Maintenance and management of urban nature

The intervention of the Ecological Park of La Molina is an urban-landscape design project developed between the San Martín de Porres University, through the IVUC, the Institute of Housing, Urban Planning and Construction, and the Municipality of La Molina (7). This is the first ecological park in the city of Lima, located in a characteristic ecosystem such as Las Lomas, between 600-1000 m.a.s.l. (1). It is a natural area that is part of the hill system of Villa María del Triunfo, located in the Subtropical Coastal Desert ecoregion, and is part of the Regional Conservation Area ‘Sistema de Lomas de Lima’ (7). The City Council decided to open this space in 2022 to the public, as a 200-hectare area, designed to bring people closer to nature, through outdoor activities and environmental education about its fauna, flora and microclimates (1). Thus, citizens can enjoy a recreational area with multi-purpose spaces and sports circuits; a cultural area where workshops and an open-air amphitheatre are held; an ecological interpretation area with exhibition galleries and an interpretative route; and an administrative and control area (1). The park also envisages reforestation efforts in areas that are currently arid and infertile to convert them into green areas for the enjoyment of citizens (1). In 2023, conservation efforts were reinforced for an additional 50 hectares, due to the danger posed by encroachment and land trafficking (4).

The municipality of Ciudad Juarez, in collaboration with UN-Habitat, has drafted a redevelopment strategy for an area known as "Paso de Oñate." This intervention falls within the broader framework of "Vision Ciudad Juarez 2040." The plan involves constructing a forested green belt along the southern edge of the Rio Grande (/Bravo) in the northwest part of Juarez, bordering the USA.
Currently in the planning stage, the project aims to restore the ecological function of various degraded areas along the Rio Grande, transforming them into a continuous, green, walkable, and recreational space. The strategy includes allowing vegetation to recover, introducing native plant species, and increasing tree cover to rehabilitate unmaintained parks, derelict areas, and degraded riverbanks. These areas will be equipped with new features and integrated with existing parks, schools, and playgrounds. The envisioned green corridor will enhance walking conditions, improve the perception of safety, offer recreational opportunities for all age groups, and deliver valuable ecosystem services such as temperature regulation, improved air quality, and water retention.
In addition to its ecological goals, the project has a historical and geographical dimension. It aims to incorporate cultural heritage elements, such as the monument of the New Citizen, Paso de Oñate, Turtles Park, and the beginning of the Acequia Madre. It will also connect with other green space initiatives, including the Mega Park "El Chamizal" and the "Corredor Cultural," which runs through the city center.
This intervention is being prioritized due to the area's ongoing social and ecological decline. Paso de Oñate is a critical border crossing point, which negatively affects mobility and air quality. The area also suffers from a high concentration of vacant housing, which contributes to the residents' perception of insecurity. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4)

Fondo Unido Chihuahua, in collaboration with its corporate partners, is committed to raising awareness about environmental care and reforestation. One of its flagship initiatives is the annual tree-planting campaign, "Planting Today to Have Oxygen Tomorrow," organized by United Way Chihuahua in Ciudad Juárez. This environmental initiative focuses on improving the quality of different urban green spaces (parks, school grounds, streets) while fostering ecological awareness in vulnerable communities across the city. The primary objective is to plant a significant number of trees throughout Ciudad Juárez, using native species that are water-efficient and well-adapted to the local climate and soil. In 2022 the initiative aimed to reforest 18 parks located mainly in the south-eastern part of this border city with 1,000 trees. In 2023 and 2024 the intervention focused on planting 850 trees scatted all over the city.

The campaign brings together donations and volunteers through partnerships with various stakeholders, including local and regional governments, private companies, community organizations, and the general public.
United Way Chihuahua oversees the planning, coordination, and logistical efforts for the campaign. On planting days, volunteers gather at designated sites, guided by the organization to ensure successful planting efforts and community engagement (Ref 1-4).

The Ciénaga de las Quintas is a coastal wetland located alongside one of Cartagena’s main roads, adjacent to the public market square and situated between the Jiménez and Bazurto Bridges. It is home to two predominant mangrove species (Ref 1). The wetland currently faces pollution problems because it is used for the disposal of solid waste, such as plastics and construction materials, and it receives wastewater and household garbage from nearby residences. Las Quintas is also the main waste disposal area for the Bazurto market, which handles 43,430 tons of food products each month (ref 3). The recovery initiatives for the Ciénaga de las Quintas are led by the Environmental Public Establishment of Cartagena (EPA Cartagena) in collaboration with other public institutions, the private sector, and citizens, with the main goal of achieving the ecological restoration of the city's water bodies and to maintain and preserve our mangrove ecosystems (ref 2). Since 2020, key implementation activities have included the removal of solid waste, planting of native tree species, dismantling of informal structures within the mangrove zone, and the rehabilitation of areas previously occupied by debris (Refs 4, 5).

