General municipal plan

The Stora Amundö and Billdal archipelago nature reserve is in the southernmost part of the City of Gothenburg. The proximity to the city makes it a popular recreational destination, with about 73000 visitors each year. In 2018, the area was protected as a nature reserve to preserve its recreational, natural and historical values. The status as a nature reserve prohibits any exploitation and other harmful activities in the area. The area of the reserve is 1103 ha, of which 259 ha is land area and the rest is water [Ref. 1-3]. The management of the reserve includes promoting recreational and educational activities by creating new entrances, paths and signs, as well as holding guided tours. The management also includes restoring and improving terrestrial ecosystems such as grasslands through mowing and grazing and deciduous forests through selective clearing. A wetland has been restored to promote biodiversity further [Ref. 2, 4]. The reserve was created and is managed by the City of Gothenburg, the process of creating it involved consultation of stakeholders such as land owners, government agencies and NGO's [Ref. 1]. Some local landowners disagreed with the borders of the nature reserve having an impact on their land, leading to an appeal that was ultimately denied [Ref. 5, 6]

In response to rising food prices and knowing that much of the country's agriculture depends on imported chemical fertilisers, the Municipality of La Molina has developed the Molihuertos programme to provide the residents of the district of La Molina with organic crops for their own consumption and to improve their food security (1, 3). As part of the programme, the municipality implemented municipal plots in different parks in the district. Eleven plots were installed in O'Higgins Park, where residents actively participate in the planting and subsequent harvesting of vegetables, aromatic and medicinal plants, which they consume by themselves (2, 3). Through the programme, the municipality trains and provides different varieties of vegetables and aromatic herbs to more than 800 currently enrolled residents (2). These gardens are managed under organic agriculture, which would help to mitigate a possible overpricing and/or shortage of vegetables in Lima, as they do not depend on chemical fertilisers such as urea, but on organic fertilisers such as compost and manure (3). In addition, residents can sign up to receive drawers with planted vegetables so that they can plant and harvest them at home, either for self-sufficiency or to sell if they wish to do so in the itinerant markets organised by the municipality (9).

Välen is a natural area 8 km south of central Gothenburg, established as a protected nature reserve in 2013. Prior to the establishment of the nature reserve, Välen was an agricultural area that experienced environmental degradation due to pollution from a nearby sewage treatment plant. Västra Frölunda Nature Conservation Association leased the land in 1985 in order to allow cattle to graze through the overgrown meadows as a form of landscaping approach [Ref. 5].
The City of Gothenburg took the initiative to protect and manage the area as a protected reserve [Ref. 1, 2]. It is formed of wet meadows and deciduous forests and has a total area of about 68 hectares, of which 52 ha are land and 16 ha are water. Välen is situated by the sea and the mouth of a small river, and protects some of the coastal waters. Residential areas surround the nature reserve and are a popular destination for recreation [Ref. 1-3]. In creating the nature reserve, efforts were made to make the area more accessible to visit and to provide learning opportunities. New paths, entrances and signs were established [Ref. 3-4]. The nature reserve is described as contributing to several national environmental goals, particularly goals related to biodiversity [Ref. 2].

The Parco della Musica in Cagliari, inaugurated in 2011 by the municipality of Cagliari, blends modern urban design with a focus on green spaces, music, and culture. Spanning approximately five hectares, the park features a small, winding artificial river that flows from north to south, creating a micro-habitat for various bird species. This waterway, lined with benches on the western side and open green spaces on the eastern side, offers a peaceful setting for both wildlife and visitors. The use of native plants, trees, and shrubs further enhances the biodiversity.

In terms of construction, the use of sustainable materials like marble paving and wooden platforms reflects a commitment to modern design. This makes the Parco della Musica an ideal venue for hosting events and fostering social interaction where culture can thrive, and people can relax and enjoy fresh, calm spaces. Overall, the Parco della Musica serves as an example of how modern urban spaces can be designed to promote ecological balance while offering cultural and recreational benefits to the community (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).

The Horpaz-Ezareni Park is an initiative driven by civil society, requesting the municipality of Miroslava to construct a natural park adjacent to Lake Ezareni. The aim is to protect its green spaces and aquatic bird species while addressing waste management in the area. The petition also called for more green spaces in line with European standards and sought to tackle the challenges of rapid urbanization in peri-urban areas. It collected hundreds of signatures and targeted an area of 20 hectares.
In response, the municipality agreed to the petition and initially proposed creating a park covering 4 hectares in 2022. This first plan was released to the public for consultation. However, the project has since evolved to encompass the original 20 hectares, plus an additional 2 hectares, with an estimated project cost of 11,000,000 euros and a timeline of 3 years for implementation.
The park's design includes various facilities and amenities aimed at enhancing opportunities for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. Accessible paths for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a parking lot, are also part of the plan. Additionally, two buildings are proposed for sanitary and administrative purposes, which would manage the projected installations of a lighting system, Wi-Fi, and surveillance cameras.
Environmentally, the project includes plans for managing the lake's banks to remove hydrophilic vegetation that could create an unhealthy environment, along with the construction of two bridges. The wilderness areas will be managed, and dendrological plants will be introduced to improve the ecosystem's quality. Overall, the project aims to increase and regenerate green spaces in the commune, enhancing the quality of life for residents and improving the area's aesthetic appeal. (1-8)

