Medicinal and food plant nursery
The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the population in developing countries use medicinal plants for health prevention and care, primarily in rural areas (3). These plant species have therapeutic potential in treating various diseases, and they are considered safe and effective medications with fewer side effects and affordable prices (3). In Peru, medicinal plants have historically been used to treat respiratory, gastrointestinal, and digestive ailments. To this day, they continue to be used by both native and urban communities (3).
To promote, develop, and encourage research, innovation, and technologies related to the use, preservation, conservation, and employment of medicinal and food plants, the National Center for Social and Intercultural Research in Health (CENSI) of the National Institute of Health (INS) has inaugurated its medicinal and food plant nursery located in one of its facilities (Chorrillos) in Lima (1, 3). The primary objective of this project is to adapt various species from the coast, mountains, and jungle of the country and initiate a plant production program that contributes to improving public health, environmental quality and the revitalization of the ancestral knowledge of indigenous, Amazonian, Andean, and Afro-Peruvian communities (1). Additionally, it aims to contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change by creating green areas, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels through plant photosynthesis, improving soil quality, and promoting the responsible use of water resources, among others (3).
For the development of this project, the INS is working in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration to benefit not only the health and well-being of the Peruvian community but also promote the integration and care of the migrant population in the country (2).
To promote, develop, and encourage research, innovation, and technologies related to the use, preservation, conservation, and employment of medicinal and food plants, the National Center for Social and Intercultural Research in Health (CENSI) of the National Institute of Health (INS) has inaugurated its medicinal and food plant nursery located in one of its facilities (Chorrillos) in Lima (1, 3). The primary objective of this project is to adapt various species from the coast, mountains, and jungle of the country and initiate a plant production program that contributes to improving public health, environmental quality and the revitalization of the ancestral knowledge of indigenous, Amazonian, Andean, and Afro-Peruvian communities (1). Additionally, it aims to contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change by creating green areas, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels through plant photosynthesis, improving soil quality, and promoting the responsible use of water resources, among others (3).
For the development of this project, the INS is working in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration to benefit not only the health and well-being of the Peruvian community but also promote the integration and care of the migrant population in the country (2).
Chaowan Nursery Garden Base Project
The Chaowan Nursery Garden Base Project (潮玩苗圃基地), located along the Dianchi Greenway in Kunming, was established by the Kunming Gardens Virescence Bureau (昆明市园林绿化局) in 2022 as part of the city's efforts to transform into a "city of parks" (Ref 2, 3). Covering 639 mu (42.6 hectares), the Chaowan Nursery Garden has introduced over 1.4 million plants, including trees, flowers, and grasses, greatly expanding the city's green spaces (Ref 3). It serves as a key resource for the Kunming Greening Service Center (昆明市绿化服务中心), providing seedlings for major greening projects along roads like Guangfu Road, Airport Road, Beijing Road, and the Second Ring Elevated Road (Ref 4).
Innovatively designed, the nursery also functions as a park, offering an "immersive" experience with various themed areas such as rainwater gardens, rural gardens, Chinese gardens, and scenic balconies. These spaces allow visitors to stroll through and enjoy the beauty of various flowers and natural surroundings (Ref 4). The project also collaborates with local universities on seedling research, capacity building, and resource sharing, further enhancing its multifaceted role (Ref 3).
Since opening to the public in 2023, the Chaowan Nursery Garden has become a popular destination for families, young people, and children, offering both recreational and educational experiences (Ref 5, 6, 7, 8).
Innovatively designed, the nursery also functions as a park, offering an "immersive" experience with various themed areas such as rainwater gardens, rural gardens, Chinese gardens, and scenic balconies. These spaces allow visitors to stroll through and enjoy the beauty of various flowers and natural surroundings (Ref 4). The project also collaborates with local universities on seedling research, capacity building, and resource sharing, further enhancing its multifaceted role (Ref 3).
Since opening to the public in 2023, the Chaowan Nursery Garden has become a popular destination for families, young people, and children, offering both recreational and educational experiences (Ref 5, 6, 7, 8).
Roof Water Farm
The ROOF WATER-FARM is an innovative demonstration site located in the heart of Berlin, near Potsdamer Platz, showcasing sustainable urban infrastructure that integrates wastewater treatment and food production. Situated in the "Block 6" quarter of the 1987 International Building Exhibition in Berlin-Kreuzberg, the site transforms wastewater and rainwater collected from nearby buildings into usable resources for farming and fertilizer production (Ref. 1). This project provides a real-world example of how sustainable systems can be incorporated into everyday urban design to enhance resilience and functionality.
At the ROOF WATER-FARM, water from rooftops and surrounding households is channeled into a treatment plant, where it is analyzed for micropollutants and purified. The treated water is then used for both fish farming in aquaponics systems and plant irrigation in hydroponic farming. The nutrient-rich water from the fish tanks nourishes plants, while also contributing to the production of food. This integrated approach actively supports climate protection by managing rainwater runoff and using plants for CO2 storage, helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect (Ref. 4).
