decade by systematic embankments, constructions, as well as the inconvenience caused by various man-made pressures. A project was developed to reconstruct the area within the framework of a collaboration of the Institute of Marine Biological Resources, Inland Waters of HCMR, and Hellenic Ornology Company. The project offers directions for completing a protected region and proposes specific projects and actions of scientific monitoring, ecological rehabilitation, regeneration, and promotion. (Ref 3)

The Green Bridge at the D2 motorway in Moravian Svätý Ján (Dúbrava locality) is a project under the Alpine Carpathian Corridor Project (ERDF). The project deals with biodiversity and is focused on building a safe and efficient passage for migrating animals over the D2 motorway connecting Bratislava and Brno (Czech Republic). The mountain ranges of the Alps and the Carpathians, which straddle the border of Austria and Slovakia, are the largest sources of biodiversity in Central Europe. The Corridor’s structure has created a forum for the managers of these regions to share ideas and develop solutions that can be applied within the entire region, instead of only per protected area. To ensure long-term continuity, key stakeholders are party to a Memorandum of Understanding that can contribute to sustainability in their area of responsibility. (1, 5, 6)

This project was implemented on the rooftop of a ten-floor building with a floor space of 1.4 hectares, with the implementation of a green roof of 650m2. The motivation behind this was to study the thermodynamic impact of a green roof in hot Athens. Results concluded that the greenroof significantly affected the thermal performance of the building. Energy savings of 50% were observed for air conditioning on the floor directly below the installation. In addition to the energy-saving benefits, the study also found increased biodiversity in the area. A plethora of birds and beneficial insects were observed on the roof, ranging from robin redbreasts, yellowhammers, yellow tits, coal tits, and sparrows to kestrels hovering high above eyeing up the smaller birds. Other species such as honey bees, tiger swallowtail, monarch butterflies, dragonflies and ladybugs were also seen (Ref 1). The study suggested in improved micro-climate and biodiversity of the constitution square (Ref 1, 6, 7).

The revitalisation of the park Gaštanica Koliba in Bratislava Nove Mesto is intended to stop the degradation of its ecosystem, preserving existing vegetation while improving the local climate and efficient use of rainwater. Over 100 trees were treated, including some of the local population of chestnut trees. A local seepage pit was installed to retain water both to the benefit of the local vegetation as well as to prevent erosion and landslides. The park has also been fitted with recreational facilities and is now illuminated to improve its accessibility for the local population. (7, 8, 9)

Larkhill Gardens Lake improvement is a collaborative project between the City Council, the Environment Agency and the local community. It is part of the long-term project, Liverpool Park Lakes Project, whose aim is to tackle many problems faced by shallow park lakes. Larkhill Gardens Lake (4936m2) a circular shaped, steep, vertical hard-banked lake, situated in a small estates garden in the city. Like many lakes, Larkhill Gardens Lake experienced problems linked to structural decline, lack of water, poor water quality, poor habitat quality, loss of management of the user and lack of proactive management by the City Council. The improvement of the lake included changing its structure to create a deep-water fishing area, shallow water area and wetland.
The project was funded by a partnership between Liverpool City Council and the Environment Agency (Reference 1).