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)

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)

The Silk District is a real estate project by Prime Kapital in partnership with MAS P.L.C., integrating green spaces into its urban design (1-10). It focuses on regenerating a brownfield site, an abandoned industrial area left undeveloped in one of Iasi's neighborhoods (1). The project aims to revitalize the area, improving its aesthetics, reducing pollution, and repurposing it into a commercial and residential space (1). A key feature of the project is the incorporation of green spaces throughout its design (1).
The development spans 101,000 square meters, with 40,500 square meters (combined) dedicated to green spaces and "car-free" open areas (1, 2, 6, p.2). These green elements are designed to offer spaces for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction, while also contributing to environmental benefits such as air filtration, temperature regulation, rainwater drainage, and soil erosion prevention, all promoting better health for residents (1, 2, 4, 6, p.12). The landscape design includes “green islands” and vegetation-covered roofs for parking structures (4).
Launched in 2021 after receiving municipal approval, the project is ongoing and has already made significant progress, with over 10,000 perennial plants and 401 trees planted (4, 9). Upon completion, the landscape will feature 7,100 square meters of perennials, 3,000 square meters of shrubs, and an urban forest containing 2,400 trees (6, p.12).
The total investment in the project is €20,000,000 (7). In 2024, one of the completed office buildings earned a BREEAM green certification, achieving one of the highest possible scores, in collaboration with the consulting firm BuildGreen (5, 8). The landscape design was carried out by the architectural firm Beros Abdul+ (4). Before receiving approval, the project was opened for public consultation, and an independent online survey showed strong support from the community (15, 16).

In Peru, there is a significant gap in the coverage of public spaces for social interaction, environmental awareness, and cultural expression in urban areas, reaching 23.10% (3). To address this issue and commemorate the 200th anniversary of Peru's independence, the national project "Proyecto Especial Bicentenario" (Special Bicentenary Project) was launched. As part of this project, 26 Cultural and Ecological Parks are being developed throughout the country (2, 5). This initiative aims to strengthen the role of municipalities in sustainable urban planning, prioritising the well-being of citizens and promoting citizen participation (1, 3).
These parks combine ecological elements with cultural infrastructure, fostering a connection between people and nature and their Peruvian identity (5). By offering recreational and educational spaces, the goal is to raise public awareness of the importance of local biodiversity and strengthen community ties (1, 5). To ensure that these spaces meet the needs of each community, a citizen participation campaign called "Ideas for My Bicentennial Cultural Park" was implemented, allowing citizens to propose ideas from various perspectives, such as design, culture, citizenship, and the environment (5).
The San Isidro Bicentennial Park, inaugurated in 2020, is an example of this initiative. With its 20,000 square meters of green areas, cultural activities, family recreation zones, and a neighbourhood gathering centre, this park has become a new green lung for the city and a meeting place for people of all ages, with a focus on inclusion for children and the elderly (2, 4, 5). Additionally, it features a municipal community garden of 250 m2 that promotes urban agriculture and offers workshops to teach citizens about sustainable farming practices (6).

The "Line Park" project in Belgrade aims to create a continuous green belt spanning 4.6 kilometres and covering over 48 hectares. As such, the project will revitalize the former railway corridor from "Beton Hala", just below the Belgrade Fortress, to the Pancevac Bridge. Inspired by notable urban parks like New York's "High Line", Moscow's "Zagrađe," and Toronto's "Rail Corridor," it will become a major recreational destination and also help to alleviate the pressures from the city's heavy air pollution and summer heat (Ref. 5, 6).
The park will be divided into ten thematic sections dedicated to aromatic plant and flower gardens, urban gardening and beekeeping, sports facilities, a newly built university campus and more. Additionally, there will be an amphitheatre and facilities for outdoor education. To further integrate green infrastructure, new buildings will have green roofs and walls (Ref. 2,5). Ultimately, the park integrates a number of amenities into the entire city.
The development of the park also introduced innovative co-creation mechanisms in terms of governance and planning. Since Belgrade is part of the multinational CLEVER Cities Initiative, the city's Secretariat for Environmental Protection suggested the use of the site as a pilot test for introducing nature-based solutions in urban planning and with diverse stakeholders' input. Several workshops, focus groups, and consultations took place between 2019 and 2021, which facilitated the diversity of ideas that have been adopted into the official construction plan (Ref. 1, 2). Despite these successes, civil society groups raise concerns over the extraordinary cost of 70 million euros, displacement of Roma communities and the interest of real estate developers that may undermine the project's original cause (Ref. 3, 8).