This demonstration site embodies how cities can move toward a circular economy, where wastewater is reused for both farming and water management. The project also serves as a hub for learning and experimentation in sustainable urban design, with the greenhouse acting as a space for collaboration and innovation in infrastructure development (Ref. 2; Ref. 5). By incorporating these technologies into urban environments, the ROOF WATER-FARM demonstrates a future where buildings and neighborhoods efficiently recycle water, produce food, and reduce environmental impact.
At the ROOF WATER-FARM, water from rooftops and surrounding households is channeled into a treatment plant, where it is analyzed for micropollutants and purified. The treated water is then used for both fish farming in aquaponics systems and plant irrigation in hydroponic farming. The nutrient-rich water from the fish tanks nourishes plants, while also contributing to the production of food. This integrated approach actively supports climate protection by managing rainwater runoff and using plants for CO2 storage, helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect (Ref. 4).
This demonstration site embodies how cities can move toward a circular economy, where wastewater is reused for both farming and water management. The project also serves as a hub for learning and experimentation in sustainable urban design, with the greenhouse acting as a space for collaboration and innovation in infrastructure development (Ref. 2; Ref. 5). By incorporating these technologies into urban environments, the ROOF WATER-FARM demonstrates a future where buildings and neighborhoods efficiently recycle water, produce food, and reduce environmental impact.
Gårda pilot rain garden
The Gårda pilot rain garden has been constructed as part of the research project Innovative Rain Gardens at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. In addition to causing flooding, runoff rain water in urban environments can be contaminated with microplastics, organic pollutants and metals which can spread into the natural environment. Yet, most of the storm water in urban environments is not treated. The purpose of the Innovative Rain Gardens project is to research the ability of a pilot rain garden to treat such pollution. The project acknowledges the function of a rain garden to prevent flooding, but in this study only the pollution treatment potential is investigated. The pilot rain garden was constructed next to the E6 highway in central Gothenburg [Ref. 1-4]. It includes several different bioretention filters where selected plants are grown in filters containing different materials such as biochar, ash and soil [Ref. 2, 3]. Results so far show that the use of rain gardens can significantly reduce pollution. However, further research is needed to determine the long term function of the bioretention filters and the potential of scaling up the NBS. The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas), IMMERSE - Implementing Measures for Sustainable Estuaries, an Interreg project supported by the North Sea Programme of the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union, and COWIfonden (private foundation) [Ref. 1-3].
Martinican Marine Natural Park
The Martinican Marine Natural Park (MMNP) was established in 2018 to protect key marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and open waters. These areas are home to important species like sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish. The park’s conservation efforts focus on addressing threats from human activities such as pollution and overfishing. It also collaborates with ocean-related industries, such as tourism and fishing, by recommending, funding, or conducting research aimed at promoting more sustainable practices within the MMNP.
To support its work, the park operates a growing fleet of boats that raise public awareness, resolve conflicts, and enforce the protection of designated areas. The MMNP spans an area of 47,340 km², extending from Martinique's coast to the boundary of the French Exclusive Economic Zone. The park's management board, which includes diverse stakeholders, must be consulted for advice on development activities that impact the marine environment. Their goal is to balance competing interests within the region.
The park receives funding from the French Office for Biodiversity (OBF) to carry out initiatives that protect the marine environment, promote sustainability, and raise public awareness. Notable efforts include creating or restoring habitats for species such as sea turtles and sea urchins, managing invasive species like sargassum algae, restoring coral reefs, and training resource users such as whale-watching companies and diving clubs. Other initiatives include reducing plastic pollution through clean-ups, supporting sustainable fishing practices (e.g., artisanal coastal fishing), installing eco-friendly moorings, funding Marine Educational Areas (MEAs), and sponsoring cultural events that promote marine conservation (Ref 1; 2; 3).
To support its work, the park operates a growing fleet of boats that raise public awareness, resolve conflicts, and enforce the protection of designated areas. The MMNP spans an area of 47,340 km², extending from Martinique's coast to the boundary of the French Exclusive Economic Zone. The park's management board, which includes diverse stakeholders, must be consulted for advice on development activities that impact the marine environment. Their goal is to balance competing interests within the region.
The park receives funding from the French Office for Biodiversity (OBF) to carry out initiatives that protect the marine environment, promote sustainability, and raise public awareness. Notable efforts include creating or restoring habitats for species such as sea turtles and sea urchins, managing invasive species like sargassum algae, restoring coral reefs, and training resource users such as whale-watching companies and diving clubs. Other initiatives include reducing plastic pollution through clean-ups, supporting sustainable fishing practices (e.g., artisanal coastal fishing), installing eco-friendly moorings, funding Marine Educational Areas (MEAs), and sponsoring cultural events that promote marine conservation (Ref 1; 2; 3).