For a Forest in Your Neighborhood" is an afforestation campaign by the DDOR insurance group, launched in 2022 as part of their Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG) commitments (Ref. 1). Site selection was based on online votings, with thousands of votes being casted from 188 towns across Serbia (Ref. 2). In the end, the fifteen most popular cities were selected for project implementation. As a result, hundreds of trees were planted, including 25 trees along the promenade of Belgrade’s Ušće Park in 2023 (Ref. 3). Ultimately, the initiative aims to create and enhance urban green spaces, to improve air quality and living conditions in Serbian cities (Ref. 5). The success of the campaign encouraged DDOR to extend the campaign in 2024, financed through their eco-insurance schemes (Ref. 4)

The requalification project for Viale Buoncammino in Cagliari aims to revitalize the historic promenade while preserving its original layout and functions. Launched in September 2022 and completed in 2023, the project focused on enhancing the area’s aesthetic and environmental appeal. Key improvements include expanding green spaces by adding 560 new square meters, enhancing vegetation, and reducing surface runoff. This involves increasing permeable surfaces around existing trees to boost natural vegetation, improve bioclimatic comfort, and manage runoff during heavy rains.

The project also includes reconstructing pavements, optimizing seating areas, and repositioning urban furniture for better functionality and aesthetics. A modern LED lighting system will be installed to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, supporting the project's sustainability goals. The area is included between via Anfiteatro, viale Buoncammino and viale Giussani and also includes the squares F.Pilia and Marongiu-Pernis. The project aims to restore Viale Buoncammino as a dynamic social and cultural hub in Cagliari, appealing to both residents and visitors. (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).

The Vera Park is a significant site in the city of Tbilisi, created in the mid-20th century. Located centrally, it is not only frequently visited by tourists but also used as a recreational area for the surrounding residents and workers (Ref. 1,2). The park is recognized as an immovable cultural heritage site, emphasizing its historical significance (Ref. 1). However, its condition had become quite desolate, necessitating extensive rehabilitation while preserving its original features (Ref. 2). Importantly, the project is carried out between the city of Tbilisi and the Asian Development Bank under the Livable Cities Investment Program (LCIP) to improve urban and tourism infrastructure (Ref. 1,2). As such, the project was developed through co-participatory planning, engaging citizens who have shown significant interest in the site’s development and will further serve as a precedent case for co-participatory planning in the future (Ref. 4,2).

The Urban Forestry Plan for Cartagena, led by EPA Cartagena, outlines a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the city's green infrastructure. The plan focuses on selecting suitable tree species, planting, and management to achieve several goals: reducing heat through shade, creating microclimates, protecting against climatic events such as coastal erosion and windstorms, enhancing food security, and enhancing the landscape's beauty. Over 10 years, the plan aims to establish at least 100,000 additional trees, increase overall tree cover, enhance accessibility to green spaces, and build a main ecological structure based on natural resources and biodiversity. It also emphasises the importance of local knowledge and resources (ref 1).
Formulated with community input, the plan commenced in 2013 and involved a detailed assessment of existing urban vegetation and climate conditions, utilising tools such as iTree. The development included international conferences and expert consultations to ensure a robust and informed approach (ref 1).

In 2022, the municipality of Cagliari launched a project to revitalize Viale Trieste, one of its avenues, by redesigning its roads and pedestrian areas and adding new green spaces. The project covers approximately 1,300 meters and 36,500 square meters, and will be completed in two phases, each focusing on different sections of the avenue. With a budget of 12 million euros, funded by municipal, national, and EU resources, the aim is to transform Viale Trieste into a vibrant, accessible, and attractive space for everyone.

The renewal will introduce new green spaces and improved drainage systems to enhance soil permeability. As part of this, some trees will be relocated to other areas of the city to address root issues and improve survival rates. Dead or unstable ficus trees will be removed, while 79 new trees will be planted. Older ficus trees will be relocated to city parks, with younger ones planted along the avenue to prevent pavement damage and promote sustainability. The project also includes upgrading water supply and drainage systems to manage stormwater more effectively, reducing the risk of flooding and improving sustainability. Public lighting will be modernized, with new street lamps and dedicated lighting for pedestrian and bicycle paths to make the area safer and more welcoming after dark.

However, the community has expressed concerns about the project, citing safety issues, delays, disruptions, and poor communication from officials. There is also significant opposition to replacing the historic ficus trees, valued for their environmental and historical significance, with Chinese pear trees and younger ficus (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 16).

The Parque Lineal de Crespo in Cartagena, Colombia, is an urban green space built in 2016-2017 that had fallen into neglect (ref 4) and recently has undergone revitalization initiatives (ref 2). Announced in January 2024 by the Mayor of Cartagena, Dumek Turbay Paz, the project aims to reclaim and enhance this public park as a hub for recreation and community activities, fostering urban well-being and environmental stewardship​ (ref 2 and 3). The local government spearheads the intervention, and the Instituto Distrital de Deporte y Recreación (IDER) has been tasked with the park's management, ensuring its upkeep and the development of activities. The project was launched following an inspection by the Mayor and other local officials, who underscored the need for better infrastructure, safety, lighting, and green coverage through tree planting ​(ref 2 and 3). The primary objectives of the Parque Lineal de Crespo project include revitalising the park through enhanced maintenance, security, and the introduction of recreational and sports facilities. The project also aims to relocate weekend recreational activities, such as a popular bike path (ciclovía), from the congested Avenida Santander to the park, thereby reducing traffic disruptions and enhancing safety ​(ref 2 and 3). The park is relevant for the city because it combats coastal erosion caused by the rising Caribbean waters (Ref 1). The Park aims to be an icon of culture and recreation (ref 1). The project inspired a neighbours initiative, the Friends of the Crespo Linear Park, are a non-profit organization whose objective is to collaborate in the conservation of the Park by contributing awareness initiatives to the population, alerting authorities, and developing new ways to interact with the environment, such as guided bird watching activities and sports (ref 1).