National Botanical Garden
Peru is classified as one of the 17 most biodiverse countries in the world, so biodiversity and its conservation are important national aspects (2, 3, 4). However, one-third of the native flora currently assessed is threatened (3, 4). Thus, the creation of the Botanical Garden represents the opening of a space to learn about, study and conserve the national flora by strengthening Peruvian society's awareness of its value (4, 5).
The Botanical Garden is in its early stages of development and is not open to the public yet, but its development and implementation have the support of several associations such as the British Council, Concytec, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Culture, the British Embassy and the Asociación Pro Jardín Botánico Nacional de Lima (1). The initiative has been incorporated as part of the Bicentennial City project of the Ministry of Environment in Ancon (6).
The implementation began in 2021 on a 10-hectare plot of land donated by the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM) in Lima (3), and it will be carried out in several stages. An Inter-Institutional Committee has been established to oversee its development (3). In addition, it is planned to extend the idea of botanical gardens to other regions of the country, creating a network that will allow the conservation and study of flora in different contexts (4, 5), as the purpose of its development is to condense in one place all the biological richness of the country (7).
With this project, they aim to strengthen the conservation of plant species, the generation of inputs for education, and as a source of cultural spaces and for the well-being of its citizens, among others (1, 2). The Botanical Garden is intended to house a select sample of the more than 25,000 species in Peru, emphasising those that are endemic, threatened and of social, cultural and economic relevance (8).
The Botanical Garden is in its early stages of development and is not open to the public yet, but its development and implementation have the support of several associations such as the British Council, Concytec, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Culture, the British Embassy and the Asociación Pro Jardín Botánico Nacional de Lima (1). The initiative has been incorporated as part of the Bicentennial City project of the Ministry of Environment in Ancon (6).
The implementation began in 2021 on a 10-hectare plot of land donated by the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM) in Lima (3), and it will be carried out in several stages. An Inter-Institutional Committee has been established to oversee its development (3). In addition, it is planned to extend the idea of botanical gardens to other regions of the country, creating a network that will allow the conservation and study of flora in different contexts (4, 5), as the purpose of its development is to condense in one place all the biological richness of the country (7).
With this project, they aim to strengthen the conservation of plant species, the generation of inputs for education, and as a source of cultural spaces and for the well-being of its citizens, among others (1, 2). The Botanical Garden is intended to house a select sample of the more than 25,000 species in Peru, emphasising those that are endemic, threatened and of social, cultural and economic relevance (8).
Lisbon Cold Greenhouse
The Estufa Fria de Lisboa (Cold Greenhouse of Lison), located on the south-facing slope of Park Eduardo VII in Lisbon and part of the city's green corridor (Corredor Verde de Monsanto) aims to integrate leisure, culture, and education opportunities to promote plant biodiversity conservation within a sustainability framework (Ref. 1). Cold Greenhouse refers to the fact that there is no heating system on the premises, and it also refers to one of the three gardens (Ref. 5). The greenhouses were created in an old quarry dedicated to rock extraction, and these lush gardens are now comprised of three distinct greenhouse environments: cold, warm, and sweet (Ref. 1). These greenhouses collectively house over 300 plant species from diverse continents, including rare species (Ref. 2).
The garden's design integrates natural water features, with watercourses and waterfalls and statuary elements. Since the opening of its Interpretation Center in 2016, the Estufa Fria has expanded its role as an educational resource, hosting exhibitions and activities related to botany and urban green structures. Since 2016 the project has been focused on its educative agenda with the development of a set of pedagogical resources for preschoolers, students from ages 6 to 12 years old and their teachers, and with guided visits. (Ref 1, 2)
The garden's design integrates natural water features, with watercourses and waterfalls and statuary elements. Since the opening of its Interpretation Center in 2016, the Estufa Fria has expanded its role as an educational resource, hosting exhibitions and activities related to botany and urban green structures. Since 2016 the project has been focused on its educative agenda with the development of a set of pedagogical resources for preschoolers, students from ages 6 to 12 years old and their teachers, and with guided visits. (Ref 1, 2)
IKEA's biodiverse extensive rooftop garden
IKEA opened its doors in Budapest in 1990. This was the very first store in Hungary. Twelve years later, the store announced that it would install a green roof. The main purpose of the green roof was to compensate the locals for the loss of green space. The green roof was intended to create a biologically active surface that fits in aesthetically into the suburban landscape and provide a home for animals such as pollinators. The green roof, built in 2002, was covered with a Sedum carpet. In 2014, when the original Sedum vegetation died out, the green roof was completely removed. Then, during the autumn 2014 planting, four types of Sedum shoots were seeded. This was followed in the spring of 2015 by the seeding of herbaceous dicots seed mixes, which contained seeds of roughly 50 plant species. The vegetation is regularly monitored by ecologists: in 2021, more than 160 different taxa were recorded, including spontaneously occurring species. The green roof is closed, not accessible to the public, however tours are occasionally organized for professionals [3] [6] [8] [9] [10] [11].
